Songwriter/Producer Farren founded Combustion in 2001 as creative home to aspiring songwriters and artists of all genres. A two time Grammy nominated producer, CMA Award winning producer and 11 time ASCAP awards winning songwriter, Farren started an independent publishing company with a bunch of young unproven writers and no catalog, and together with his team steadily built up a catalog of hit songs that included Grammy winning “Jesus Take the Wheel”, and signing the hit band Kings of Leon, and songwriter of the year Ashley Gorley. Farren is currently producing Jameson Rodgers for Sony Music Nashville / River House Artists. He continues to guide the creative direction and day-to-day operations of Combustion and is a board member of the ACMs, Lifting Lives and NARAS.
Following graduation from MTSU, Van Belkom joined Combustion in 2004 and works closely with the songwriting staff strategically managing co-writing schedules and exploiting the song catalog. As a music lover and enthusiastic supporter of the Nashville music community, Van Belkom sits on the boards of AIMP Nashville and Musicians On Call and is also a member of NARAS and The Crew Nashville.
Kelly Lyons began her career in Nashville upon graduation from Northeastern University’s MS Music Industry program. An avid music fan with a passion for the lyrics of a song, Lyons maintains the company’s catalog, handles office operations, label services and junior creative efforts. Since joining the Combustion Music team, Kelly has been instrumental in planning the annual Hope Town Music Festival. She is a member of the Women’s Music Business Association, The Crew Nashville and Musicians On Call and enjoys participating in industry events, such as the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament.
Blake Duncan joined Combustion Music in 2021. He will assist in all things creative and help oversee Combustion’s writer and artist roster which includes Jameson Rodgers, Matthew West, Kolby Cooper and others. Blake is also part of the team of YNOT Wednesday Songwriter Spotlight, that showcases Nashville artist and songwriters.
