It’s hard to believe we’re already over a month into 2025! One month down, eleven to go—so what’s the plan? I hope everyone is finding a little peace during these dark days of winter, whether it’s through a good book, music, writing, meditation, Watching tonights Super Bowl or maybe a mix of all of the above. The start of a new year is always a perfect time to take stock of where you are and how you’re feeling. What do you need right now? What do my neighbors and friends need right now? Perhaps it’s connection and good conversation with others, a moment of quiet rest, or some time away from the constant buzz of news and social media (I mean It’s good to be in the know but at the same time take care of yourself and know when its time to to take time for yourself). Personally, I love to plan for the year, month, or even day ahead by asking myself, “What do I truly need in this moment?”

As for me, my inner inventory has led me to dive headfirst into music and creativity this year—even more than in years past. I’m excited about writing, performing, recording, and stepping out of the solo space to collaborate with some amazing musicians. Some cool stuff is on the horizon and I can’t wait to see where this takes me and I look forward to sharing it with you.

I’ll be adding plenty of new dates to my calendar and would love for you to join me at a performance near you. I have some new dates posted below. If you have some favorite venues where you’d like to see me perform, please let me know—and don’t hesitate to share your suggestions with those venues, too! Many of my favorite gigs have come from word of mouth and support from wonderful people like you.

Below you’ll find some upcoming show dates, some video, a link to what I’ve been listening to over the last month, some poetry that landed for me at the start of this new year, a cool way to help Western NorthCarolina as they continue to heal, and how you can support a local musician who needs some help right now in a big way.

Here’s to a year filled with music, creativity, love and positive connection. Let’s make it one to remember! Here on substack I’m going to start sharing some new posts this month so if you aren’t subscribed yet, click that subscribe button so you can stay In the Loop…

Upcoming 2025 Shows!

Sun. Feb. 16th – 1-4 pm

Saudé Creek Vineyards
16230 Cooks Mill Rd,
Lanexa, VA 23089

Sat. Mar. 1st – 6-9 pm

Frothy Moon Brewhouse
1826 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Thu. Mar. 6th – 6-9 pm

Two Drummers Smokehouse
8864 Richmond Rd, Toano, VA 23168

Fri. May. 2nd – 5:30-8:30 pm

Jolene Family Winery
2750 Pocahontas Trail,
Quinton, VA 23141

Check Out This 2016 version of my song “Slow Down”

Look For New videos real soon!!

What Am I Listening To?

What have I been listening to lately? Check out this month’s loop playlist to get a sample of some of the great artists I’ve been listening to.
Check it out today!!

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

I love hearing the inside scoop on what created a certain song or hearing others thoughts and ideas on an assortment of topics such as music, creativity, meditation, wellness & much more.

To hear a few Podcasts that I enjoyed this month Click here.

Dreams by Langston Hughes:

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird 
That cannot fly. 

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow. 

Support WNC through Music

Wanted to run this one more time as a great way to support WNC and get some great music at the same time. As Western North Carolina continues the challenging recovery from Hurricane Helene, it’s clear that support will continue to be needed for the long haul. Communities here are in for a tough journey, especially with winter here, and any help you can provide will make a real difference. One way you can help is buying some music.

Musicins Rising Appalachia released Drenched in Place, a heartfelt compilation album created in response to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This collection features 50 incredible artists, 39 tracks, and over 2 hours of music—a mix of unreleased gems and reimagined favorites—all coming together to drench our hearts in beauty after the high waters. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to three amazing nonprofits Beloved Asheville, NanoStead, and River Link, all whom are working tirelessly to rebuild and support communities here in Western North Carolina.

This Compilation is only on Bandcamp and you can purchase it there.

Help Justin Golden Beat Stage 4 Cancer

Richmond-based guitarist and songwriter Justin Golden is facing a serious health diagnosis and needs the support of his community. Unfortunately Justin is having to cancel his upcoming show dates while he moves his focus to his health and wellbeing. With that means a substantial loss in income as he is a full time musician. Click below for a GoFundMe page to see how you can help monetarily as well as in other ways. Want hear Justin Golden check out his track featured on this months playlist.

