Pictoria Vark releases album focused on endings
When Victoria Park was just 11 years old, she faced the challenge of expressing her desire to contribute songwriting to her middle school band in Cresskill, New Jersey. As the bassist in the group, Park struggled to convey this aspiration to her bandmates, particularly because she wasn’t the one on the microphone. Her childhood friend Jason Ross, who played guitar in the band, recalls a specific rehearsal when each member took turns playing their own songs. He vividly remembers that Park’s compositions stood out as superior to the rest, leaving an indelible impression on him. This marked a turning point for both of them as Ross began to realize that their band’s future was uncertain due to the disparity in songwriting quality.
Fifteen years later, and Victoria Park, now known as Pictoria Vark, has carved out a niche for herself in the music scene with her distinct brand of bass-driven indie rock, characterized by her emotive and clear vocals alongside her melodic bass guitar playing. Hailing from New Jersey but now residing in Chicago, Park released her second album, “Nothing Sticks,” on March 21, 2025, through Los Angeles-based label Get Better Records. Following her debut album, “The Parts I Dread,” in 2022, Park believes that her sophomore release showcases a refinement in her songwriting abilities and a newfound sense of control over her artistry.
To create “Nothing Sticks,” Park collaborated with Brad Krieger and her longtime drummer, Gavin Caine, at Big Nice Studio in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Introducing new elements such as trumpet, violin, cello, and autoharp, Park’s sonic palette expanded upon her traditional rock arrangements.
Park drew inspiration for “Nothing Sticks” from her extensive 150-day tour in 2022, where she not only performed with her band but also worked as a bassist for other groups. The experiences of touring allowed her to grapple with the transient nature of friendships formed on the road, which often ended abruptly. The album’s opening track, “Sara,” written in 2021, coincided with another poignant moment in Park’s life – her graduation from Grinnell College. With lyrics that reflect her fixation on endings and new beginnings, Park acknowledges that the theme of transitions runs deep within her as an individual.
One of the standout tracks on the album, “Where It Began,” serves as a testimony to a friendship that has evolved over time. Though the dynamic has shifted, Park highlights the importance of cherishing the past while embracing the present state of the relationship. This introspective approach to songwriting forms the backbone of Pictoria Vark’s music, resonating with listeners on a personal level.
Victoria Park, together with her core bandmates Gavin Caine on drums and Tori Hall on guitar, navigates the intricate emotional landscape of “Nothing Sticks” with finesse. Drawing from her musical upbringing where she was surrounded by family members who were accomplished pianists, Park’s early forays into songwriting showcase her innate talent and creativity. These formative years laid the groundwork for her collaboration with lifelong friends like Caine and Ross, who contribute to each other’s musical endeavors.
Launching her solo project, Pictoria Vark, in 2017 while studying at Grinnell College, Park has steadily honed her craft over the years. With her debut EP in 2018 and subsequent releases culminating in her sophomore album, “Nothing Sticks,” Park’s evolution as an artist is palpable. Her music, characterized by warm bass-driven arrangements and textured guitar overlays, exemplifies her growth as a songwriter and musician.
In essence, Victoria Park’s journey as Pictoria Vark encapsulates the transformative power of music, bridging introspection with creative expression and resonating with audiences who appreciate thoughtful, evocative storytelling through song.