Varien is the stage name of Nikki Kaelar, an American composer, producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Tampa, Florida. Kaelar first took an active interest in electronic music after discovering Dance Dance Revolution, and has said that mild synesthesia is part of their experience. Varien’s music combines electronic production with orchestral and other live instrumentation, drawing on industrial, metal and ambient styles.
A 2012 single, Mirrors, appeared on Monstercat, where Kaelar later released the 2015 album The Ancient & Arcane and the EP My Prayers Have Become Ghosts. Varien also worked with 7 Minutes Dead on the EP Mirai Sekai. In 2018, Kaelar discussed the personal, game-influenced character of the EP Death Asked A Question, released through Most Addictive. Varien’s releases have also appeared on OWSLA and Wakaan.
In 2024, Varien released the single Warrior Poet through Phuture Collective and Samurai Blue: Afterimage with Aubree Bouché and Robert Mai through Mai Music Productions. The 2025 album DAMN! Nation (Original Game Soundtrack) came out on ANTIMEME, followed by the single Dog Teeth on Kitsune Soundworks. Varien’s 2026 album Collapsing Inward was released under exclusive licence to Amuseio AB.