For the past three decades, country music has been a genre plagued by mediocrity. Perhaps not just mediocrity, but consistent themes of bigoted messaging and cringeworthy dogwhistles are simply the norm. Of course, this is referring strictly to the watered down, tired, and dull stereotypes of pop/bro country, as the roots of outlaw and alternative country continue to thrive, even today. The unfortunate lull that the popular country scene has found itself in acts as a musical tar pit. It sucks every ounce of creative mojo from up and coming artists, and gives only bland cliché in return. However, there’s a single independent artist on the rise, who may be oddly immune from the plague-like nature of the industry. 

Orville Peck is a South-African born,  up and coming country star with a clear eclectic musical flair. Peck wears his influences on his sleeve, fusing the laidback and forlorn elements of classical outlaw country, with the powerful, crisp vocals of a blues crooner. Peck’s debut album Pony released in 2019, with a follow up EP releasing months later. This was right before Peck came out as gay, putting a new and intruiging perspective on his previous love songs. 

In April of this year, Peck released his greatest venture yet, Bronco. Bronco feels like 

Peck’s image being completed. The songwriting, singing, and aesthetics are both exquisite and pay homage to the ears of the country music that raised Orville Peck-The 70’s and 80’s. 

But why does Orville Peck matter as an artist?

As mentioned previously, Orville Peck serves as a reminder of Pop-Country’s failures. But in a way that makes his art shine ever the brighter. Representation within art is undeniably important, to represent the struggles of the minority groups within the medium. But it helps if the art is actually good. Representation within art can often be shoddy or half-baked if an artist is placed into a medium simply to meet a diversity quota. The music Peck delivers is heartfelt. It’s passionate. It’s part of a larger tapestry that connects back with the original roots of country music, but with the obvious twist of Peck’s sexual orientation. It’s a perfect combination of flamboyant vocal delivery and the simple, twangy, country instrumentals. Peck has a tambor like none other. The vocals bring the music to another level entirely, and showcase rare talent. 

It’s clear WHY Orville Peck and his music matter. He has the talent of a future legend, but the very existence that breaks barriers within an incredibly rigid and traditional genre of music. And most importantly, he has a voice that lasts.