Carley Varley drops new single “Butterflies”

Hailing from the south coast of the UK, Carley Varley is a rising pop rock movement making her name known for all the right reasons. A vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, she’s an artist who writes with conviction and performs with fire, able to show both strength and emotion in her engaging musical output. Joined by her bandmates Jordan Shepherd on bass, Alex Tompkins on guitar and Fred Sedgeley on drums, she’s forged a sound that brings together modern pop hooks with the impact of indie rock, creating music that hits hard but stays close to the heart.

It’s been a steady climb for Carley over the past five years, a journey that’s seen her flourish from a young busker in Lymington to a name regularly whispered as one to watch on the UK rock circuit. By fourteen she was already writing songs and learning guitar and piano, a spark that quickly grew into something bigger when those early steps took her from performing on the streets to playing the stages of iconic venues like The Ritz and The Waldorf in London, opportunities that showcased not just her talent, but her tenacity.

Her influences run wide, taking cues from Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park and the power of Paramore’s Hayley Williams, resulting in a sound that balances reflection with force, songs that can make you think, cry and sing along all at once. Since her 2019 debut single “Won’t Say Sorry,” Carley has built an impressive catalogue of releases, including two EPs and multiple singles that have earned her radio support across the UK and beyond.

Now, as she kicks off 2026, Carley returns with a brand new single titled “Butterflies,” the second release lifted from her upcoming EP Anatomy of Loss, a concept project exploring the five stages of grief after a relationship ends. This new era sees Carley Varley venture further into heartbreak to deliver potent pop-tinged rock music that’s at once memorable and painfully real.

Ultimately, “Butterflies” is a breakup anthem in the truest sense, but one that refuses to settle for cliché to instead frame the darker emotions that come after love collapses; frustration, hopelessness, depression and all the feelings that hit hardest when the festive sparkle fades and the January chill sets in. The track captures that emotional hangover perfectly, offering a cathartic counterpoint to the optimism of new year beginnings. Set up by the eerie stutter of whispered vocals, the track erupts with crunching guitar chords, punching drums and bright lead notes which tumble above to form a lively alternative rock soundscape.

Simmering down as Carley’s alluring voice rolls in with smooth melodic leads and picture painting lyricism, the energy builds towards an epic chorus where stacks of energising instrumentation and vocal layers cast a wholly absorbing listening experience. Intricately balancing the chug of muted guitar tones with elegant instrumental flickers and impassioned vocals, “Butterflies” sees Carley Varley serve up an incredible new outing that’s sure to win over new and existing fans alike.

Listen to Butterflies below

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