Orville Peck, the trailblazing gay country artist, is set to release his most personal work yet with the upcoming album Mule. This 13-track chronicle delves into the darkest year of his life offering a raw and ambitious narrative of his journey through addiction, rehab, and self-discovery.
The album’s third track, Already Gone provides a glimpse into Peck’s initial days in rehab. In this song, he candidly admits his reluctance to accept his struggles, reflecting on his arrogant mindset during that period. The accompanying music video, directed by Austin Peters, juxtaposes the harsh reality of rehab with a lighthearted musical tone, mirroring Peck’s internal conflict.
Peck’s Descent and Turning Point
Peck’s journey was marked by a series of personal crises, including a breakup with his partner and a deep dive into addiction. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone he revealed, “I was in one of the worst places in my life, for sure.” His struggle reached a critical point when he attempted to take his own life, a moment he describes as a big turning point in his life.
The music video for Already Gone features recurring characters played by Noah Cyrus, Allison Russel, and Cathy Cooper, who represent figments of Peck’s mind. These characters have appeared in previous videos, adding a layer of continuity to Peck’s narrative. The video skillfully blends the harsh reality of rehab with moments of flair and dancing, pulling viewers into the power of Peck’s emotional journey.
The Making of ‘Mule’
Mule is a chronological story of Peck’s worst year, detailing his descent into addiction, his time in rehab, and his path to sobriety. The album explores the divide between Peck’s larger-than-life persona and the man behind the mask, offering a deeply personal look at his struggles with love, loss, and identity.
The album features a mix of classic country storytelling, bluegrass, and expansive Americana, showcasing Peck’s versatility as an artist. Produced by Jay Joyce and written by Peck with Jacob Portrait, Already Gone features Peck’s five-piece band alongside guest musicians Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secor, and Ry Jennings.
Peck’s Tour and Philanthropic Efforts
In support of the album, Peck will embark on the Man Turned Mule Tour kicking off in San Francisco on September 12 and running through November. As part of his commitment to giving back, Peck has pledged to donate one dollar from every ticket sold on the North American dates to the Trevor Project an organization dedicated to providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people.
With Mule set to release on September 18, fans can expect a powerful and deeply personal album that chronicles Peck’s journey through resilience, redemption, and self-discovery. Whether you’ve had similar experiences or not, Peck’s powerful lyrics and musicality are sure to resonate with listeners.
