An Interview with Pictoria Vark
Pictoria Vark is the project of Iowa City-based songwriter and bassist Victoria Park (she/they). Victoria is also the touring bassist for Squirrel Flower and recently took up bass duties with Pinkshift for their spring tour with PUP.
Pictoria Vark self-released their debut EP in 2018 and are now following that effort up with a full length album. Their debut LP, The Parts I Dread, was released on April 8th, 2022 on Get Better Records.
The album takes you through her acceptance of “not wanting things in [her] life to change” as the lyrics reflect on scenarios and people that shaped who she is and the current place her life is at. The sometimes indirect lyricism paired with blunt statements paints a beautiful mosaic that is equal parts heartfelt, somber, optimistic, and introspective. This album pairs nicely with a rainy drive and an open heart as one wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find their own fears, ambitions, and thoughts woven throughout the fabric of this record. Standout tracks include: “Wyoming”, “Demarest”, and “Friend Song”.
Below is a brief interview with Pictoria Vark:
SS: So you were on tour with Squirrel Flower in March then jumped into a role with Pinkshift for the Pup tour this Spring. What was it like going through the chaos of release week while on the road?
PV: Getting to share the release process with friends and people who “get” the music industry was very nice. Pinkshift got me a little cake for the release so it almost felt like a birthday celebration! Aside from that, it can get hectic remembering interviews and doing timely responses to emails/messages when out on the road.
SS: Congrats on the Get Better Records signing! How did the writing and release approach for this record differ from when you worked on “Self-Titled” without a label?
PV: Get Better was a major force in encouraging me to dream much bigger for the album. My initial goal was to simply work with a tape label. I came away with something much larger that included a vinyl run and a positive Pitchfork review. Feel very lucky to have that supportive community.
SS: You mentioned that Pitchfork review. I feel like it’s a badge of honor for musicians, how does getting that review feel?
PV: Hannah (the reviewer) and I are mutuals on Twitter. I wasn’t expecting a positive review just based on our friendship, but I trusted her to be honest with it. I cried reading that review because I could tell she really sat with the record and was truthful with her impression of it.
SS: You mentioned being mutuals with Hannah. I found you through Twitter and your presence there is hilarious, interesting, and feels very personable. How does social media play a role in your life as a creative?
PV: I see Twitter as another way to practice writing (and songwriting) due to having a place to toss out any sort of thought/idea immediately. It also allows the chance for connection; I’ve connected with so many cool people in this online community.
SS: Has the journal that you jot things down in turned into song lyrics for releases or future releases?
PV: I often reword and cross out my initial scribblings. Then I’ll take the words I like and rewrite them until the lyrics are finalized. I’ve also recently gotten into sketching on the pages.
SS: Jumping into a random question. What is the background audio that plays in “Friend Song?” I really enjoy the emotional weight of it when hearing it especially in the context of the album as a closer.
PV: The audio is from various videos from friends and throughout my life and teen years. We called it the “friend collage” and panned it to feel like you’re in the middle of a room at a party. The ending of the audio is meant to feel like you’re leaving a party as the people say “good night.”
SS: What is the track you’d share with someone from this album if you had one song to reel them in with? Why?
PV: It truly depends on the person and what they’d connect with as a first time listener. I think “Wyoming” would be the best song to grab people.
SS: I heard about the 100+ tracks you had in “Wyoming” from your interview with The Alternative, what other fun production stuff did you get into with your co-producer (Gavin)?
PV: We had 25 layers of guitar on “Twin” used in different ways throughout the track. We really worked to give 110% on everything for this record. Working with Gavin was such a treat and I’m excited to keep working together on music.
SS: So what’s next for Pictoria Vark?
PV: Catch me at 80/35 Music Festival on July 8th in Des Moines. And I’ll be doing an east coast tour with Keep For Cheap via Lost + Found Touring July 10th - July 16th.
