Combustion's 'Listen' Becomes A Success
This past Tuesday, January 24th, Combustion Music hosted an intimate songwriter showcase at Gary Allan's new clothing store, 'The Label'. Combustion writers Ashley Gorley, Blair Daly, Brett James, Matthew West, Kelly Archer, Matt Jenkins, Will Bowen, and Chase Foster, as well as special guest, Sarah Buxton, played to a room full of producers, record label personnel and artists including The Jane Dear Girls, Republic Nashville's new signee Jackie Lee, and Gary Allan himself. Combustion's line-up had the high powered crowd captivated with an array of poignant new ballads and hit-sounding tempos, many of which clearly hit their mark based on the immediate label interest. The event was the brainchild of Combustion's Creative Manager, Kenley Flynn and newcomer Colt Chamberlain, and along with the help of Renee Layher of 'The Label', and Chaise Crosslin of Lytle Management, the show came to life and was a huge success. Rumors are already flying about the next thing Combustion will do. Currently, Combustion has 6 singles on the country charts, the #1 pop smash "Mr. Know It All" by Kelly Clarkson (written by Brett James), as well as Carrie Underwood's new single "Good Girl" (written by Ashley Gorley).
Pictured: Back row – Matt Jenkins, Chris Van Belkom, Chris Farren, Kenley Flynn, Blair Daly, Brett James, Zach Crowell, Colt Chamberlain, and Will Bowen. Seated – Ashley Gorley, Matthew West, Chase Foster, and Kelly Archer. (Photo credit: Dan Dziesinski
Matthew West – Back to Back Success
Combustion Music congratulates artist/writer, Matthew West for his most recent success! Following his #1 song, 'Strong Enough,' Matthew again topped the charts as co-writer on Casting Crowns' newest single, 'Courageous.' The song remained in the #1 spot on Billboard's Christian Songs chart for 4 consecutive weeks!
To add to this exciting news, Matthew also received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Song for his most recent single, 'Strong Enough!'
New Music Tuesday – 10/18/2011
Congrats to Combustion writers Kelly Archer and Matthew West who were a part of these new releases today!
Montgomery Gentry – Rebels On The Run 
'Missing You' written by Kelly Archer
'I Like Those People' written by Matthew West
Casting Crowns – Come To The Well
Matthew West co-wrote 7 songs on this album, including the first single, 'Courageous' which is currently at #3 on Billboard's Christian Songs Chart.
Matthew West Celebrates #1 Single 'Strong Enough'
On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Combustion Music, in conjunction with ASCAP Nashville, gathered family, friends, and industry partners to celebrate Matthew West's most recent #1 single, 'Strong Enough.' Combustion Music presented Matthew with a #1 plaque in honor of his success. This is Matthew's 4th #1 hit single. Congratulations Matthew!
In this photo are (L-R): Chris Farren, Matthew West, Chris Van Belkom, and Kenley Flynn
New Music Tuesday – 10/10/2011
Check out the new releases that Combustion Music is a part of today!
Lauren Alaina – Wildflower
"Georgia Peaches" written by Blair Daly
"She's A Wildflower" written by Gordie Sampson
"Eighteen Inches" written by Ashley Gorley
"Funny Thing About Love" written by Brett James
Congrats to all the writers that were a part of this album! Grab your copy online or in stores!
Lauren Alaina – Wildflower on iTunes
Lauren Alaina – Wildflower on Amazon.com
Matthew West's The Heart Of Christmas Now Available
Yes – it is already that time of year again! Be sure to check out Matthew West's Christmas record, The Heart Of Christmas – released today! The album includes several Holiday-themed original songs as well as brand new arrangements of Christmas Classics like Jingle Bells and O Come, All Ye Faithful. You can find the album online and in stores now!
The Heart Of Christmas on iTunes
The Heart Of Christmas on Amazon.com
Matthew West's "Strong Enough" #1
Combustion Music congratulates Matthew West on his #1 single, "Strong Enough." The song is the 2nd single off his album The Story Of Your Life. This is Matthew's 4th #1 single as an artist.
Matthew also co-wrote Casting Crowns' current single, "Courageous," which is at #10 and rising quickly on the Christian Songs chart.
Congrats Matthew!
