Quick Read
- Orville Peck announced his new EP ‘Appaloosa’, releasing November 14 via Warner Records.
- Lead single ‘Drift Away’ showcases Peck’s signature cowboy croon and cinematic style.
- Peck will headline his 7th Annual Rodeo in Pioneertown, CA, November 14-16.
- He recently finished filming the 2026 Street Fighter movie, playing Vega.
Orville Peck’s ‘Appaloosa’: A Journey Through Modern Country
When Orville Peck steps into the spotlight, there’s a sense that something unpredictable is about to happen. The masked cowboy crooner, whose voice evokes a golden era while his style shatters genre boundaries, has announced his forthcoming EP, Appaloosa, set to release on November 14 via Warner Records. This project isn’t just another collection of songs—it’s a statement, a bridge between tradition and the new frontier of country music.
The lead single, “Drift Away,” dropped alongside the announcement, instantly drawing listeners into Peck’s world. It’s a classic cowboy ballad, yet it shimmers with modern intensity, his voice “dripping like honey on the epic instrumental,” as Uproxx described. This is Peck at his finest—nostalgic yet bold, sentimental but never saccharine.
Collaboration and Evolution: Peck’s Genre-Bending Path
Peck’s recent musical journey reads like a who’s who of contemporary artistry. The past year saw him collaborate with the likes of Noah Cyrus for “Love Is a Canyon,” Kesha for “Tennessee,” and Hudson Mohawke and Tayla Parx. Each partnership pushed the envelope, culminating in his duets album, Stampede, where legends like Kylie Minogue, Diplo, Beck, Willie Nelson, Elton John, Teddy Swims, Midland, Margo Price, Molly Tuttle, and Nathaniel Rateliff joined the ride.
“Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” a cover featuring Willie Nelson, is emblematic of Peck’s approach: honoring roots while opening doors to new perspectives. This tapestry of voices underscores his mission to redefine country music, making it inclusive, experimental, and profoundly human.
“Drift Away,” however, marks a return to solo introspection. Peck paints a vivid picture of small-town ennui in the post-pandemic era—a world where longing and hope exist side by side. The track’s cinematic quality foreshadows the blending of music and film that marks this new chapter in Peck’s career.
The Seventh Annual Rodeo: Pioneertown’s Unlikely Epicenter
Peck’s commitment to community and spectacle finds its annual expression in his Seventh Annual Rodeo, set for November 14-16 in Pioneertown, California, at the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s. The event is more than a festival; it’s a curated experience. This year’s lineup includes Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Joy Oladokun, Hurray For The Riff Raff, Allison Russell, and more. Peck himself will perform three distinct sets: covers on November 14, a headlining set on November 15, and an acoustic set to close out the festival on November 16.
Beyond the music, the rodeo includes nightly afterparties and a drag brunch hosted by Meatball, transforming the dusty desert town into a vibrant celebration of diversity and artistry. Peck’s role as both curator and performer cements his status as a cultural force, blending tradition with a progressive vision for the future of country music.
From Masked Singer to Movie Star: Peck’s Role in ‘Street Fighter’
If Peck’s music is cinematic, his recent foray into film makes the metaphor literal. Just wrapped from filming the 2026 Street Fighter movie adaptation, Peck takes on the role of Vega—a masked fighter whose mystique mirrors Peck’s own enigmatic persona. In an interview with ABC News, Peck described the experience as “challenging but exhilarating,” drawing parallels between stepping on stage and stepping in front of the camera.
The move to film isn’t a departure from music, but an expansion of his storytelling toolkit. Peck’s artistry thrives on duality—between past and present, tradition and reinvention, the real and the imagined. Now, with Appaloosa and Street Fighter arriving in tandem, Peck’s universe feels larger and more unpredictable than ever.
‘Appaloosa’ Tracklist and What to Expect
The EP’s tracklist promises a range of moods and stories:
- “Dreaded Sundown”
- “Drift Away”
- “Atchafalaya” feat. Noah Cyrus
- “Maybe This Time”
- “Oh My Days”
- “My Side Of The Mountain”
- “It’s The End Of The World”
From the haunting “Dreaded Sundown” to the hopeful “Maybe This Time,” Peck’s songwriting continues to straddle the line between cinematic grandeur and raw vulnerability. The collaborations, especially with Noah Cyrus on “Atchafalaya,” hint at stories told from the margins—about longing, identity, and the landscapes that shape us.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds—not just for the music, but for the broader cultural moment Peck seems to be orchestrating. The fusion of music, film, and festival underscores his commitment to creating spaces where genre is less important than connection.
Conclusion: Peck’s Expanding Horizon
Orville Peck stands at a crossroads—his boots planted in the dust of country tradition, his eyes scanning the horizon for new creative possibilities. Appaloosa isn’t just an EP; it’s an invitation to join a journey that transcends genre, geography, and expectation. Whether on stage, in the studio, or on the silver screen, Peck’s vision is clear: music and storytelling can build bridges, spark joy, and offer solace, even in uncertain times.
Peck’s latest ventures highlight a rare kind of artistic ambition—one that refuses to be boxed in. By weaving together music, film, and live experience, he’s not just expanding his own repertoire, but challenging the country genre to embrace change and complexity. For fans and newcomers alike, ‘Appaloosa’ promises a ride worth taking.