Universal Music Group has launched The Core Records led by Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, co-founders of entertainment and talent management company, The Core Entertainment (TCE).
The new global label venture will sign and develop new artists, working with UMG’s global network of labels.
Tikhman and Zaruk founded TCE in partnership with Live Nation in 2019.
Described as an “entertainment collective”, TCE has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles, and operates across talent management, business and strategic partnerships, and advancements in the music, technology, and lifestyle industries.
Along with its roster of premier music talent, TCE also develops film and television projects and works with professional athletes.
TCE’s talent roster includes breakout star Bailey Zimmerman and diamond-certified rock band Nickelback.
The company’s roster also includes emerging country music star Nate Smith; 12x Billboard chart-topping producer Austin Shawn; pop band Valley (UMC/Capitol Records); rising Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN) country music stars Dillion James and Josh Ross (UMC/UMGN); country newcomer Rachel Wiggins and emerging songwriter (and hit collaborator with Bailey Zimmerman) Gavin Lucas.
Prior to TCE, Chief played a key role in the creation of Nashville-based Entertainment company Big Loud. A native of Vancouver, Canada, Zaruk began his career as the FOH and tour manager for Nickelback, whom he now manages.
Tikhman’s career includes founding Interactive Athlete and Simont Enterprises; investing in multiple tech companies including TikGames, a video game developer and publisher; serving as a managing partner at the Fund by First Access Entertainment; and investing in a portfolio of companies including Robinhood, Glympse, Espresa, Philz Coffe, Exadel, Bach, Zen Wtr, Vision Venture Partners among others.
“We love building upon our entrepreneurial culture, and are so pleased to welcome Chief and Simon who have a reputation for identifying some of the industry’s most promising artists.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, UMG said: “We love building upon our entrepreneurial culture, and are so pleased to welcome Chief and Simon who have a reputation for identifying some of the industry’s most promising artists.”
Added Grainge: “We look forward to helping them grow their roster and drive global success for their artists.”
“We’d like to thank Sir Lucian for believing in our vision and for his commitment to developing and supporting artists and entrepreneurs.”
Simon Tikhman
Tikhman added: “Our goal has always been to support artists on a global scale by creating new creative and commercial paths.
“We’d like to thank Sir Lucian for believing in our vision and for his commitment to developing and supporting artists and entrepreneurs.”
“We’re excited for this next evolution in The Core and honored to work with Sir Lucian and the team at UMG to help us continue to guide artists to develop their careers and brands.”
Kevin “Chief” Zaruk
Kevin “Chief” Zaruk said: “We’re excited for this next evolution in The Core and honored to work with Sir Lucian and the team at UMG to help us continue to guide artists to develop their careers and brands.
“We’ve had a great time building The Core over the past few years and are excited to create a home for new artists with the incredible resources and support from UMG.”Music Business Worldwide