Combustion Music Signs Chase Foster
Combustion Music is proud to announce the signing of Chase Foster to an exclusive songwriting agreement. Foster, a former Belmont University student was raised in Oklahoma and began playing music at age 9. His musical chops as well as his passion for songwriting make him a valuable and inspiring addition to the Combustion roster.
Pictured are: Sitting – Chase Foster; Standing L-R – Combustion's Chris VanBelkom, Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn.
New Music Tuesday – 08/30/11
Check out this great new music that Combustion Music is a part of!
For all you Cagleheads – keep an ear out for Chris Cagle's brand new single, "Got My Country On" – written by Kelly Archer. The song was released to iTunes last week and went to radio today! If you haven't already, go give it a listen!
Jake Owen's newest effort, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" was released yesterday and is currently sitting at the top of the iTunes country albums chart. The album includes the song "Heaven" written by 2 Combustion writers, Ashley Gorley and Matt Jenkins. This is a great album– so go pick it up as soon as you can.
Kelly Clarkson's first single since 2010's Top 20, "Already Gone" is being released today! The debut single from her forthcoming album is titled "Mr. Know It All" and was written by our own Brett James. Head over to Kelly's website and RSVP for her LIVE SINGLE RELEASE EVENT – to take place TODAY at 5:30p Eastern.
Combustion Plays The Bluebird
Last night, Combustion Music hosted a songwriter's round at the famous Bluebird Café. The round featured both long-time Combustion writers as well as brand new signings. Ashley Gorley, Kelly Archer, Brett James, Matt Jenkins, and Ken Johnson shared 4 songs each, enchanting those in attendance with a mix of heavy sing-along hits and days-old, previously unheard songs.
Pictured L-R are: Combustion's Ken Johnson, Matt Jenkins, Brett James, Chris Farren, Chase Foster, Ashley Gorley, Kenley Flynn, Kelly Archer, Chris Van Belkom, and Warner Chappell's Steve Markland.
Combustion Music & Ashley Gorley Sign Matt Jenkins
Combustion Music and songwriter Ashley Gorley proudly announce the signing of Matt Jenkins to an exclusive songwriting agreement. Jenkins grew up playing and singing in the Texas Opry circuit with his father and in late high school, fell in love with songwriting. The thrill of both playing and writing led him to Nashville at the age of 19. Soon after arriving, he landed his first publishing deal and has been a standout in the Nashville country scene ever since. Most recently, Matt has songs on forthcoming albums from Jake Owen and Steve Holy.
Pictured are: Sitting: Matt Jenkins. Standing L-R: Chris Van Belkom, Chris Farren, songwriter Ashley Gorley, and Kenley Flynn.
COMBUSTION MUSIC PROMOTES CHRIS VAN BELKOM
August 15, 2011 - Combustion Music announces the promotion of Chris Van Belkom to Vice President. Van Belkom formerly served as Senior Creative Director and has been with Combustion since 2004. Working directly with company President, Chris Farren, Van Belkom will oversee all aspects of the creative department and manage the writing staff, which includes songwriters Ashley Gorley, Brett James, Blair Daly and Matthew West.
"Chris has been a trusted and integral part of Combustion's growth and success over the past 6 years. I couldn't be happier to be continuing this partnership, and know that he will continue to bring exception instincts, leadership and musicality to the Combustion team" says Farren.
Combustion Music is an independent publishing and production company which opened its doors in 2002. They have represented the catalogs of: Ashely Gorley, Kings of Leon, Brett James, Blair Daly, Gordie Sampson, Matthew West, Drew Ramsey, and many others. Van Belkom can continue to be reached at 515-5490.
Combustion Music Signs Brett James
Combustion Music is beyond thrilled to announce the signing of hit songwriter/producer, Brett James, to an exclusive songwriting agreement. "Brett is one of the most dynamic and intelligent songwriters I know, and for years we have talked about partnering. To finally get that opportunity energizes me and the whole Combustion team beyond words." says Combustion President, Chris Farren. This new relationship has already brought an incredible momentum with Brett's new singles by Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery, and Pia Toscano as well as cuts by Daughtry and Rihanna.
New Music Tuesday
Luke Bryan's Tailgates And Tanlines was released today, August 9 and features the heartfelt song, "I Know You're Gonna Be There" written by Combustion writer, Ashley Gorley. Check out the song and preview the other great songs from the album on iTunes.
