From the Merch Stand to the Stage with Cole Swindell
Cole Swindell was drinking beer on the porch at his college fraternity when an alum by the name of Luke Bryan stopped by to change his guitar strings. After moving to Nashville a few years later, Cole got his first job in the music business, selling t-shirts for his new favorite frat brother, Luke Bryan.
Cole Swindell takes a break from the incredible crowd at Country Thunder Wisconsin to join CEO Troy Vollhoffer On The Bus. Cole talks about his early “only in Nashville” moments and writing three number one hits for Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Florida Georgia Line, which were all out at the same time The two discuss the collaborative nature of writing country songs in Nashville, and how the song Cole wishes he never had to write, “You Should Be Here” came together.
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Going Solo and International with Tyler Hubbard
In 2012, Tyler Hubbard burst onto the music scene as one-half of the Florida Georgia Line duo. After pioneering a new wave of country music, over 20 hit singles, and selling out shows as a member of “the biggest band in the world,” Tyler knows what it’s like to reach the mountain top. And now Tyler’s on a new journey back to the top but solo.
Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer invites Tyler Hubbard On The Bus to dive into what it’s like starting from scratch as a solo artist. Tyler walks through his journey of being intimidated by other musicians at Belmont University to getting that first publishing deal, and how he still carries the high standards set by Joey Moi with him today. Troy and Tyler get into the differences between country fans in the US, Canada, and Australia. Then, Tyler reflects on his biggest personal and musical influences, and how going solo is turning into a family affair.
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From Hockey Fights to Festival Nights with Troy Vollhoffer
After realizing his dreams of playing in the NHL might not happen, Troy Vollhoffer went from scrapping with the captain of the Boston Bruins to fighting to get his production company off the ground. After decades of putting on the largest country music festivals in the world, Troy Vollhoffer has no signs of slowing down.
It’s a special episode of On The Bus, as Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer hands the wheel over to his good friend Nick Meinema. Growing up in an entertainment household is how Troy got bit by the showbiz bug. Troy reveals to Nick how he went from poolside milkshakes with Redd Foxx to growing up and overseeing the longest-running country music festival in North America. Nick has Troy share some of his favorite Country Thunder moments and reflect on how special it is to work with megastars like Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Taylor Swift.
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Putting in the Work with Simon and Chief
It’s a tale as old as time: Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk say that when they met through a mutual lawyer, it was “love at first sight.” Since co-founding The Core Entertainment in 2019, Simon and Chief continue to find new and innovative ways to discover and develop artists.
Simon and Chief join Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer to break down how their different career paths converged to create the hottest management company in Nashville. Simon details how growing up with immigrant parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Chief shares with Troy how getting started with Nickelback led to the creation of a whole new era of country music. The duo discuss how TikTok and the pandemic changed the way they scout and develop new talent. Simon and Chief reveal how artists like Nate Smith, Bailey Zimmerman, and Josh Ross prove there’s no one set path to “making it.”
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Never Growing Up With Jake Owen
After an injury ended any dreams of becoming a pro athlete, Jake Owen put down his golf clubs, picked up a guitar, and went on to create a brand-new era of country music. After two EPs, seven albums, and thirteen years as a household name, at 43 Jake Owen might have finally grown up, but he still isn’t slowing down.
Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer welcomes Jake Owen On the Bus to dive into how he and his twin brother grew up motivated to succeed thanks to their dad. Troy and Jake detail what made 2011’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” so revolutionary, and why it’s limiting to be selfish as an artist. Jake discusses why it’s important to still make time for the “fun Jake” summer tours, creating an experience for fans, and “owning” the crowds. While collaborating with Shooter Jennings on a new album, Jake opens about making different music that speaks to this chapter of his life and why his daughters are his saving grace.
Troy Vollhoffer, owner and founder of Country Thunder Music Festival, invites the biggest country artists to join him for a one-on-one celebrity interview “On the Bus”. As Troy opens his home, his tour bus, and festival venues to his audience for behind the scenes conversations, he asks exclusive questions, discusses festival do’s and don'ts, and highlights the tracks you will hear on stage at Country Thunder this summer. Guests include Dustin Lynch, Koe Wetzel, Tigirlily Gold, Dierks Bentley, Bailey Zimmerman, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde and countless other music industry legends, taking you backstage to share stories of their concerts, their careers, and their entertainment industry journeys. Be ready to be thunderstruck, On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer.
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