Orville Peck on the Record Stampede, Meeting Harry Styles and more

A masked artist Orville Peck it’s just the same Us — he can’t stop talking Chappell Roan.
“I’m passionate about Chappell. I love it [The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess] … I think he’s very talented,” Peck, 36, said to himself Us Weekly ahead of his weekend 1 performance at the 2024 Austin City Limits music festival.
Peck and Roan, 26, rocked back-to-back sets at opposite ends of Austin’s Zilker Park on Sunday, October 6. While their performances didn’t overlap, their audiences did — both artists played to fans wearing shiny cowboy hats and waving Pride . flags.
“I think he’s very good for what he stands for and how he stands for it,” Peck gushed to her Us. “You’re really lovely.”
Peck himself knows all about standing up for something. Since releasing his first album, ponyin 2019, Peck captivated listeners with his deep voice and raw emotion, as well as his mysterious spirit. The country crooner wears a mask – “I want people to take it upon themselves,” he once told GQ Australia – and sings frankly about romance and men.
“There are millions of different types of country fans. There are a million different types of country artists. It was always there,” he said Us in Texas when asked how the brand has made strides toward more inclusiveness.
Although Peck is the shining star of country music’s next generation, he still loves the lyrics that raised him. His latest album, Stepping on each otherIt’s completely made to work with compatible features with icons like Willie Nelson, Elton John again Kylie Minogue.
One artist that’s on his collaboration bucket list? “Dolly Parton,” said Peck Us. “I feel like he and Willie Nelson are the last two great players in the country [music] and I got Willie, so I’m off.”
Scroll down for more revelations from Peck about the recording Stepping on each other and the meeting Harry styles:
Us Weekly: How does it feel to be in ACL?
Orville Peck: My favorite festival really. I played it in 2019, I believe. I just love it. I mean, I love Texas, I love Austin, and ACL always kills it with the show. I’m excited to play, but I’ve also been watching everyone all weekend. It was a lot of fun. … Teddy Swims, my friend Teddy, was amazing. Benson Boone was amazing. Glad to see Sturgill [Simpson]. That’s right, Chappell Roan.
Us: You got to work with great legends – Shania Twain, Willie Nelson, Kylie Minogue. How important is it to be accepted by those types of artists?
The Orville: It’s really amazing. You know, you’re a fan of their music first and foremost, at least I am. Starting to work with these people, that part of me is crazy because I can’t believe that until I know them, it’s not important to do something about them. It’s my favorite thing. I like to cooperate. It’s a great thing to do.
Us: Stepping on each other It’s a great album because the collaborations are so different. How did you go about choosing who to include?
The Orville: Most of them are friends, which is nice to say … but I have a lot of respect for what they do as musicians. So, that went into it. There is [also] people I’ve looked up to all my life, like Willie Nelson or Elton John, and [I’m] he was lucky to know them again. I think there [were] only about three people on the album that I don’t know before. It felt very similar to reaching out only to friends and peers.
Us: Are there any glimpses you can share about the process of recording the album?
The Orville: It was a very long process. I think it was two years in the making. Combining the schedules of 18 different artists is the worst thing ever. … It was a real mountain to climb. [Moments] the highlight, like, I got to be in the studio with Elton, which is the best because I love being around Elton John. He’s always just funny. He loves dirty jokes and it’s always the best time to be with him because he just laughs. He is the sweetest man ever. You are a good vibe.

Us: We’ve seen the country brand expand its reach over the past few years. How do you hope it will continue to be inclusive?
The Orville: That is the kind of hope that always exists about the world, and about everything, but definitely about the world. It’s become a big part of what I do and what I stand for, of course. There are a million different types of country fans. There are a million different types of country artists. It has always been there. It’s long overdue for those people to tell their stories in the mainstream and get a chance to stand out. I’m so glad that seems to be happening more and more. I want everyone to embrace their inner country vibe, because country music started from different roots, so it should be for everyone, you know?
Us: Are there any budding artists that you are passionate about?
The Orville: I don’t know if we can call him again that he’s going up, but Chappell. I’m obsessed with Chappell. I love it [The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess]very good. It’s the first time I’ve had an album that’s been remastered. I think you are very talented. I think he is very good at what he stands for and how he stands for it. You are really lovely. I was lucky enough to talk to him, and he is very nice. I really like Chappell.
Us: You’ve been very open about the amazing tour, and I know you’ve canceled shows in the past. Do you have any advice for someone like him who was put in the spotlight so quickly?
The Orville: More pressure than you can imagine. I can’t think of that level in particular. I think he is doing the right thing when he takes care of himself and puts himself first. I know sometimes that comes across to fans as ungrateful or something. But the thing is, everyone deserves a sick day. Everyone deserves to make their mental health a priority. It doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate or love what we do, but it’s impossible to ask us to be 100 percent all the time. I’m so glad that’s becoming the norm, because it’s a lot of pressure to deliver every time. No one can know that. … I canceled the show one day because my voice was lost. I’m not going to put on a good show if I can’t relax you, you know? It is important.
Us: How would you describe the crowds at festivals like this compared to your shows?
The Orville: I love playing festivals because my favorite thing is to win over people. You know, people who might have the wrong idea about the world [music]people who may have the wrong idea about my mask and the way I present myself. Or just people who don’t know who I am at all. My favorite thing is to be with people [into it] at the end. That is much better.
Us: One of the first times I got to see you live was at a Harry Styles show [in 2021]. Do you keep in touch with him at all?
The Orville: Yes, we talk often. He’s busy, obviously, but he’s her lover. When I hit him, he always responds. The thing about Harry is that he’s actually kind and down to earth, so he’s easy to talk to. He is not selfish.
Us: What are your fondest memories from those Halloween shows?
The Orville: Well … it was my first official meeting with him. They brought him into my dressing room while I was wearing my underwear. The first time I met Harry, we were just standing [there] I was having a conversation and I was completely naked and I said, “Hey, man.”
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