Big Release Week For Combustion Music
Combustion writers had songs on Blake Shelton's Red River Blue, Chris Young's Neon, The Summer Set's Everything's Fine, and Sixx:AM's This Is Gonna Hurt. Click on over to the discography page to see the songs and writers on each album.
Also, be sure to check out American Idol finalist Pia Toscano's, current single, "This Time" co-written by Combustion Music's Brett James. The single was released to iTunes last week; click here to give it a listen!
Matthew West Makes It To Space
Yesterday, July 12, 2011, Matthew West made his debut in outer space with his song, "More." Rex Walheim, a NASA Mission Specialist, played the song to wake up the crew of Space Shuttle Atlantis. See the video below!
Combustion Music Signs Russell Dickerson
Combustion Music is proud to announce the signing of Russell Dickerson to an exclusive songwriting agreement. Dickerson, a recent Belmont University grad hailing from Franklin, TN, has been playing the Nashville scene for the last two years as a young country artist. His live show and affable off-stage demeanor sparked a buzz that spread quickly through Music City. Combustion Music is thrilled to be a part of his team!
In this picture - Seated: Russell Dickerson; Standing (L-R): Combustion Music's Chris Van Belkom, Chris Farren, & Kenley Flynn
Blair Daly Honored At 2011 BMI Pop Awards
On Wednesday, May 17th, top industry professionals gathered to celebrate the 59th annual BMI Pop Awards. The event, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, honors the songwriters and publishers of the past year's most-performed pop songs in the United States. A big congratulations goes out to Combustion Music's Blair Daly who walked away with an award for his co-written hit song, "Smile" – recorded by Uncle Kracker. The song went song went Top 5 on the Hot AC, AC, and Country Charts in 2010.
Attending the event with Blair is Combustion Music President, Chris Farren.
Congrats Blair!
Matthew West Earns 2 ASCAP Christian Awards
The 2011 ASCAP Christian Awards, which honors the top songwriters and publishers in Christian music was held on March 28th at Nashville's Richland Country Club. Combustion Music's Matthew West walked away from the night with 2 awards for his songs "My Own Little World" and "Love Has Come."
Matthew also performed an acoustic version of his song "My Own Little World."
On stage with West to accept the awards on behalf of Combustion were Chris Farren (President) and Chris Van Belkom (Senior Creative Director).
Matthew West's "One Last Christmas" Raises Money For St. Jude
It started with a YouTube video that honored the brief yet courageous life of Dax Locke. In the video for "One Last Christmas" (written by Matthew West and Ashley Gorley) Matthew challenged viewers to donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Dax. West also performed a benefit concert on December 30th – the one year anniversary of Dax's passing. All ticket sales, merchandise sales, as well as an offering from the night were donated to St. Jude. The grand total came to $203,000.
The video can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E
Combustion Celebrates Christmas
This Christmas, Combustion Music, through the St. Luke's Community House Adopt-A-Family Program, was able to give back to a local Nashville family. Through the organization, families in need compile their Christmas wishlists – comprised mostly of the essentials we so often take for granted. The Combustion staff and writers adopted a family of 4, and incorporated this outreach into their Christmas party. The night began with some shopping at the local Wal-Mart, and continued on with dinner, and a little competitive bowling. For pictures from the evening's festivities, please check out the 2010 Combustion Christmas album on the Photos page.
Matthew West's New Video – "One Last Christmas"
Combustion writers Matthew West & Ashley Gorley penned a song to honor the beautiful story of Dax Locke – a 2 year old boy who inspired a whole town to make Christmas come a little bit early in 2009. See the story unfold in Matthew's touching music video for "One Last Christmas."
Ashley Gorley Honored with CMA's Triple Play Awards
Nashville, TN -- On October 14, 2010, the Country Music Association presented Ashley Gorley with two CMA Triple Play Awards at their annual Songwriters Luncheon. The award is given to honor songwriters who have earned 3 #1 singles in a 12-month period. Gorley received 2 awards. The first commemorates the chart-topping success of "All-American Girl," "You're Gonna Miss This," and "Start A Band." The second celebrates "It Won't Be Like This For Long," "Then," and "American Saturday Night."
