ORVILLE PECK – PONY

Canadian country artist Orville (a pseudonym, in case you’re wondering) took the “Sia alternative route to stardom”, but instead of a wig went with a fringed mask to conceal his face. Openly gay, his debut album Pony was released in his homeland last year, garnering lots of swanky awards. This year, on the 50th anniversary of the first LGBT+ Pride Parade, Orville was named one of 50 heroes helping bring equality, acceptance and dignity for all people. None of this should overshadow his gloriously moody music, which is all lovelorn cowboy ballads like Dead Of Night and recent single Summertime. Also check out his eerie yet effective cover of Bronski Beat’s ’80s gay classic, Smalltown Boy.