Jan 23 2024 60 mins 1
Today we're diving into the remarkable journey of Orville Peck, who is best known as a one-of-a-kind country artist who's been captivating hearts with his soulful music and creative, inclusive spirit.
Our story with Orville begins with an unexpected connection that occurred during the heart of the pandemic. He and Genevieve met via Diplo at Joshua Tree Acres, where Secular Sabbath holds the annual May retreat. Peck remembers this experience well, as his music is often inspired by the desert, specifically the hauntingly beautiful Joshua Tree landscape. This environment has become a source of solace for Orville, reminding him of his South African homeland. Even though he had moved to California a decade ago, the desert's solitude and stark beauty struck a chord in him connecting him back to his roots.
Life outside of South Africa meant dealing with the challenges of being an immigrant and navigating cultures far different from his upbringing. Yet, he has always embraced ‘an escapist personality,’ throwing himself into a world of music. Orville's musical journey has taken him through various genres. He even toured with punk bands, reminiscing here about the days of driving 13 hours with drums in his lap, playing at empty bars, and crashing on people's floors. These, he reflects, have been some of the happiest days of his life.
Orville's unique voice and deep love for music led him to explore classical British theater training, where he discovered a truly distinctive low voice. He decided to weave country music with avant-garde elements, pulling inspiration from David Bowie and seeing how that perspective could apply to country music. Orville’s blend of musical influence and knowledge is diverse, and it is reflected in his songs. He educates us on how country music comes from around the world, such as the banjo being brought into play by slaves, fiddles from Irish farmers, inspiration from gospel, and Mexican cowboy culture. He reveals the deep worldly history of country music.
Yet, Orville has faced resistance and criticism from country culture, questioning his authenticity as a country artist. The notion that country music is reserved for a certain type of person hasn’t detered him. Orville describes himself as a classic country artist.
However, his music has reached mainstream culture, with songs like ‘Dead At Night,” featured on the hit show "Euphoria." He shares the history of where this song came from, touching back on the loneliness he experienced in his sexual identity within straight punk community. However, Orville didn't set out to intertwine his sexuality with his music. He dislikes the label of "queer country.”
The podcast episode delves into Orville's experiences with friendships, his late entry into queer communities, and how these connections not only made him feel more accepted, but also boosted his confidence in embracing his uniqueness. He's learned to collaborate with others and appreciates how his career has allowed him to support both himself and his family, and grow beyond his wildest dreams.
Orville Peck's journey is a testament to the power of staying true to yourself and pushing boundaries, regardless of the challenges and expectations you might face. It's a story of artistry, authenticity, and the strength to continue to follow one's own path. Enjoy!
