Zach Top on winning his first Grammy and keeping humour in country music

Zach Top, one of the brightest rising stars in country music, has been making waves since his debut, but the 28-year-old remains refreshingly grounded even after winning his first Grammy Award for Best Traditional Country Album. Born in Washington state, Top rose to prominence with his 2024 release ‘Cold Beer & Country Music’, which produced two hit singles, ‘Sounds Like the Radio’ and ‘Never Lie’. His follow-up record, ‘Ain’t In It For My Health’, released in 2025, earned him the coveted Grammy, beating out industry legends such as Willie Nelson.

Speaking on the ‘Good Vibrations’ podcast before his headline performance at London’s O2 Arena for the C2C Festival, Top reflected on his approach to music and fame. He explained that he believes in taking his work seriously but not himself, emphasising the importance of humour and self-awareness in songwriting. His light-hearted personality, he said, often seeps into his songs, offering a balance between heartfelt storytelling and playful wit.

Top also shared his amazement at winning his Grammy, admitting that he was so sure he wouldn’t win that he initially failed to recognise his album’s name when announced. A self-described farm boy at heart, he credits his rural upbringing for instilling discipline and a solid work ethic. Now based in Nashville, he continues to collaborate with some of his musical heroes, building confidence as both a performer and a songwriter. The full ‘Good Vibrations’ episode featuring his interview is set for release ahead of his C2C Festival performance, while his Grammy-winning album ‘Ain’t In It For My Health’ is available now.