The future of music — unfiltered.
Industry commentator Bob Lefsetz and Co-Founder and CEO of @thecoreent , @chiefkz join #Departure2026 to unpack the resurgence and dominance of country and rock, and the evolving relationship between streaming and live.
From breaking acts to building global careers, expect sharp insight, real talk, and a candid look at where the business is heading next.
May 6 at Bluma Appel Theatre. Conference Passes are on sale now — get yours today. Link in bio.
Thank you @billboardca for adding me to this year’s list of Canada’s Top Power Players. Always fun to be recognized by your peers in the industry, and to be able to share this honor with so many friends on the list. I get to do what I love and I know not many get to say that. Thankfully I get to work with some of the most amazing people and the most talented artists. @thecoreent has become family for me and love doing it daily with my partner in crime @simontikhman ,and our amazing president @tracyshantel . We have built a company that we all care about and could not be more proud of what it has become. Our Staff are the best in the business and together we have some big goals and ideas. We believe in each of our artists and want to make them the best in the world at what they do. We cannot wait to see where this all goes and although we never know what’s going to happen next, we are going to enjoy this journey each and every single day. ❤️🙏🏻
@chiefkz , co-founder of @thecoreent , chats about his past experiences in the music industry such as running sound for @nickelback and managing @joey.moi , to launching one of the fastest growing companies in the business, which has helped kickstart careers for artists such as @bailey.zimmerman , @natesmith and @joshrossmusic . Plus, he gives insight into what he looks for in up-and-coming artists and so much more.
Tap the link in bio to watch the full interview!
Quite the past week for this young man @joshrossmusic . So great to be apart of your story and journey. Some people know a small part of it, most will never know the deepest parts of it. But your journey is what makes you so great at who you are and where you have come from. It was not that long ago we met in Calgary and you were just a young kid with a voice, some songs and a dream to have a career in country music. Fast forward and here you are, doing your damn thing! Making music that people love, songs that people sing and dance to, songs that people get emotional and cry to,songs that make people feel and a voice that is truly unforgettable. Let’s keep doing this my man, and couldn’t be happier for you, your family, and the entire team behind you that works every single day cause they love you and want to see you win. Love ya and happy release week! #complicated @thecoreent@simontikhman@tracyshantel@kenzieschrambach@adisharma1475 as thank you always, photo queen! @alannamcardle
Congrats to @joshrossmusic for his second number 1 at canadian country radio and his continued success in 24. Currently on the road with BZ on a sold out tour. Also a run of sold out headline dates. There is a theme to these photos so don’t judge, ahhaha. We always tell our artists, Enjoy The Journey, embrace the challenges and ride the ups and downs. We certainly are doing that. The team surrounding JR loves this kid and we will continue to push boundaries and celebrate the wins along the way. Can’t wait for everyone to hear the new music soon with a couple of surprises coming up. Let’s keep the good times going and working our asses off, so then we can always have a red solo cup in our hands for all the “Cheers”… I nothing but love for JR. @thecoreent@simontikhman@tracyshantel@kenzieschrambach . Bad ass pics always brought to you by @alannamcardle #redsolocup
@natesmith , off to one hell of a start to 24’. Making history with his #1- 10 week single at radio. Sold Out headline tour, new music coming, @morganwallen stadium tour this summer, so much more and it’s only Feb. Welcome to Nate’s breakout year and no one deserves it more. Proud of Nate and the team around him. Unbelievable band and crew and an absolute army of others working non stop to make this all happen. Excited to see where this all goes cause right now there is no end in sight! #Throughthesmoke , here we go! @thecoreent@simontikhman@tracyshantel@dandymtrow@taylormanns . Photos by the man himself, @kaisercunningham
Well the start of ‘24 has been a rocket ship and i would not want it any other way. Life is truly what you make it. We out here just livin’. Could not be more thankful to be able to do this with the people you love and respect the most! This year is about to get absolutely nuts! Let’s have some fun. @bailey.zimmerman@simontikhman@tracyshantel@thecoreent . ❤️🙏🏻 content by two of the best in the biz! @masonn1k@aj.astle
