Orville Peck, the enigmatic country singer known for his masked persona and powerful vocals, is venturing into the realm of holiday music with his new single, “Happy Trails.” This might seem surprising, as Peck himself admitted in an interview with PEOPLE at Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry event in Nashville on October 4th that he doesn’t typically enjoy holiday music. However, he was drawn to the melancholic undertones of some classic Christmas songs, inspiring him to create a tune reminiscent of Bing Crosby’s wistful melodies.
“Happy Trails,” a melancholic ballad, explores the theme of longing and separation during the holiday season. Peck sings of being away from a loved one, wishing them “happy trails ahead” while acknowledging the bittersweet reality that “nothing’s ever easy and love is hard to find.” Yet, a glimmer of hope permeates the lyrics, as he emphasizes that finding love even once makes all the struggles worthwhile.
Peck’s personal Christmas traditions are as unconventional as his approach to holiday music. He shared with PEOPLE that he and his partner have established a unique tradition of spending Christmas Day traveling. Each year, they fly to a new destination, embracing the quiet magic of nearly empty airports and airplanes. This year, their journey will take them to India.
This wanderlust spirit contrasts sharply with Peck’s childhood Christmases in South Africa. He recalled spending the holiday during the scorching summer months, celebrating with presents and swimming in the pool – a far cry from traditional North American winter festivities.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(705×134:707×136)/Orville-Peck-Says-Hes-Heartbroken-to-Cancel-Upcoming-Shows-062223-2-099786d0c25f4a0f9f997081868696ab.jpg)
Orville Peck at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 finale in Los Angeles, April 2023. This image reflects Peck’s presence in popular culture beyond country music.
Beyond holiday music and traditions, 2023 has been a significant year for Peck. He received the prestigious GLAAD Vito Russo Award and released his third studio album, “Stampede.” This album features collaborations with iconic artists such as Willie Nelson and Elton John, a testament to Peck’s growing influence in the music industry. He expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the opportunity to work with artists he has idolized his entire life.
Peck’s journey in country music as an openly gay man has not been without its challenges. In a previous interview with PEOPLE, he revealed facing prejudice and skepticism, with some people outright dismissing his aspirations. However, Peck persevered, driven by his passion and refusing to let others define his path. His determination underscores his commitment to authenticity and breaking down barriers within the country music genre.
Central to Peck’s identity is his signature fringed mask. He explained that the mask is not about creating a character but rather embracing the theatrical heritage of country music. It allows him to merge his vulnerable songwriting with a visually striking performance style, drawing inspiration from iconic masked figures like the Lone Ranger. This unique blend of vulnerability and theatricality has become Orville Peck’s trademark. His new Christmas single, unconventional holiday traditions, and unwavering commitment to his artistic vision continue to solidify his status as a unique and influential force in contemporary country music.
