Combustion Music To Be Administered Worldwide By Kobalt

Nashville indie publisher Combustion Music has announced it will be administered by Kobalt Music via a new agreement recently signed by Combustion’s financial partner, Virgo Investment Group.

Chris Farren, Owner and President of Combustion Music said, “I have long been intrigued by Kobalt Music and their cutting-edge administration and creative services. All of us at Combustion are fired up to see the heights to which this partnership can take us.”

“We’re thrilled to have concluded a global administration deal with Kobalt that will maximize efficiencies and revenue for Combustion Music’s exceptional roster of songwriters. Our partnership with Chris and his team has been incredibly successful, and we look forward to an even more productive relationship,” said Scott Guthrie, Managing Director of Virgo Investment Group.

“We’re honored to be working with Combustion, a company that’s been at the pinnacle of the Nashville Independent publishing community for over a decade now.” said Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt, Nashville. “Farren, Falcon and Kenley have built an incredible company and diverse roster, we’re excited for this new chapter and the opportunity to help grow their company to even greater success.”

Combustion’s partnership with Virgo began in 2014, when the two entered a joint venture and the investment company acquired a portion of the Combustion catalog, including the No.1 hits: “Crash My Party,” “That’s My Kind of Night,” and “Play It Again” recorded by Luke Bryan; Jason Aldean’s “Confession”; “Break Up In a Small Town” and “House Party” with Sam Hunt; “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert; “Good Girl” and “Somethin’ in the Water” with Carrie Underwood; Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At”; “Hello, My Name Is” and “Strong Enough” by Matthew West; “Beer Money” by KipMoore; “Hey Girl” and “Do I Make You Wanna” by Billy Currington; “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” by Randy Houser; “Don’t Ya” by Brett Eldredge; “Mr. Know It All” by Kelly Clarkson; “Rewind” by Rascal Flatts; and “I Hold On” by Dierks Bentley, among many, many others.

Virgo has brought the Combustion catalog into one77 Music, its new publishing company led by industry veteran Jennifer Blakeman. As one77 President and Chief Creative Officer, Blakeman and her team will provide additional creative services to Combustion Music writers.

Farren founded Combustion Music in 2001 as a venture to develop writers and artists. Over its 17-year history, Combustion artists have earned over 100 No.1 singles in five different genres, multiple Grammys, and CMAs from a catalog and roster including five-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Ashley Gorley; Zach Crowell, co-writer and producer of the Billboard top-selling Country song of 2017, “Body Like A Back Road”; three-time ASCAP Christian Songwriter-Artist of the Year honoree, Matthew West; and chart-topping writers, artists, and producers: Bones Owens, Matt Jenkins, Luke Foley, Jameson Rodgers, Walker McGuire, AJ Pruis, and Everette.