Kevin ‘Chief’ Zaruk & Simon Tikhman Launch The Core Records With UMG

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Kevin ‘Chief’ Zaruk, Sir Lucian Grainge, Simon Tikhman. Photo: Chris Ashlee

Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, the Co-Founders of management company The Core Entertainment (TCE), have partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to launch The Core Records. 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 as an independent entertainment collective with offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. TCE’s current roster includes chart-topping, genre-bending breakout star Bailey Zimmerman, Diamond-certified rock band Nickelback, country breakout star Nate Smith, hit producer Austin Shawn, pop band Valley, rising UMG Nashville artists Dillion James and Josh Ross, country newcomer Rachel Wiggins and emerging songwriter Gavin Lucas. Along with its roster of musical talent, TCE also develops film and television projects and works with professional athletes.

“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. We look forward to helping them grow their roster and drive global success for their artists,” shares Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, UMG.

Tikhman says, “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.”

Zaruk adds, “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.”

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