Even ignoring his trademark tasseled mask, Orville Peck is fascinating figure. As contributor Charlie Zaillian aptly pointed out when Peck performed at AmericanaFest, the queer Canadian country crooner released his debut album Pony last spring amid a country music landscape ripe for change from the hetero-white-dude-dominated status quo. He's a formidable performer with an immediately captivating sound that lands somewhere between, say, Roy Orbison and Morrissey. Peck is a hell of a writer too, embracing and exploring all the emotional complexities that country musicians can excel at.
While Peck was in town, he stopped by storied Music City recording studio The Sound Emporium, where he worked on recording a song that didn't make it on to Pony. The tune, called “Summertime,” is about longing for someone in spite of being physically close to them. The full-band version of the single was released April 1, along with a music video in which Peck is overcome by nature (literally).
On a break from the sessions, Peck performed an acoustic version of “Summertime,” which longtime freelance Scene photog Steve Cross filmed for the singer and his team — check that out above. Peck also took time out to sit down with aforementioned Scene freelancer Zaillian and answer a few questions. The two talked about Peck's appreciation for country music and the storytelling tools it offers him, as well as the importance of challenging the country canon. Cross also filmed a video of that, which you can see below.
Like other musicians around the world, Peck is holding off on touring for now. Though the singer has done a few livestream shows on YouTube, you'll hopefully be able to see him in person at Bonnaroo, which has been rescheduled for September. Check in with your favorite record store (operating online) or visit Peck's website for info on records and other merch.
