W.W Disposable Camera Diary 003 — Pictoria Vark on Tour, 2022
“I have no idea what ‘Year of the Vark’ means,” admitted Victoria Park of Iowa City, Iowa’s bedroom pop solo project gone full band indie rockstars Pictoria Vark, “but I love that we use it.”
“Jury's out on if it's still Year of the Vark,” they said. Well before the release of their debut album The Parts I Dread, originally shared one full calendar year ago today through Philadelphia-based label Get Better Records, the phrase “Year of the Vark” was already being tossed around liberally by friends and fans alike. Those predictions were proven right almost instantly, as Pictoria Vark has seen explosive growth and a deluge of tour dates with seemingly no end in site, but when does that year end? “Some have opted for Decade of the Vark, but I'm happy to pass the torch until it's time to reignite it. It's like the Chinese zodiac maybe — it comes in cycles. Not every moment has to be your moment, but it is sweet to really claim the ones that are yours.”
At that same time one year ago today, Wormbrain World posted our Peer Reviewed piece on the album, then sent two disposable cameras to the band to bring with them on a future run of shows! You can see what developed from both cameras below in what is now our third W.W Disposable Camera Diary investigation.
The gallery below includes photos from Pictoria Vark camera #1:
“These photos are from the tour we did last fall with Sweet Pill and La Dispute, which was an unreal experience to be on. I grew up listening to La Dispute and couldn't believe they wanted to take a chance on my little project,” Park shared. “It was my first full U.S. tour and the first time I had ever played to crowds that size with my solo project. I felt like I was trying to figure out how to be ready for it as it was happening; the learning curve was like, Kingda Ka steep, but I'm unbelievably grateful to have learned so much and hold so many fond memories from it all. Miss you all if you're reading this.”
“Getting the chance to get really comfortable on stage and own it has been so huge for me,” they continued. “I'm not a trained singer by any means and sometimes can feel awkward in front of a mic and it has pushed me to really get over that — or at least have better command of the small clubs we play now, knowing I have handled crazier shit.”
“Not every moment has to be your moment, but it is sweet to really claim the ones that are yours.”
Asked about how she feels about songs from the album after playing them so often since, Park told us, “‘Demarest’ is one that has become really healing for me to play live. Telling myself out loud ‘there's more to live for than I know yet’ has helped me stay open to the future and not fear it. I also draw out some of the pauses there to really stop and look at the audience, which helps me be really present if only for a moment. It can be really easy to check out and let the days bleed together, especially on a two month tour, so that routine and practice was super grounding.
“‘Out’ has become the real showstopper across the board, which has been so fun to play live and really let it rip. I play with so many different guitarists and this one leaves so much room for their own interpretation and I love that aspect too, being able to hear the character my friends who are great players bring to the table.”
Varkheads with keen eyes will notice a theme of goats following Pictoria Vark — and no, we’re not talking about the G.O.A.T. herself, Victoria Park! Not only is there a good amount of goat photos on one of these disposable cameras, but there is even one on stage with the band.
“My stuffed goat is Greg. I him after I got in two back to back car accidents last year and needed some emotional support. He's become a really essential part of the touring crew and set decoration. I think it brings out something sweet — reminds people of their childhood buddies and brings a softness out in others. It's also, like, I don’t know, an allegory of being vulnerable onstage or something like that,” they said.
“I guess it is kind of a PV thing. I like that goats are always jumping on shit and falling down and getting back up again; very resilient little guys. On the La Dispute tour we had a book that said "leave a note or draw a goat" at the merch table, which is one of my favorite keepsakes from tour. Jo and I both want to pick a goat from there to get tattooed.”
In some of the most shocking news we’ve published to date, Park confessed, “I have to come clean here - one of the expired cameras sent from Wormbrain got lost at Warsaw in New York. We forgot it sidestage and then Brad and Corey took a selfie on it and put it back. It has yet to be found, so the other half of the photos are from a regular film camera I had. If anyone ever found a missing Kodak disposable camera, get in touch with me — victoriaparkbass at gmail dot com.”
“That said, I think the expired look rules. I love that you never know what you're going to get until all is said and done.”
We love that too.
The gallery below includes photos from Pictoria Vark camera #2:
“Sean Mccall took this one and I am astounded everyone fit in the frame. It's like the DIY emo version of that Ice Spice baroque painting photo. The composition is amazing.”
“Not my favorite in terms of looks, but reminds me of a good time. I had the best banh mi in Vancouver and just walked to this local square and had a lovely quiet moment to myself. It's to spend time by yourself on tour; really enjoyed that.”
W.W: What is Wormbrain?
PV: Wormbrain is Greg’s new best friend.
W.W: Thank you for sharing with Wormbrain.
Pictoria Vark’s The Parts I Dread was released one year ago today via independently owned record label Get Better Records on April 8th, 2022.
