Zach Top Hits Career High with “I Never Lie” Topping Country Radio
Country music is celebrating a significant milestone for rising artist Zach Top, whose single “I Never Lie” has officially claimed the No. 1 spot on the Mediabase Country Aircheck chart. This marks the artist’s first chart-topping hit, a testament to his growing influence and the enduring appeal of neotraditional country sounds. The song’s success has also extended internationally, reaching the number one position on Canadian country radio and holding steady as the most played song on Australian country radio for six consecutive weeks.
A Celebration of Chart Success
BMI recently hosted a celebratory No. 1 party on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Nashville to honor Zach Top and his acclaimed co-writers, Carson Chamberlain and Tim Nichols, for their double-Platinum certified smash, “I Never Lie.” The event, attended by industry figures, highlighted the power of a well-crafted song to launch an artist’s career. Remarks were shared by representatives from Sony Music Publishing, Major Bob Music, Leo33, and Country Aircheck, all speaking to Top’s talent and the song’s impact. As a special touch, each songwriter was presented with a custom BMI Taylor 210e DLX guitar. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Top also celebrated his 28th birthday early with a Coors Banquet-themed cake, surrounded by his dedicated team and collaborators.
The Artistry Behind “I Never Lie”
The hit single “I Never Lie” is a product of a strong collaborative effort. Co-written by Top himself alongside seasoned songwriters Carson Chamberlain and Tim Nichols, the track has resonated deeply with audiences. Nichols reflected on the songwriting process, expressing his immediate recognition of Top’s gifted talent, stating, “It takes a matter of minutes in a room with him, hearing him play and sing, to realize, ‘holy crap, this guy is gifted and special.'” Chamberlain, who has worked with Top since 2018, shared a fatherly pride in their relationship, comparing Top’s initial impact to that of a young Keith Whitley and viewing him as a “son.”
A Journey Rooted in Tradition
Zach Top’s path to country music stardom began far from Nashville’s bustling industry. Born and raised on a ranch in Sunnyside, Washington, Top grew up immersed in classic country music, dreaming of following in the footsteps of legends like George Strait and Keith Whitley. His early musical journey started with bluegrass, forming a family band called Topstring with his siblings. This foundation in traditional sounds, coupled with his appreciation for ’90s country, has shaped his distinctive musical identity. After honing his craft in various bluegrass and country bands, including a stint with “North Country” and winning the SPBGMA International Band Competition with “Modern Tradition,” Top made the pivotal move to Nashville in 2021. He secured a publishing deal with Major Bob Music and is now the flagship artist for the independent label Leo33, which was founded just two years ago.
“Cold Beer & Country Music” Garners Acclaim
“I Never Lie” is featured on Top’s critically acclaimed debut album, “Cold Beer & Country Music,” produced by Carson Chamberlain. Released in April 2024, the album achieved over 3.5 million streams in its first week and has garnered widespread praise for its authentic, ’90s-inspired sound. The album’s success has propelled Top into the national spotlight, earning him a rare nomination for CMA Album of the Year at the 58th Annual CMA Awards. This nomination places him in an elite group of artists whose debut projects have been recognized by the Academy, highlighting the significant impact of his arrival in the country music scene. “Cold Beer & Country Music” has been lauded by The Tennessean as “full of star-making tunes” and praised by Country Central as “a masterclass in traditional country music.”
A Breakout Year and Future Momentum
This No. 1 hit and album recognition cap off a remarkable year for Zach Top. He was recently honored as the 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year and received a nomination for New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards. His live performances have also drawn considerable attention, with his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” selling out rapidly and appearances on major tours supporting artists like Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley. With a strong organic rise, critical acclaim, and a clear vision for his music, Zach Top has firmly established himself as a standout artist to watch, poised to continue making significant contributions to the country music landscape and bringing a beloved sound back into the mainstream spotlight.
