Artist Introduction
What’s your name and where are you from?
Ben Varney, from Dorset, UK.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
Parents called me Ben, Dad’s surname is Varney, so just went with that. My music’s all personal and I never wanted to hide behind something.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
Started out emulating my influences to the point where I had an American accent when rapping (embarrassing). Over time, I got more comfortable with my own voice and vision. My aim now is to be as raw and open as possible, no filter.
Fan Engagement
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
On my song ‘Wings of Bone’, I had the experience of replaying a melody that came to my head. Normally I just mess around until something sounds good. This time I was driving and it just hit me. Soon as I played it, the verse came. Fastest I’ve made a song.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Hope through commonality (cringey init). But I know other people out there must feel like me but we cover that shit up. I want people to be more open and unguarded (including myself).
Behind the Music
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
On one of my songs ‘Bleeding’, I just couldn’t get the mix right. I made over 40 versions of it and was going insane with it. In the end, I just gave myself a deadline and went with it. Sometimes, you just got to know when to move on.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Billy Woods. I feel like we have similarities in how we approach music; lyrically focussed and just raw feeling. He’d probably smoke me on a verse right now though ngl.
Future Aspirations
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Sane enough to keep going to the next year.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Being prepared to actively push my music. Engage with platforms like TikTok more.
Recent Work & Contact Info
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
@benvarneyofficial on Instagram.
