Orville Peck On Changing His Signature Mask: I Felt A Little Naked, But I’ve Gotten Over That Now
Orville Peck has spoken about changing his signature fringed mask and his new album Stampede in an interview with grammy.com.
order Orville Peck’s new album ‘Stampede’ here
“The fringe was sort of a pain in the ass for a lot of things, like going to dinners and things like that. So now that’s a lot easier,” Peck revealed. “When I first started doing shows with my new mask, it was a little nerve-wracking to go out and feel like I was sort of a little naked, but I’ve gotten over that now.”
“I know people feel very connected to the mask and very protective over it, but I make art for myself. So when I know it’s time to evolve and change something, that’s because I need a challenge,” the singer continued. “Something different to keep me inspired as an artist and making good art, rather than just doing the same thing over and over again, or pandering to people who expect me to be something or someone.”
Peck also talked about the Stampede single, Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other, a cover of a Willie Nelson song which featured the country great. “I couldn’t believe that Willie Nelson was singing a song about gay cowboys,” Peck says of the first time he heard it.
“I didn’t intend for it to be in the usual vein of my solo stuff,” Peck says of his approach to Stampede, which also features duets with Kylie Minogue and Elton John, among others. “The intention was that I wanted to collaborate with each of these people. So take 50 percent of me and 50 percent of whoever the other artist is, and see what we could make together, you know?”
Peck went on to discuss his love of country. “As far as what makes a country musician, I think it’s anybody who has a love for country and wants to have their perspective in it,” he added. “With all due, the most important and meaningful mechanism of country is, in fact, just storytelling.”