Episode 81: Simon Tikhman & Chief Zaruk (The Core Entertainment)

03/18/25 • 51 min

Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk are the co-founders of The Core Entertainment, a music company specializing in artist management, records, and brand partnerships. Since launching in 2019, The Core has built a roster that includes Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, and Nickelback. In 2024, their artists had multiple chart-topping singles, sold out international tours, and were named CCMA Management Company of the Year. Additionally, The Core recently announced a partnership with Universal Music Group to launch The Core Records.
In this episode, we discuss Simon and Chief’s careers, the growth of The Core, and how they work with artists like Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, and Nickelback. We also cover their approach to management, artist development, and the evolving landscape of the music business.

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This podcast was produced by Ben VanMaarth.
Intro and Outro music for this episode was composed by Troy Cartwright, Monty Criswell, and Derek George. It is called "Same" and you can listen to it in it's entirety here.
Additional music for this episode was composed by Thomas Ventura.
Artwork design by Brad Vetter.
Creative Direction by Mary Lucille Noah.

Previous Episode

Episode 80: Deric Ruttan

Originally from Bracebridge, Ontario, Deric Ruttan has written multiple No. 1 hits for artists like Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and Jason Aldean. His songwriting credits include chart-topping songs such as “Mine Would Be You,” “Any Ol’ Barstool,” and “What Was I Thinkin’.” As an artist, he has released several albums of his own, earning JUNO and Canadian Country Music Award nominations. He is currently published by Sony Music Publishing and Stoneleigh Road Songs.

In this episode, we discuss Deric’s journey from Canada to Nashville, the stories behind some of his biggest songs, his favorite moments, and many other stops along the way.

This episode is also sponsored by The Graphic Guitar Guys. They create eye-catching custom guitar wraps for some of the biggest artists and festivals in the music industry. Their work is perfect for adding a unique touch to album pre-sale bundles or VIP package items—check them out and discover how they can transform a guitar into a show-stopping work of art.

Next Episode

Episode 82: Scott Friedeck

Scott Friedeck is the founder of The Graphic Guitar Guys, a company based in Dripping Springs, Texas that creates custom graphic-wrapped guitars for artists, festivals, and major music brands. Originally from southeast Texas, he founded his company 13 years ago. What started as an idea while touring with Texas artists like Robert Earl Keen and Ryan Beaver has grown into a full-scale business producing thousands of guitars each year. His work has been used by artists including George Strait, Gary Allan, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Reba, and Brooks & Dunn.

In this episode, we discuss how a road gig turned into the starting of The Graphic Guitar Guys, working with Robert Earl Keen, what he loves about Nashville, the growing music infrastructure of Texas, and many other stops along the way.

This episode's "stat of the week" is brought to you by https://chartmetric.com/.

Get tickets to Troy's Tin Pan South show here: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/troy-cartwright-paul-jenkins-special-analog-at-hutton-hotel-tickets/13733224?pl=NSAI