Follow Carley Varley
This is the ninth article I’ve written about Carley Varley. Time flies! It was back in January 2020, almost five years ago now, that I fell for this little blonde from the south of England, thanks to the song “Found”, a beautiful acoustic folk ballad. I swear, it’s true! Yeah, I know what you’re thinking when you hear the Mixtape this month and the single “Attention!!!!” You’re probably thinking, “The little blonde girl has touched the live wire!”
Yes, it’s obvious. Carley Varley in 2025 is a completely different artist than Carley Varley in 2020. First off, she’s no longer a solo artist, but a full band! Looks like we’ll need to add a few more couches in the “IMC Family” lounge because, yes, the family member is now a four-piece band. I’m actually pretty proud of the headline I’ve put on the magazine cover, “The girl who became a band”. I think it’s one of the best headlines I could have come up with. So yes, of course, Carley Varley is still the name of the band’s lead singer (and it’s her real name, by the way), but it’s also the name of the band. Got it?
What I love about this new version of Carley Varley is the overflowing energy mixed with a sense of nostalgia. I think Carley and I grew up around the same time, listening to the same artists when we were teens: Paramore, Avril Lavigne, and a bit of pop-punk like Sum 41! And you can hear these influences in “Attention”, with all the pop-punk codes in place! The filtered voice on a very short intro, a calm and dreamy bridge, and a final acapella line.
But what I love most is the vocals. Of course, I still adore what Carley Varley has done in the past, but I think this new rock identity suits her vocal tone perfectly. I mentioned this in an article I wrote about “Better Without Me”, but yes, honestly, her voice fits so well with this pop-punk universe, where girls are still way too rare. Is this genre outdated? Not at all! It’s the perfect genre to talk about a relationship that turns into an addiction, as Carley explains:
“Attention is a song about having a massive crush on someone to the point where you are actually embarrassed by your behavior and they are all you can’t think about. It pokes fun at having a crush but also conveys the very real feelings behind when you really like someone and are thinking of confessing that interest. I wrote the song after I thought I wanted a break from relationships, I unexpectedly found myself crushing on someone and thought ‘Oh no’ I really want to make sure I keep their attention and that’s how the idea came along.“
A universal theme that resonates with everyone, no matter the time period. So, not so outdated after all! Carley Varley is an artist um, sorry, a band—perfectly rooted in the present, as the production on this track is incredibly modern (the level of detail in the song’s bridge is amazing). It’s so catchy! If Carley wanted attention, with this song, she got it!
IMC Listening Guide
Quick insights to help you connect with the song on your terms.
Best weather to enjoy this song
Sunny day
Best time to listen
Midday energy boost
Best place to listen
On the road, At home, Out in nature
Does this song haunt the silence?
Impossible to forget
Goosebumps scale
Maximum goosebumps
