Chris Farren is a tenured, multi-talented music executive, singer / songwriter, producer, and founder of Nashville-based Combustion Music. Starting his career in Los Angeles in the 80s, Chris was a young writer / artist known for his extensive work writing and performing jingles, as well as music for film and TV projects. After a few successful trips eastbound to Music City, he made the move to Nashville and quickly found his bearings as a hit writer-producer. 

 

Farren produced Deana Carter’s breakthrough 1996 album Did I Shave My Legs for This?, earned 9 #1 singles as a songwriter, and found his true calling discovering and investing in developing talent, signing 3X BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeffrey Steele, 4X Billboard Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley, 4X GRAMMY® Award Winning rock band Kings of Leon, and 8X Christian ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Matthew West early in their careers.

 

Most recently, Chris has been a pivotal part of launching and producing fast-rising stars Corey Kent, Kolby Cooper, Jameson Rodgers, Payton Smith, and Daphne. As a writer himself, Chris has cuts on artists like The Backstreet Boys, Greg Allman, Michael McDonald, Air Supply, Rascal Flatts, Christopher Cross, Trace Adkins, 98 Degrees, and Olivia Newton-John, has amassed an impressive lineup of accolades including 11 ASCAP Awards, six GRAMMY® nominations, and both an ACM and a CMA Award. 

 

Farren’s legacy lies both in his eye for developing talent, and in the 24+ year story of independent music hub, Combustion Music. To date, he’s led the charge as the company has claimed 108 #1 songs from a roster that includes writers like 5X GRAMMY® Award-nominee Matthew West, “Man Made. Bar” co-writer Brett Tyler, “This Heart” co-writer Thomas Archer, perennial hitmaker Ashley Gorley, and budding songwriters Austin Goodloe, Jessica Farren and Sam Bergeson, alongside a motivated and loyal staff.

 

Chris’ heart for music has translated into passion projects and philanthropic endeavors, culminating in the creation of his annual Combustion Music Hope Town Music Festival in Elbow Cay, Bahamas. Over the last decade, the festival has raised over $3 million for the local community, bringing some of the world’s best songwriters and artists to donate their time and talents.