Orville Peck Calls Out Country Music's Gatekeepers: Is Homogenization on Its Way Out?

Orville Peck is shaking up the country music scene with his upcoming EP, Appaloosa, and he has plenty to say about the genre’s progress. In a candid interview, Peck reflects on how he’s returning to his roots and creating music that resonates with him personally rather than adhering to any preconceived notions of what country should sound like. His collaborations with stars like Noah Cyrus and Willie Nelson have fortified his confidence, but he still dreams of one day working with Dolly Parton, the ultimate icon.

Peck also shines a light on the growing diversity within country music, expressing optimism that artists from varied backgrounds are increasingly feeling validated in their creative expressions. Despite this, he reasons that progress isn’t without its challenges, pointing out the persistent gatekeeping in the industry that strives to maintain traditional norms. An example of this tension can be seen in the Recording Academy’s decision to split the best country album category into “traditional” and “contemporary” lanes, highlighting the sonic and cultural divide within the genre.

As the conversation unfolds, Peck emphasizes that while progress is being made, there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure that country music continues to evolve and embrace all its voices. With all this in mind, it makes you wonder—will the traditionalists ever let go of their grip on what they believe country should be?