I’d love to hear what you think of this new format and I hope to see you out at show in the near future. If you want to get more info in-between these monthly emails consider Following me on Substack as well as my other social media platforms which are linked at the bottom of this email.

As always, Many thanks for your support!!
With Peace and Love, Scott Varney

Reflecting on 2024 and what’s next?

I hope everyone is having a great Holiday season!

I’ve always loved this time of year, as a kid the electricity of the season would light me up and even as an adult that “Santa Claus is coming to town” energy is still alive and well within me. The thing I love the most as I’ve grown older is the introspective nature of the season, it’s a time, if you allow yourself to stop and breathe for moment, where you can look deep and reflect. Reflect on your day, the past week, the past year and ground yourself in this moment and feel that you have arrived. it’s a moment where dreams can take shape and the stillness of the dark night can give you the space to craft within your own workshop, the presence and joy you wish to have in the coming year.

In my own reflecting, looking at 2024 I have to send out a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has continued to support this dream of mine, Those of you who have come out to shows, who grabbed new stickers, those venues who have been oh so kind to keep inviting a solo bassist singer songwriter to keep coming back. I have so much gratitude for being able to take my songs and share them with you. Looking forward to 2025 I have lots of big plans and Ideas that I can’t wait to share with you and I hope you’ll continue to follow and support this journey of mine. Please know I don’t take it for granted!!

My next show will be at Jolene’s winery in Quinton VA on January 4th from 2-5pm. I hope you’ll come out and enjoy some tunes by the fireplace and let’s kick this year off on a good foot!!

To get you through your final push of holiday shopping, check out the playlist I put together below with some fun funky holiday tunes from some of VA’s finest as well as a few artists beyond. This mix should get you moving and grooving in a good way.

Also check out below how you can support Western North Carolina through new music!!

Subscribe On Substack

Upcoming 2025 Shows!

Sat. Jan. 4th – 2-5 pm

Jolene Family Winery
2750 Pocahontas Trail,
Quinton, VA 23141

Sun. Feb. 16th – 1-4 pm

Saudé Creek Vineyards
16230 Cooks Mill Rd,
Lanexa, VA 23089

For More Show Dates & Other Information Click Here

Check Out This Christmas Throwback from 2018 When I covered
Donny Hathaways song “This Christmas”. A little Jaco teaser sprinkled in there too!

Look For New videos real soon!!

For more videos subscribe to my YouTube channel here

What Am I Listening To?

To get you through this holiday season, I have put together a funky holiday mix from some of my favorite musicians from VA and Beyond. Check it out today!!

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

I love hearing the inside scoop on what created a certain song or hearing others thoughts and ideas on an assortment of topics such as music, creativity, meditation, wellness & much more.

To hear a few Podcasts that I enjoyed this month Click here.

Once a snowflake fell
on my brow and i loved
it so much and i kissed
it and it was happy and called its cousins
and brothers and a web
of snow engulfed me then
i reached to love them all
and i squeezed them and they became
a spring rain and i stood perfectly
still and was a flower

~Nikki Giovanni, “Winter Poem”

Let’s Get Active!!

Support WNC through Music

As Western North Carolina continues the challenging recovery from Hurricane Helene, it’s clear that support will continue to be needed for the long haul. Communities here are in for a tough journey, especially with winter here, and any help you can provide will make a real difference. One way you can help is buying some music.

Musicins Rising Appalachia released Drenched in Place, a heartfelt compilation album created in response to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This collection features 50 incredible artists, 39 tracks, and over 2 hours of music—a mix of unreleased gems and reimagined favorites—all coming together to drench our hearts in beauty after the high waters. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to three amazing nonprofits Beloved Asheville, NanoStead, and River Link, all whom are working tirelessly to rebuild and support communities here in Western North Carolina.

