I had a great response to the first edition of Closing Notes, so I think I’ll keep this going. This is a special weekend for our family as my oldest son is getting married, so I’ll keep this intro short and get back to the celebrations. Here are a few things that stood out to me this week. What were some of your favorite finds?
Bob Reynolds Quartet | Rise And Fall
My son Evan introduced me to Bob Reynolds’ music back when he was in high school. That, in turn, led me to discover Janek Gwizdala, whose bass playing continues to inspire me to this day. As a solo bassist, I’m always looking for players who take a chordal approach to the bass—allowing it to take center stage without relying solely on fast, acrobatic solos. Instead, they let the instrument breathe life into the music and create space within the song.
Some standout players who embody this approach for me include Aaron Gibson, Thundercat, Steve Lawson, and, of course, Janek Gwizdala. His educational videos and books have significantly expanded my musical vocabulary. In this video, Janek performs with Bob Reynolds on the song “Rise and Fall.” He gets a fantastic solo section where the band lets him really vibe for a while. The whole performance is incredible!
Song Exploder Podcast with Theodore Shapiro
I haven’t yet watched Severance, even though many people have told me I should. After listening to this episode of Song Exploder featuring Theodore Shapiro and how he created the show’s theme song, I’m definitely adding it to my list.
If you enjoy geeking out on behind-the-scenes insights into how songs are created, Song Exploder is a must-listen. Have you watched Severance? Let me know your thoughts!
My Happy Space
One of my favorite places of all time has to be the mountains. Whether it’s the Smoky’s of NC or Shenandoah, being in these outdoor spaces always hits the reset button. I’m so glad to be here with my family, celebrating my oldest son and future daughter-in-law on their wedding day! I hope you have a special place that allows you to hit the reset button and connect with not only with the space around you but with yourself on a deeper level.
What’s your favorite place to reset?
What do you think? Any of this resonate with you? Do you like this new addition to The Loop. If you are a subscriber to my substack you can comment and let me know! Let’s have a conversation. As always you can find out what’s going on in my world by visiting www.scottvarney.com. Thanks for tuning in!!
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I’ve been planning to get a little more active here on Substack. To kick things off, I’m starting a weekly post called Closing Notes to share what caught my eye, ear, or other senses during the week that I thought was worth sharing with you. These will come out every Friday after today, and I hope you’ll find something in them to enjoy or find useful. Let me know what you think!
Music Standout of the week.
Mei Semones – I Can Do What I Want.
I heard this track by Mei Semones on Instagram the other evening and was immediately caught up in the beautiful vocal melodies interplaying with the guitar and string lines. The complex rhythm patterns danced between genres, mixing indie vibes with Bossa nova and, at times, classical flavors. Mei’s vocal lines seamlessly switch between Japanese and English, collectively creating an original sound that I look forward to revisiting. I’m excited about the full album release. Let me know what you think—and should I add one of those bunny hats to my set?
Podcast of the Week.
Third Story Podcast With Nels Cline
Third Story Podcast has been in heavy rotation for me over the past couple of months. I was late to the game on this one and am not sure how I missed it, but Leo Sidran’s Third Story is definitely a top podcast for me. Not only is he a great interviewer, but the production quality is top-notch and really connects with the artists and their music.
This conversation with Nels Cline brought me back to when I first discovered the bands Minutemen and Firehose in high school. I first heard Nels’ genius guitar lines when he played with Mike Watt (Minutemen, Firehose) on his Engine Room rock opera, a concept album blending punk rock energy with experimental jazz and storytelling. This episode dives into Nels’ history in Southern California, his path to becoming Wilco’s guitarist at age 50, and his many projects, including his latest album Consentrik Quartet, which is well worth a listen. Check it out!
Bullet Journal – Tiny Experiments
I’ve been using bullet journaling as a way to keep up with tasks, jot down thoughts and ideas, support my songwriting, and create collections on various topics. In this video, Ryder Carroll (founder of the Bullet Journal method) interviews Anne-Laure Le Cunff about her book Tiny Experiments.
What do you think about the idea of adding tiny experiments to your life? These are small, low-risk changes or activities designed to help you explore new habits, ideas, or skills without feeling overwhelmed. It’s about testing the waters and seeing what works for you.
A View From A Morning Run
Social media, YouTube, Netflix, and other digital distractions can be really addictive—it’s so easy to go down the rabbit hole. That’s why I’m so thankful for time in nature and those moments of disconnection.
The lake in our neighborhood was showing off this beautiful sunrise during one of my morning runs this past week. Let’s just say I may not have gotten that extra mile in, but the gains from simply sitting with this view were worth it. Get outside and enjoy the beauty of wherever you are this week!
What do you think? Any of this resonate with you? Do you like this new addition to The Loop.. If you are a subscriber to my substack you can comment and let me know! Let’s have a conversation. As always you can find out what’s going on in my world by visiting www.scottvarney.com. Thanks for tuning in!!
Thanks for reading The Loop…! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
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!!
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.
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
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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.
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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!!
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!!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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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!
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… read more
I am Super psyched to have one of my videos featured again on NoTreble.com! Corey Brown and Kevin Johnson at NoTreble have been super supportive of my music and I am oh so thankful to have them willing to share and feature my music on their website.
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.
TWO DAYS OF BASS! – November 2nd and November 3rd!
Solo bassist Brittany Frompovich has organized some great shows the weekend of Nov 2-3. On saturday she will be hosting some music in fredericksburg at at Forte Music Studios and will feature Darren Michaels, Scott Fernandez, Ben Titus and Brittany Frompovich. …
So some cool news this week. My video from this past week of my new song “Some will Say” was featured on the website No Treble, a site dedicated to bass players. A big thank you to No Treble for sharing my video!! This is one of those sites I go to weekly to look for New Bass players, equipment, ideas, inspiration and even what the next cool music app is. You can check it out here http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2012/10/11/scott-varney-some-will-say/
