As country and rock surge back to the forefront of the global music business, the power dynamics behind the scenes are shifting just as fast. In this candid conversation, industry commentator Bob Lefsetz sits down with Chief Zaruk, Co-Founder and CEO of The Core Entertainment—the management force behind artists like Nickelback, Bailey Zimmerman, Josh Ross, Dan + Shay, and Nate Smith.
Fresh off a weekend where his roster dominated the stages at Stagecoach, Zaruk brings a real-time perspective on what it takes to win at the highest level of live music today. Together, they unpack the resurgence and dominance of country and rock, the evolving relationship between streaming and live, and how artist development is being redefined in a genre-driven marketplace. From breaking acts to building global careers, expect sharp insight, real talk, and an unfiltered look at where the business is heading next.