Ashley Gorley & Combustion Music Earn 2 ASCAP Awards
Tuesday, September 14, 2010, the 48th Annual ASCAP Awards were held at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Combustion Music's Ashley Gorley took home 2 awards for Brad Paisley chart toppers "Then" and "American Saturday Night."
On stage with Gorley to accept the awards on behalf of Combustion were Chris Farren (President), Stephanie Greene (Sr. Creative Director), and Chris Van Belkom (Creative Director).
New Music Video For Kyle Andrews' "You Always Make Me Smile"
Check out the new music video from Kyle Andrews for "You Always Make Me Smile," co-written by Neil Mason.
Combustion Music Signs Kelly Archer
Combustion Music is proud to announce the signing of Kelly Archer to an exclusive songwriting agreement. Hailing from Vancouver Canada, Archer is a great vocalist, and a talented songwriter. Her songs have been cut by Jason Aldean, Jo Dee Messina, The Eli Young Band, Aaron Tippin, and more.
Standing L-R: Chris Farren, Stephanie Greene, Chris Van Belkom, Ashley Hertzog -- Seated: Kelly Archer
"American Saturday Night" #1 Party Held At Nucci's Italian Ice
On Monday, March 22, 2010, instead of routinely gathering in ASCAP's lobby, music industry folks headed south to Nucci's Italian Ice and Gelato in Brentwood. Nucci's made for a fitting & unique spot to celebrate the success of Brad Paisley's #1 "American Saturday Night," which mentions "Italian ice" in the chorus.
Tim DuBois, ASCAP's new vice president and managing executive of Nashville operations, presented awards to Combustion's own Ashley Gorley, and co-writers Brad Paisley and Kelley Lovelace.
"American Saturday Night" is Ashley Gorley's seventh #1 song with Combustion Music.
L-R: Chris Farren, Ashley Hertzog, Brad Paisley, Ashley Gorley, Chris Van Belkom, Stephanie Greene
Combustion Music Signs Ken Johnson
Combustion Music is proud to announce the signing of Ken Johnson to an exclusive songwriting agreement. Johnson's work can most recently be heard on Josh Thompson's debut hit single "Beer On The Table."
L-R: Chris Farren, Ashley Hertzog, Chris Van Belkom, Stephanie Greene
Seated: Ken Johnson
Ashley Gorley Performs With Darius Rucker at CRS 2010
Wednesday, February 24, Ashley Gorley joined Darius Rucker for an ASCAP-sponsored event at CRS 2010, dubbed "Storytellers with Darius Rucker." The acoustic show featured the Capitol Records artist performing with the songwriters who contributed to his debut country LP Learn To Live. Gorley shared the stage with Rucker for a performance of the 3-week #1 hit, "It Won't Be Like This For Long."
Pictured l to r: Darius Rucker & Ashley Gorley
Rascal Flatts Honors Songwriters
By Tom Roland
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
As the band celebrates 10 years of making hits, Rascal Flatts found a unique way to recognize some of the people behind their success, throwing a party in which some of the songwriters who created their hits took the stage to sing them for the band.
Held at the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, the event featured performances of eight Flatts hits — including "Mayberry," "Fast Cars And Freedom," "Prayin' For Daylight" and "Bless The Broken Road" — by such writers as Jeff Hanna, Marcus Hummon, Neil Thrasher, Steve Bogard and Wendell Mobley. The band prepared special plaques for all 77 composers who've contributed to their multi-platinum cache.
"These are guys we've had history with for 10 years, you know, so it's awesome to get a little spotlight on them for a change instead of sittin' at one of our houses in pajamas tryin' to write somethin'," Flatts vocalist Gary LeVox says. "It's been a while since we've seen 'em. Of course, we're all out on tour, they're doin' their thing, and we wanted to bring everybody together and just tell 'em thanks."
Honoring the writers is "typical of them," says Danny Orton, who co-wrote "Stand" [with Combustion's Blair Daly]. "They're very thankful for everything that's happened to them, and if they think somebody deserves recognition, they wanna make sure they get it. And they appreciate the songwriters."
There was an entry fee, sort of… The writers were each asked to submit two songs apiece for consideration for Rascal Flatts' next album, which they've begun recording.
"We weren't just throwin' this party to be nice!" Jay DeMarcus laughs.