This Compilation is only on Bandcamp and you can purchase it there.

Click Here to Listen and Buy Your Copy.

As always, Many thanks for your support!!

I hope you have a Happy Holiday!!
With Peace and Love, Scott Varney

Fall into the Music: November Shows, New Stickers, and Fresh Content!

Happy Fall, Everyone! 🍂

I hope you’ve been out enjoying every bit of this beautiful fall weather here in the Mid-Atlantic! I just wrapped up an awesome weekend performing at VBC and Frothy Moon in Williamsburg, VA. It was great seeing so many familiar faces, and I’m especially grateful for everyone who came out to support, hang out, and grab one of the all-new SV stickers! For those who couldn’t make it, I’m working on options for online purchases so you can get your hands on them soon.

In this issue, you’ll find my November show dates—mark your calendars and come join the fun! I’ve also included updated playlists featuring some favorite music and podcasts I’ve been listening to this month, along with a few other recommendations I think you’ll enjoy.

Exciting things are on the way! In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing new video content and considering some dates for HOME BASS livestreams (remember those?).

Here’s to a cozy and creative fall season—can’t wait to see you out there!

Upcoming November Shows!

Sun. Nov. 10th – 1-4 pm

Saude Creek Vineyards
16230 Cooks Mill Rd,
Lanexa, VA 23089

Thu. Nov. 14th – 6-9 pm

Two Drummers Smokehouse
8864 Richmond Rd,
Toano, VA 23168

Sat. Nov. 30th – 6-9 pm

Frothy Moon
1826 Jamestown Rd,
Williamsburg, VA 23185

For More Show Dates & Other Information Click Here

This cover of Tears For Fears “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is still my most viewed video. Check it out for yourself and see what you think.

Look For New videos real soon!!

For more videos subscribe to my YouTube channel here

What Am I Listening To?

I’m inspired by all kinds of music, usually spanning multiple genres depending what type of mood or vibe I’m looking for. To hear some standout tracks I heard from this past month, click your favorite streaming service below. 

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

I love hearing the inside scoop on what created a certain song or hearing others thoughts and ideas on an assortment of topics such as music, creativity, meditation, wellness & much more.

To hear a few Podcasts that I enjoyed this month Click here. 

“Peace makes you strong
hate reveals your emptiness
kindness feeds your happiness
anger reveals your fear
love makes you free”

― young pueblo

Let’s Get Active!!

Support, Vote, and Connect with Compassion this Fall

• As Western North Carolina begins the challenging recovery from Hurricane Helene, it’s clear that support will be needed for the long haul. Communities here are in for a tough journey, especially with winter approaching, and any help you can provide will make a real difference. I’ve included a resource below to connect you with multiple ways to lend a hand—every bit of support counts.
  See What You can Do By Clicking Here

• With Election Day just over a week away, I encourage everyone to make their voice heard! Democracy thrives when we each participate, and voting is a powerful way to do our part. There’s still time to register in VA if you haven’t. Get out there and VOTE!! 

• Finally, I’m excited to share an inspiring article on my friends at Life With Pigs, an animal sanctuary that provides forever homes to farm animals in need and offers compassion-filled educational experiences to the public. Take a moment to check out the article, and if their mission resonates with you like it does myself, consider supporting their incredible work. Head over to their website to see how you can make a difference.

I’d love to hear what you think of this new format and I hope to see you out at show in the near future.  

As always, Many thanks for your support!!
With Peace and Love, Scott Varney

So, What’s …the loop?

I Hope this message find you doing well!! As a looping musician, I take lots of parts and pieces and layer them together to create a mosaic of sound live in front of an audience. This has inspired this new monthly newsletter I’ll be sharing called …the loop!

A huge thank you for No Treble sharing my music once again. If you are all about that bass make sure you check out there site. There is no other site on the web as in tune with the instrument and those that play it as they are. Thank you NoTreble!! Check out the story here.