Podcast Summary: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer Featuring Bailey Zimmerman
Episode Title: Bailey Zimmerman
Host: Troy Vollhoffer
Release Date: June 22, 2023
Podcast: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer
Duration of Content: 01:19 – 21:48
Introduction
In this engaging episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer," host Troy Vollhoffer welcomes Bailey Zimmerman, a rising star in the country music scene and founder of the Country Thunder Music Festival. The conversation delves deep into Bailey's journey from his humble beginnings to achieving significant milestones in his music career.
Bailey's First Stadium Performance
Timestamp: [01:45]
Bailey shares his exhilarating experience performing at a monumental event in Milwaukee, which marked his first stadium performance:
Bailey Zimmerman: "We played Morgan Wallen's Milwaukee... I couldn't breathe and I was like hyperventilating and, like, shaking and stuff. But it's a good feeling. At least I know I'm alive, right?"
[01:53]
This performance, held in front of 40,000 enthusiastic fans, was a pivotal moment for Bailey, symbolizing his breakthrough into larger audiences.
Breaking Through at Country Thunder
Timestamp: [03:26] – [04:09]
Bailey reflects on Country Thunder's impact on his career:
Bailey Zimmerman: "Country Thunder was... one of the first... a crowd at, because all the other festival I'd ever played, like, nobody knew my songs."
[03:26]
He details how performing at Country Thunder not only exposed him to vast audiences but also helped him feel validated and proud of his accomplishments.
Early Life and Pre-Music Career
Timestamp: [04:22] – [11:48]
Bailey narrates his life before music:
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Work as a Butcher and Laborer: At 16, Bailey began working to support his lifted truck hobby, taking on roles such as cutting deer and working as a grocery boy. Post-high school, he worked in gas pipeline construction through the laborers union, a physically demanding job that kept him away from family.
-
Transition to Music: Frustrated with his labor-intensive job, Bailey ventured into the truck scene by building lifted trucks with his brother. A TikTok video showcasing his custom truck garnered significant attention, leading him to attend truck shows, win awards, and build a following.
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Discovery of Singing Talent: Encouraged by friends, Bailey experimented with singing during downtime at truck shows. A spontaneous performance led to another viral TikTok video, propelling him to consider a career in music.
Bailey Zimmerman: "I started getting into, like, the truck scenes and, like, truck TikTok... I was trying to learn guitar and stuff and try to maybe learn how to sing."
[06:45]
This period marks Bailey's serendipitous discovery of his musical passion and talent, transitioning from truck building to songwriting and performing.
The Breakthrough and Record Deals
Timestamp: [11:48] – [14:35]
Bailey recounts the whirlwind of securing record deals:
- Warner Nashville Encounter: An unexpected direct message from Rohan, an A&R representative at Warner Nashville, led Bailey to a pivotal meeting. Despite initial uncertainty, this interaction resulted in signing record and publishing deals swiftly.
Bailey Zimmerman: "I never thought I'd ever leave my hometown... just all of the sudden, I started making money from 'Never Coming Home.'"
[10:05]
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Rapid Success: Within a month, Bailey secured two record deals and a publishing deal, necessitating his move to Nashville. His single "Never Coming Home" achieved over a million streams within its first week, signaling his ascent in the music industry.
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Support System: Mentored by Drew Baldridge from Patoka, Illinois, Bailey navigated the complexities of the music business, balancing newfound fame with personal growth.
Personal Reflections and Confidence Building
Timestamp: [15:25] – [17:39]
Bailey opens up about his personal growth and the influence of his support network:
Bailey Zimmerman: "I've found confidence because of people like you, man. People have really lifted me up and made me feel like, dude, you're a badass."
[15:26]
He credits Troy and his management team for bolstering his self-assurance, allowing him to embrace his stage persona fully.
Musical Influences and Personal Stories
Timestamp: [17:39] – [20:09]
Bailey shares heartfelt stories that shaped his musical tastes and personal life:
- Influence of Tesla: Growing up, Bailey and his family bonded over music from bands like Tesla, which played during challenging times at home.
Bailey Zimmerman: "We would listen. It was either a picture by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow or 'Great Song, Love Song' by Tesla."
[17:39]
- Mother's Wedding: Bailey describes attending his mother's wedding, highlighting the emotional journey and the supportive presence of his management team.
Bailey Zimmerman: "It was the coolest thing ever because I haven't seen my mom that happy in a long time."
[18:53]
These anecdotes underscore the profound role music and family have played in his life.
Life as a Touring Musician
Timestamp: [20:09] – [21:48]
Bailey discusses the realities of touring:
- Private Jet Experiences: While Bailey appreciates the convenience of private jets, he occasionally enjoys the unpredictability of commercial flights, where he can interact with fans unknowingly and forge new connections.
Bailey Zimmerman: "Commercial flights are sometimes fun, though... it's the coolest thing to sit in a random seat and just talk to a random person."
[20:36]
- Upcoming Performances: Bailey is set to perform alongside major artists like Morgan Wallen at Country Thunder, promising electrifying performances.
Troy Vollhoffer: "That's what our fans at home and our listeners... you have to look forward to when you come to see Bailey Zimmerman."
[21:08]
Closing Remarks
In the concluding segment, Troy congratulates Bailey on his accomplishments and expresses excitement for his future performances. Bailey reciprocates the gratitude, acknowledging Troy's role in his journey.
Bailey Zimmerman: "One reason I'm here is because of you, man. Very grateful for that."
[21:47]
The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation, highlighting the supportive relationship between the host and guest.
Notable Quotes
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Bailey Zimmerman on Overcoming Nerves:
"I couldn't breathe and I was like hyperventilating and, like, shaking and stuff. But it's a good feeling. At least I know I'm alive, right?"
[01:53] -
On Discovering His Musical Path:
"I started getting into, like, the truck scenes and, like, truck TikTok... I was trying to learn guitar and stuff and try to maybe learn how to sing."
[06:45] -
Embracing Confidence:
"I've found confidence because of people like you, man. People have really lifted me up and made me feel like, dude, you're a badass."
[15:26] -
Reflecting on Personal Triumphs:
"It was the coolest thing ever because I haven't seen my mom that happy in a long time."
[18:53]
Conclusion
This episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer" offers an inspiring glimpse into Bailey Zimmerman's meteoric rise in country music, underscored by personal resilience, strategic breakthroughs, and a strong support system. Listeners gain valuable insights into the dedication and passion required to transition from a laborious past to a thriving music career, making Bailey's story both relatable and motivating.