Carley Varley: Dorset’s Powerhouse Rock Pop Queen
- hientertainmentdor
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
From busking to festivals, EPs to encore requests, Carley Varley has come a long way since singing along to CDs in her bedroom. With powerhouse vocals, punchy guitar riffs and a diary full of gigs, the Bournemouth-based artist is proving that hard work, guts and a whole lot of passion can turn a uni side hustle into a full-time music career.
From History Degree to Headline Sets
Carley’s story started with a guitar, a choice between learning an instrument or doing ballet (spoiler: she wasn’t tutu material), and the quiet dream of performing her own songs one day. What began as busking for extra uni cash quickly evolved into something bigger — think local gigs, festivals, and her first single Won’t Say Sorry in 2018.
“I’ve always loved singing,” she says.
“But I used to be way too scared to do it in front of people. Now it’s literally my job and I just think, wow, this is awesome.”
The Sound: Rock Edge Meets Raw Emotion
Carley describes her music as rocky, emotional and lyrically driven, pulling inspiration from heavy-hitters like Paramore, Linkin Park, and Evanescence. Her performances range from stripped-back acoustic sets to full-band blowouts, and her latest EP, The Anatomy of Loss, is a deep dive into heartbreak and healing.
“I love writing lyrics that really mean something,” she says.
“When I perform with the band, those songs come alive in a whole new way.”
Dorset’s Music Scene? “So Supportive”
If you’ve caught Carley live at Poole Harbour Festival, Teddy Rocks, or Dorchester Cider Fest, you’ll know just how much the Dorset scene has embraced her.
“There’s something special about this area,” she says. “The venues are lovely, the organisers are amazing, and the people really show up for local talent.”
Big shoutouts go to early champions like Paddocks Bar, The Anvi, and Chaplin’s Cellar Bar. These venues gave Carley a shot before she even had a full setlist. And in 2018, her win at The Venus Award for Musical Talent gave her that final boost of confidence to go all in.
Gigs, Glitter and Strings Snapping Mid Set
When asked about standout shows, Carley doesn’t hesitate: “Upton Food Festival. So many people and I was so nervous but it went brilliantly.” Another favourite? Dorchester Cider Festival. “People were queuing to take pictures with me… madness!”
And the most chaotic moment? At a recent Poole Harbour gig, guitarist Alex broke one string. Then another. “We just laughed and said he’s a bassist now.”
Carley’s favourite track to perform is Attention, written about a certain someone who now sings along from the crowd. “Every time I look at him during that song, I just smile.”
What’s Next for Carley Varley?
2024 is packed with new music, live shows, and more from the band (shoutout to Fred, Jordan and Alex). The fourth EP The Anatomy of Loss is already turning heads, and live favourites like Everlong and Attention are getting fans dancing and singing along every weekend.
Whether you catch her solo or with the band, Carley’s performances are raw, real, and full of heart. “I used to be scared of the stage,” she says. “Now I can’t imagine life without it.”
🎧 Want to hear more?
You’ll find Carley’s music, videos and upcoming gigs over at carleyvarley.com or follow her on Instagram at @carleyvarley for behind-the-scenes chaos, gig clips and the latest releases.
