Orville Peck and Zane Phillips Ride Into the Spotlight With “Appaloosa” Teaser

Orville Peck, known for his signature masked look and modern take on country music, is no stranger to pushing boundaries, both musically and culturally. His latest project, the "Appaloosa" EP, stands as a testament to his commitment to queer visibility in genres that have historically marginalized LGBTQ+ voices. For the promotion of this EP, Peck enlisted the help of Zane Phillips, an openly gay actor celebrated for roles in projects like Netflix’s “Glamorous” and the queer romantic comedy “Fire Island” .

In a short teaser video posted to social media, Orville Peck flirts with a shirtless and visibly sweaty Zane Phillips in a gym-inspired setting. The playful exchange, with undertones of classic cruising fantasy, sees Peck asking Phillips about his workout regimen and music preferences. Phillips, flashing a smile, reveals his fondness for country music, to which Peck responds with a flirtatious “Nice. ” The clip concludes with a snippet of “Drift Away, ” the second track from “Appaloosa” .

Orville Peck’s work is recognized for its unapologetic embrace of queer identity, weaving LGBTQ+ themes into genres traditionally dominated by cisgender, heterosexual narratives. By featuring Zane Phillips in the “Appaloosa” teaser, Peck not only spotlights queer talent but also subverts country music’s often rigid masculinity. The teaser’s gym setting and flirtatious dialogue challenge stereotypes, presenting queer desire as natural, confident, and playful .

The EP itself, “Appaloosa, ” dropped in late October 2025 and is available on all major streaming platforms . Peck’s choice to pair the music’s release with visually arresting, queer-forward promotion reflects a growing trend in the industry: centering LGBTQ+ stories without compromise or apology.

The official trailer for “Appaloosa, ” available on YouTube, credits director Austin Peters and director of photography Ian Rigby. The creative team features a range of professionals, including stylists and set dressers, with Zane Phillips prominently featured in the production . The deliberate selection of openly queer talent both in front of and behind the camera underscores a broader movement toward representation and authenticity within entertainment.

The teaser has generated buzz across LGBTQ+ media outlets, with coverage focusing on the chemistry between Peck and Phillips and the importance of queer visibility in country music. Writers at Out and The Randy Report praised the video’s playful energy and highlighted its potential to broaden acceptance of queer artists in mainstream genres .

Social media response has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans lauding both Peck’s musical evolution and his commitment to pushing boundaries. Comment sections on platforms like Instagram and TikTok are filled with affirmations from LGBTQ+ viewers and allies, many of whom express gratitude for seeing themselves reflected in popular culture .

The partnership between Orville Peck and Zane Phillips arrives at a time when LGBTQ+ artists are gaining unprecedented visibility in country music and beyond. Peck’s success follows in the footsteps of artists like Lil Nas X and Brandi Carlile, each of whom has contributed to breaking down barriers in their respective genres. The explicit embrace of LGBTQ+ themes in the “Appaloosa” promotion—particularly the normalization of queer attraction and desire—signals a shift not just in music, but in the broader cultural landscape .

For many fans, the imagery of a shirtless Zane Phillips and a masked Orville Peck exchanging flirtatious banter is more than just a promotional tool—it is a celebration of authenticity, resilience, and queer joy. The campaign’s success demonstrates a growing appetite for stories that center LGBTQ+ experiences without reducing them to stereotypes or marginalization.

As “Appaloosa” continues to gain traction, industry observers are watching to see how its success might influence future collaborations and promotions. Peck’s willingness to center openly gay figures like Phillips in his work sets a precedent for other artists seeking to merge mainstream appeal with unapologetically queer content. The creative risks taken in the “Appaloosa” teaser serve as a model for LGBTQ+ visibility, proving that authenticity resonates with audiences and can drive both cultural and commercial success .

The collaboration between Orville Peck and Zane Phillips for the “Appaloosa” EP is a landmark moment for queer representation in country music. By merging playful, flirtatious imagery with authentic storytelling, Peck invites audiences to reimagine what country music—and popular culture at large—can look like. The campaign’s broad appeal and overwhelmingly positive reception underscore the power of visibility, representation, and creativity in shaping an inclusive future for LGBTQ+ artists and fans alike.