Zach Top Celebrates First No. 1 Hit

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, BMI’s Mitch Ballard, Major Bob’s Mike Doyle and Leo33’s Katie Dean; (L-R, front row): Carson Chamberlain, Zach Top and Tim Nichols. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

BMI hosted a No. 1 party on Wednesday celebrating first-time chart-topper Zach Top and his hit-making co-writers Carson Chamberlain and Tim Nichols for their double-Platinum certified smash “I Never Lie.” The song, from the Leo33 artist’s debut album Cold Beer & Country Music produced by Chamberlain, is currently nominated for Single and Song of the Year at the 2025 CMA Music Awards.

The event, hosted by BMI’s Mitch Ballard, featured remarks from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Major Bob’s Mike Doyle, Leo33’s Katie Dean and Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, who each spoke to the power of a great song and its ability to launch a career like Top’s.

Zach Top #1 party for I Never Lie Wednesday Sept. 24, 2025, in Nashville, TN.

Each songwriter was presented with a custom BMI Taylor 210e DLX guitar, and Top also got to celebrate his 28th birthday early with a Coors Banquet–themed cake.

Nichols reflected on his long history with Chamberlain and his first impression of Top.

“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,'” Nichols said.

Chamberlain, who first began working with Top in 2018, shared his pride in the young artist and their close relationship.

“He made me feel like [I was experiencing] a young Keith Whitley,” Chamberlain said of their first meeting. “We’ve been together ever since, and it’s been special. I think of him as another son.”

Top expressed gratitude to his team and co-writers.

“Tim, a lot of the songs you’ve written are reasons why I fell in love with country music as a young kid. It’s pretty surreal to get to write with you now,” Top said. “Carson has been an extra father figure to me—his wife Rita is my Nashville mama… You were the first one that made me feel like my little pipe dream may mean something.”

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