01↗
Publishing
Original picture books, middle-grade, and young adult titles — self-published, fully illustrated, and written for readers who want to see themselves on the page.
Creating classics
for this generation.
Original literature. Original music. Original characters. One vision.
Original Stories✦Original Music✦Original Characters✦Black-Owned IP✦Houston, TX✦For All Ages✦Original Stories✦Original Music✦Original Characters✦Black-Owned IP✦Houston, TX✦For All Ages✦
What we do
A publishing house, a music studio, and a media company — under one roof.
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Music
Original scores, soundtracks, and standalone releases produced in-house. Every character world comes with its own sonic identity.
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Media & IP
Story worlds and characters built for classrooms, animation, film, television, and digital.
Coming Soon
On the shelf, soon.
Two debut titles from BassNotes — one novel, one children's series. Covers dropping shortly.
Vol. 01 · Teens & Young Adults
Cosomnia
A mysterious tech-driven adventure that challenges perception, exposes buried truths, and tests the courage to see reality.
Vol. 02 · Children 8–12
Super Bass Heroes
A fun, music-filled journey that teaches teamwork, confidence, and the importance of using your talents to help others.
The Sound
Original music, produced by Torin.
Every story world at BassNotes comes with its own sonic identity, original scores, character themes, and standalone releases written, produced, and performed in-house. Beats built in Houston, for the page and the screen.
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Scores
Original scores for BassNotes story worlds and animated projects.
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Character Themes
Signature themes tied to each character in the BassNotes universe.
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Singles & EPs
Standalone releases and instrumentals complementing every book.
Original soundtracks in development
Preview Track
Mission & Vision
Mission
To create timeless stories that advance literacy, celebrate African American voices, and inspire generations through original literature, music, and media.
Vision
To create the next generation of literary classics while building one of the world's leading entertainment and education media companies — where original stories, unforgettable characters, and culturally authentic voices shape imagination, education, and culture for generations to come.
Founder & CEO
Torin
Varlack
AuthorEducatorMusician
BassNotes is the creative home of Torin Varlack — a native Houstonian creating immersive story worlds. Original literature. Original music. Original characters. One vision.
The Author
As both an author and illustrator, Torin creates God-breathed stories across age groups and genres that examine and challenge the human condition. Through compelling characters, imaginative worlds, and original illustrations, each work invites readers into stories that linger long after the final page.
The Educator
With expertise in English, Honors African American Studies, Sociology, and Psychology, Torin teaches grades 9–12 and has a proven record of improving standardized test scores, increasing reading comprehension, strengthening writing, and developing analytical thinkers. That same educational foundation shapes every BassNotes work, each intentionally built with educators and students in mind as both compelling literature and meaningful real-world experiences.
The Musician
A lifelong musician and passionate bassist, Torin's deep appreciation for the bass guitar shapes his musical identity. His musicianship extends to guitar, keys, composition, and music production. He personally writes, composes, arranges, and produces every original BassNotes soundtrack, ensuring each note serves the story with purpose, emotion, and intention.
Original literature. Original music. Original characters. One vision.
— BassNotes LLC
H
Human Made
All stories, songs & characters original — no AI generation used.
Get in touch
Let's build
something.
Partnerships, licensing, classroom orders, and press inquiries welcome.
Email
info@bassnotespublishing.com→
Studio
Houston, Texas