Music News (10/1/14)

Richard Stumpf (L) and Chris Farren.

Atlas Music Publishing has acquired the catalog of one of Nashville music’s most successful independent music publishers, Combustion Music, it was announced by Atlas CEO Richard Stumpf and Combustion Music owner/President Chris Farren. The deal marks the opening of Atlas Music Publishing’s Nashville offices and launches a long-term joint venture with Combustion Music under the banner Combustion Atlas.

Through the deal, Atlas Music Publishing will acquire a publishing interest in hit songs including No. 1s: “Crash My Party” “That’s My Kind of Night” and “Play It Again” by Luke Bryan; “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert; “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood; “Hello, My Name Is” and “Strong Enough” by Matthew West; “Beer Money” by Kip Moore; “Hey Girl” 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.

Combustion will continue its relationship with Ashley Gorley and the catalogs of Blair Daly, and Brett James. The new Combustion Atlas roster will include Gorley, Zach Crowell, Matt Jenkins, Jerry Flowers, Bobby Huff, and Native Run.

VP Chris Van Belkom, and Senior Creative Kenley Flynn will remain on board.

Founded in 2001, Combustion Music is headed by owner/President Farren. Since 2009, Combustion has earned 19 No. 1 singles in four genres and cuts on LPs totaling 100 million in sales. Among their accomplishments are the 2006 ASCAP and GRAMMY Country Song of the Year “Jesus, Take the Wheel;” the 2009 Grammy Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance, and Record of the Year for “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon; 2009 ASCAP Country Song of the Year “You’re Gonna Miss This;” 2009 ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley; and the 2013 ASCAP Christian Song, “Hello My Name Is” and Songwriter of the Year Matthew West.

Stumpf founded Atlas Music Publishing in 2013, which has a roster of hit-makers and represents songs performed by John Legend, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Luke Bryan, Keyshia Cole, Hillary Duff, Icona Pop, Prince Royce, and Colbie Caillat. The company’s global headquarters is in New York.

Read more at MusicRow.com.

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Pictured (L-R) back row: Noah McPike (BMI), Clay Bradley (BMI), Doug Nichols, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Jim Landers, Chris Alderman, Penny Everhard (BMI), Mark Mason (BMI). Front: Kristen Kelly

Jim Landers has announced the launch of his new publishing company, Cavalier Music Group with flagship artist Kristen Kelly. Landers graduated from Belmont University in 2002 and was Sarah Buxton’s drummer for a few years following college. Landers most recently co-owned Gallo/Landers Music with Greg Gallo where he celebrated a No. 1 for Parmalee‘s smash hit “Carolina.”