"Hopefully," Joe Don Rooney adds, "those songs go into play for the next 10 years of Rascal Flatts. To be sittin' here 20 years lookin' back and doin' the same thing would be awesome."
The writers are happy to oblige with new material. After all, a Rascal Flatts cut is a source of income, and if it becomes a single, it's significant money. Plus, there's the creative satisfaction of hearing the band's harmonies applied to one of their songs.
"I thought our demo was pretty good," songwriter Blair Daly says of "Stand," "until I heard the record. They just went above and beyond."
Pictured left to right -- Front: Marcus Hummon, Clint Lagerberg, Jeff Hanna, Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts), Steve Bogard, Danny Wells, Danny Orton, Blair Daly -- Back: Doug Howard (Sr VP A&R, Lyric Street Records), Rick Giles, Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts), Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts), Neil Thrasher, Arlos Smith --
(Photo Credit: Chris Hollo)
Kings of Leon Take Home 3 Grammys
Sunday, January 31, 2010, the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards were held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Kings of Leon earned 3 wins for their smash hit "Use Somebody" – Record of The Year, Best Rock Song, and for the second year in a row, Best Rock Performance by a Group with Vocals.
The Songwriter Sessions II Screening At BMI
Tuesday, January 12, 2010, BMI hosted a private screening of The Songwriter Sessions II. Produced by Chris Farren, this is the second installment of the series which captures live, in-studio performances from Nashville's Ocean Way Studio. The first round featured Gordie Sampson and Hillary Lindsey only. However, the follow-up showcases Combustion writers Blair Daly, Gordie Sampson, Ashley Gorley, Matthew West, and Will Bowen. They also invited co-writers Sarah Buxton, Hillary Lindsey, and Chris Stapleton to be a part of the project.
Check out a few of the new performances at www.youtube.com/combustionmusic
AP Names Sam & Ruby's "The Here & The Now" #1 Album of The Year
Thursday, December 10, 2009, world-wide newswire Associated Press ranked the Top 10 albums of the year. Topping the list as the best album of 2009 was The Here & The Now by Combustion's own Sam & Ruby. The album receiving international attention is a Nashville project from start to finish: songs written by Sam & Ruby with the help of a few Nashville co-writers, recorded at Ocean Way Studios, backed by Nashville musicians, produced by Chris Farren, and engineered by Ben Fowler.
Available for purchase here
For AP's complete list, click here
Grammy Nominations for Combustion Music
Wednesday, December 2, 2009, the nominees for the 52nd Annual Grammy awards were announced. Combustion is well represented across the board with ties to 9 nominations:
Record of The Year – "Use Somebody" by Kings Of Leon
Song of The Year – "Use Somebody" by Kings Of Leon
Best Rock Performance By A Duo / Group with Vocals – "Use Somebody" by Kings Of Leon
Best Rock Song – "Use Somebody" by Kings Of Leon
Best R&B Album – Testimony: Vol.2, Love & Politics by India.Arie
"Ghetto" and "Yellow" Written by Drew Ramsey
Best Female Country Vocal Performance – "Just A Dream" by Carrie Underwood
Written by Gordie Sampson
Best Country Collaboration with Vocals – "Start A Band" by Brad Paisley & Keith Urban
Written by Ashley Gorley
Best Gospel Song – "The Motions" by MatthewWest
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical – Swan Feathers by Leslie Mendelson
Engineered by Gordie Sampson
Combustion Music Has Big Night at ASCAP Awards
Monday, October 19, 2009, the 47th Annual ASCAP Awards were held at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Combustion Music's Ashley Gorley took home 3 awards for the #1 Brad Paisley / Keith Urban duet, "Start A Band," Darius Rucker's 3-week #1, "It Won't Be Like This For Long," and Trace Adkins' 3-week #1, "You're Gonna Miss This." Gorley also took home the 2009 ASCAP Song of the Year Award for "You're Gonna Miss This," and earned the 2009 Songwriter of the Year honor. Fellow Combustion writer Gordie Sampson received an award for the Carrie Underwood #1, "Just A Dream."
On stage to accept the awards on behalf of Combustion were Chris Farren (President), Stephanie Greene (Sr. Creative Director), and Chris Van Belkom (Creative Director).
photos by Larry McCormick - The Tennessean
For more photos from the evening, see the "2009 ASCAP Awards" photo album in PHOTOS section.
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