INTERVIEW: Pictoria Vark on latest single, “Demarest” from upcoming album
If you’re on DIY music twitter, it’s probably not a surprise to hear the name Pictoria Vark. The soon-to-be 23-year-old has gained immense popularity over the past year, ringing in 2022 as the “Year of the Vark,” and 3 months in, it’s already quite obvious that the slogan is true. Her punchy, upbeat singles “Wyoming” and “I Can’t Bike” immediately built hype for the album release, promising full band accompaniment and certified head bangers. But her last single, “Demarest,” showcases the slower, more ethereal side of Pictoria Vark, and is a perfect last taste before she bestows upon us the magic and beauty that is The Parts I Dread.
“Demarest” has all the trademark Pictoria Vark qualities that Varkheads have grown to know and love: soft, forward vocals; groovy bass lines; and poetic, moving lyrics. Listening to it for the first time, I was reminded of her song “Losing,” off her debut EP Self-Titled, but upon comparing the two, it was clear that the artist’s recent exponential growth was not just in social media followers. The tightness of the backing band, production quality, and omnipresent reverb all flawlessly showcased the heavy lyrics and moving, lulling guitar and vocal melodies. While Park utilized all the instruments of a full band: drums, bass, and both electric and acoustic guitar, the presence of each flows in and out of the mix, effectively guiding the listener through a wistful indie rock daydream without being overwhelming.
“I love this song because…it is so different from ‘Wyoming’ and ‘I Can’t Bike,’ which are more upbeat,” Victoria Park said in an interview with Noisescape. “I wanted to showcase a softer single that is still just as impactful. It also creates a nice through line with Wyoming, I think they’re kind of two sides of the same coin. Wyoming is kind of about angst and anxiety about moving to Wyoming, while ‘Demarest’ is more about accepting change and being open and receiving to it, and it gives a nice preview of the narrative arc of the album without revealing too much.”
Adding to the undeniable nostalgic vibes, “Demarest” also features delicate harmonies performed by Park’s long-time friend Lauren Black of LU.
“We have been friends since we were both 12 or 13, we met at summer camp,” Park said. “She is such a dear friend and such a talented songwriter, lyricist, and vocalist. As we were doing ‘Demarest’ I just thought it would be so good with some harmonies and I asked Lauren if she’d be down to record some. It’s nice to introduce someone’s flavor and tone over yours.”
Album Art by Daní Sabando & Steven Duong
Despite being busy on tour with Squirrel Flower, Park was eager to do an interview for Noisescape. She FaceTimed in during dinner hour, from somewhere in the American Southwest, with members of the band floating in and out of the background. In addition to regularly touring as Squirrel Flower’s bassist, Park has also recently announced her tour with Pinkshift, creating a 5-month-long touring extravaganza in her schedule. When I asked how she manages her work-life balance, she lightheartedly replied, “it’s something I’m still figuring out as we speak!”
“Considering in what capacity I want touring to be a part of my life, like how much time I want to carve out for my own project and resting and being at home…all these things and how they balance together–I’m totally winging it,” Park said. “But I genuinely love playing bass for other people, sometimes more so than sitting at home and recording. It feels really rewarding to play music with other people and I think it’s such an important part of how I see myself as a musician, and I’m really lucky to be doing that.”
When asked about what she hopes listeners will take from the song, Park replied, “I hope that they’re surprised by it. I think the singles do a good job of revealing the narrative, but there’s some unexpected turns that the album takes. I don’t have a prescriptive message that I hope you get from it, but whatever it is, I hope it’s meaningful to you.”
Well, mission accomplished. “Demarest” put me right back in the Rocky Mountains, breathing in river mist, admiring life’s existence. The iconic, album-titling lyric, “there’s more to you than the parts I dread,” leaves a bittersweet taste, reminding me of long lost memories I never thought would end up in the past. It truly is the quintessential final single to showcase the magnitude of Pictoria Vark’s growth, creativity, talent, and authenticity, and leaves us all on the edge of our chairs, bracing for the album. Be sure to have a tissue box nearby when you listen, and consider adding the rainy-day anthem to your Pisces season playlists; after all, what better way to honor the Pisces queen herself?
WHERE TO FIND PICTORIA VARK
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