Man, let me tell you about this crazy weekend project I just wrapped up. It all started when I stumbled upon this music video, “Death Valley High” by Orville Peck. I’d heard the name Orville Peck floating around, but I’d never actually checked out his music. This video though, it was something else.

First off, it’s a duet with Beck! I mean, Beck! That’s a name from my younger days, and seeing him in this wild, casino-themed video was a trip. The whole thing is just so visually striking, the colors, the outfits, the desert backdrop. I was hooked from the first second.
So, I started digging. Turns out, this song is part of Orville Peck’s new duets album, Stampede Vol. 2. I guess the first single was called “Midnight Ride”. This guy is all about these collaborations, and I gotta say, it’s working for him. The music itself is a vibe, kind of a modern take on classic country with a twist. I found myself tapping my foot along, even though it’s not usually my go-to genre.
Then I went down the rabbit hole of Orville Peck himself. What a character! Always wears that fringed mask, keeps his real identity a secret. And get this, I found out his boyfriend is this guy William Mikelson, who apparently goes by Billy. It seems like Orville’s music is really about pushing boundaries and challenging norms, especially in the country music world.
- Watched the video: The visuals are a mix of desert landscapes and a glitzy casino. It’s like a fever dream, in the best way.
- Listened to the song: Catchy as hell. It’s got that classic country twang but with a modern, almost pop sensibility.
- Researched Orville Peck: Learned about his mysterious persona and his relationship with Billy. It added another layer to the whole experience.
- Checked out ‘Stampede Vol. 2’: It’s a whole album of duets! I’m definitely gonna be listening to the rest of it.
A Deeper Dive
The song itself, “Death Valley High”, seems to be about the highs and lows of West Coast nightlife. It’s got this geographical imagery thing going on, which is apparently a big deal in country music. Orville’s using the name “Death Valley” to represent both the literal heat and probably the intensity of the scene.
Honestly, this whole experience was a wild ride. I went from just watching a random music video to deep-diving into this artist’s entire world. It’s a reminder that there’s so much cool stuff out there if you’re willing to explore. I’m definitely adding Orville Peck to my regular rotation now. And Beck, it was great to see you back in action, man!