As 2020 comes to a close, we’re ready to ring in a new year. Along with all of the unavoidable end-of-year memes, there’s a lingering hope around the start of 2021. As we’re all gearing up for a new year, we here at Alternative Press are preparing for our most monumental year to date. In an AltPress first, we’re honored to welcome LGBTQ+ and country icon Orville Peck to his debut AP cover.
Read more: The 50 best albums of 2020 in alternative, pop punk, metal and beyond
In a swift rise to fame, Peck was caught in a whirlwind of immediate success with his debut record, Pony, and 2020 follow-up EP, Show Pony. Despite planting his roots firmly in the country community, Peck dances on the edge of the alternative world with his groundbreaking sound and aesthetic. Effortlessly becoming a fashion icon through his fringe mask and quintessential cowboy style, Peck offers an undeniable authenticity through both his music and his message.
Read more: Here’s why Carrie Underwood is a huge fan of MGK’s new album
Although Peck has been inspired by country legends such as Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash, he’s taken the dusty road less traveled on his rise to superstardom.
In Peck’s recently released mini-documentary The Orville Peck Story, he says, “I had worked in the music world previously many years ago, and I took a big break from making music because I think I felt really disheartened. After taking a long break away from it, I gained a new confidence to just be the artist I always wanted to be. It just snowballed, and one thing led to another.”
Read more: Cassadee Pope is throwing it back with this iconic Hey Monday moment
On his debut album and EP, Peck has opened himself up to an entirely new and evolving world of country music—one that’s more understanding, accepting and larger than life. Throughout the January 2021 cover, issue 390, Peck explores his confidence and realness in a new interview and photo shoot shot by Gordon Nicholas. You can order issue 390 featuring Orville Peck here.