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.
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The Road Back to Country With Blake Shelton
After taking a four year break on his Oklahoma ranch, Blake Shelton is back on the road and riding the high of his new album, For Recreational Use Only. After 29 number one hits, and a detour into Hollywood, Blake’s scorching hot single “Texas” proves he’s still got it.
Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer recalls meeting Blake Shelton during a crazy storm that really put the “thunder” in Country Thunder. After 23 seasons on The Voice, Blake opens up about spreading himself thin and making the choice to be “a TV guy or a touring guy.” The two reminisce about Toby Keith and why being a road dog is the best way to learn how to entertain a crowd. Blake reveals how his worst on-stage “ass-kicking” taught him how to be himself in front of a crowd. After taking so much time away from the spotlight, Blake shares that it was Post Malone who reminded him that he’s still a country singer at heart.
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That’s Hardy Looking for Arrowheads
Even with 16 number one hits to his name, Hardy still feels like his career is just getting started. After his breakout album, The Mockingbird & the Crow, Hardy continues to light up the stage and the charts with his unique mix of metal and Mississippi country.
Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer is joined by his good friend and amateur arrowhead archaeologist Michael, who country music fans call Hardy. Hardy opens up about why country fans love seeing metal music live, writing songs for other artists, and the need for songwriters to earn a living wage. Hardy and Troy detail how someone can go from having “goose eggs” in their bank account, to searching a major music producer’s backyard for arrowheads. Troy shines the spotlight on one of his favorite new artists, Baker Blankenship.
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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