The members of Old Dominion spent years in Nashville crafting a sound and trying to break through. After another label passed, their manager asked if they wanted to keep going. The guys had one answer: “If they don’t like it, that’s fine.” Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes one of his favorite country bands, Old Dominion, to the show. The members of Old Dominion detail their origin story and how they played in different bands on the same circuit before teaming up. Troy recalls the first time he booked them for a festival and how tenacious OD was from the start. The bandmates share how shocking it was to discover so many fans in Canada, and reveal how Barbra came to be.

Larry Fleet’s father told him that if he learned a skill, he’d always have a job, which is how he made a living pouring concrete. After playing a bar for tip money, Larry learned that he might be able to pave a path into the music industry. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes the world-traveling Larry Fleet to On The Bus. Larry and Troy discuss the nuances of building a fanbase and how capturing the attention at a crowded bar is great training for a music career. Larry reveals how fame snuck up on him at a hardware store, that time he grilled 300 burgers, and how Jake Owen got him to quit his day job and join him on the road. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Justin Moore lasted just two weeks of college before dropping out. He left his tiny, 300-person hometown in Arkansas in search of a career in Music City. After a few years of hard work, he finally made it big by leaning on his modest roots, releasing the mega hit single, “Small Town USA.” Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer is thrilled to be joined by Justin Moore. Troy really gets Justin to open up as he reveals why the more personal a song is to him, the more likely it is to resonate with fans, and he tries to honor the legacy of his grandparents. Troy has a good laugh when Justin details his confrontation with Luke Bryan after recording, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” After touring for nearly two decades, Justin shares why he’ll never stop playing state fairs.

Having a hit-song writing uncle and a singer/songwriter older brother, Jordan Davis is living proof that some families have music in their DNA. With hits like “Singles You Up” and “Buy Dirt” and a new album out this summer, Jordan has country music running through his veins.This week, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Jordan Davis to discuss why being on the road can make someone a more efficient songwriter, and why the best way to write a new song is to talk to as many people as possible. Even though touring can be a grind, Jordan tells Troy why he treats every night like it’s the Super Bowl. With the ACMs just a week away, Troy has his eye on Ella Langley as she continues to make a name for herself in country music.

Growing up on his family’s cattle farm in rural Georgia, Gavin Adcock dreamt of becoming a professional bull rider. But the universe had other plans. After suffering a knee injury playing football in college, Gavin turned his attention to playing guitar and songwriting, and the rest, as they say, is history. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with rising country music star Gavin Adcock. Together, they talk about how Gavin got his big break, life on the road, and how he puts himself in the emotional headspace to write his hit songs. Plus, Troy shares a new single from Country Thunder Florida artist Blake Shelton in our Thunder Strike segment.

Many new artists these days get their big breaks on TikTok. But unlike many of those viral sensations, sister duo Tigirlily Gold had already proven their chops in the bar and club scene in Nashville before being discovered. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer talks with Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh of Tigirlily Gold about their serendipitous discovery by songwriter/producer Shane McAnally, the female artists and duos they are inspired by, and how they balance their strengths and personalities working together as sisters. Plus, stick around for our new segment, Bring the Thunder, where Troy features upcoming artist John Morgan talking about his favorite song lyric, festival moment, and tour bus must-haves.

Not many artists actually hail from Tennessee, but the scenic valleys and rolling hills of The Volunteer State are part of Dustin Lynch’s DNA. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Dustin to discuss his journey from playing fraternity parties and weddings across the southeast to being the first country artist with a club residency at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Plus, stick around for our new segment, Thunder Strike, where Troy features upcoming festival performer Riley Green’s hit song “Damn Good Day to Leave” to give you a taste of what’s to come at Country Thunder in 2025.

Growing up in Texas, Koe Wetzel dreamt of a career in the NFL. But after a college football injury, he realized he could get more women and free beer by putting his music hobby front and center instead. On this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer talks with Koe Wetzel about the plethora of music genres that influenced his style, and how he sees the blending of genres in modern music as a good thing. The two also discuss why he decided to sign with a big label, the influence of streaming and TikTok on emerging artists, and the value of playing live in front of an audience.

How do music artists make most of their money? From the smallest act playing dive bars, to the band that sells out stadiums and festivals, musicians earn the bulk of their living on events and tours. And behind every artist is an agent that books those gigs and helps them achieve meaningful financial success in their careers. For this special episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer holds a roundtable panel with three industry veterans—Curt Motley, agent at United Talent Agency; Rod Essig, Vice President at Creative Artists Agency, and Nick Meinema, agent at Action Entertainment. These three have worked with some of music’s biggest acts—from Tim McGraw and Joan Jett, to the late-great Toby Keith. This intimate conversation explores how agents shape the careers of artists behind the scenes, as well as the pitfalls and pivots of putting together live shows, drawing on more than a few star-studded insider stories along the way. 

Have you ever wondered about what it’s like touring as a musician on the festival circuit? Or maybe about who discovered them, and just how the heck they helped them make it big? From Country Thunder Music Festivals, we invite you, the fans, to ride shotgun on the tour bus with us to find out all this and a whole lot more. Join host Troy Vollhoffer, the founder and executive producer of Country Thunder, for On the Bus, a podcast that gives you backstage passes to sit down with today’s hottest and up-and-coming music artists and industry professionals. Join Troy as he explores the stories and inspirations behind your favorite songs, the trials and triumphs faced by the artists, and the dedication and grit it takes to succeed in this industry. Listen to On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer. Launching video episodes coming March 20.

We’re travelling back in time with this never-before-heard conversation between Troy and Nate Smith at his very first appearance at Country Thunder. Since then, he has blown up and become a household name with some of the catchiest tunes in country music. 

Troy engages in a candid conversation with country sensation, Dierks Bentley. Join us as they delve into Dierks's remarkable decade-long journey to success in Nashville, his passion for hockey, and his experiences with Taylor Swift. 

Reflecting on Jon Pardi's phenomenal year, we go back into the vault as Troy engages in a candid conversation with the country sensation. Together, they delve into Jon's upbringing, the pursuit of the Nashville dream, insights into his whiskey line, and what he calls the “worst hangover of his life".