Credit: Chris Ashlee
Universal Music Group announces the launch of The Core Records, a global company led in part by Nickelback executive Kevin Zaruk.
Universal Music Group has announced the launch of The Core Records, led by Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman (pictured), co-founders of entertainment and talent management company The Core Entertainment (TCE). The global label company will sign and develop new artists, working alongside UMG’s extensive network of industry-leading labels.
“We love to continue expanding our entrepreneurial culture and are delighted to welcome Chief and Simon, who have a reputation for identifying some of the industry’s most promising artists,” says Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG (pictured centre) . “We look forward to helping them grow their rosters and fuel their artists’ global success.”
“Our goal has always been to support artists on a global scale by opening new creative and commercial avenues,” adds Tikhman. “We would like to thank Sir Lucian for his belief in our vision and for his dedication to developing and supporting artists and entrepreneurs.”
“We look forward to this next evolution of The Core and are honored to be working with Sir Lucian and the team at UMG to help us continue to support artists as they develop their careers and brands,” concludes Zaruk. “We’ve had a lot of fun building The Core over the past few years and are excited to create a home for new artists with the incredible resources and support of UMG.”
Tikhman and Zaruk founded TCE in 2019 in partnership with Live Nation as an independent entertainment collective with offices in Nashville and Los Angeles specializing in talent management, innovative business and strategic partnerships, and advancements in the music, technology and lifestyle industries. In addition to his roster of musical talent, TCE develops film and television projects and collaborates with professional athletes.
Prior to TCE, Chief was instrumental in founding Nashville-based Big Loud and its hybrid business model. A Vancouver, BC native, Zaruk began his career as a front-of-house and tour manager for Nickelback, which he now directs.
Simon Tikhman is a veteran entrepreneur who founded Interactive Athlete and Simont Enterprises, invested in several technology companies such as Robinhood, Glympse, Espresa, Philz Coffe, Exadel, Bach, Zen Wtr, Vision Venture Partners and TikGames and served as a managing partner at Fund von First Access Entertainment.