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Zach Top: The Traditionalist Taking Faster Horses by Storm

By Clarissa Darling on June 10, 2024

As the summer sun sets on the horizon, the Faster Horses Festival is gearing up for its grand return to the Michigan International Speedway this July. Among the constellation of stars set to grace the main stage is a name that’s been on every country aficionado’s lips: Zach Top. With a sound that harks back to the golden era of ’90s country, Top is poised to bring a wave of nostalgia and fresh energy to the festival’s already stellar lineup.

File Photo: Zach Top performs at the Two Step Inn Festival 2024. (Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot,/ Soundstage Photography)

Born in the heart of Washington’s ranchlands, Zach Top’s roots are as authentically country as they come. His childhood was scored by the twang of guitars and the soulful narratives of country legends, fueling his dream to follow in the footsteps of icons like George Strait and Randy Travis. By the tender age of seven, Top had already formed a bluegrass band with his siblings, showcasing a prodigious talent that would only grow with time.

Fast forward to 2024, and Top has firmly established himself as a torchbearer of traditional country music. His debut single to country radio, “Sounds Like the Radio,” was a clarion call to all who yearn for the days when country music was synonymous with storytelling and heart. The track’s success on the Billboard Country Airplay chart is a testament to Top’s ability to resonate with fans across generations.

Last month, in Austin, he performed a lively set at the Two Step Inn festival, then, came off stage and greeted the crowd, posing for selfies and autographing for the fans.

Top’s journey to the Faster Horses Festival is not just a performance; it’s a homecoming of sorts. The festival, renowned for its celebration of country music’s rich heritage and its embrace of emerging talent, is the perfect backdrop for Top’s artistry. His recent album, “Cold Beer & Country Music,” encapsulates the essence of what makes his music so endearing: it’s a blend of honky-tonk rhythms, heartfelt ballads, and an unapologetic love for the genre’s roots.

While Top’s film credits may not be extensive, his music videos, such as “There’s the Sun” and “Cold Beer & Country Music,” directed by Citizen Kane Wayne, offer a cinematic glimpse into his artistic vision. They are visual companions to his songs, telling stories that are as compelling visually as they are musically.

As Zach Top prepares to take the stage at Faster Horses, fans can expect a performance that’s both a tribute to the past and a toast to the future of country music. With his cowboy hat tipped just right and his guitar in hand, Top is not just playing a set; he’s inviting us all to reminisce, revel, and raise a cold beer to the timeless spirit of country music.

For those ready to experience the revival of ’90s country with a modern twist, Zach Top’s upcoming performance at the Faster Horses Festival is not to be missed. It’s more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of the enduring soul of country music, brought to life by one of its most promising champions.