Orville Peck has always had a flair for the theatrical. The Grammy-nominated singer—known for his ever-present mask, bold charisma, and sweeping songwriting—has created one of the most memorable artistic personas in recent memory, marrying soul-baring songwriting with an enigmatic image. Earlier this year, Peck shed his signature mask to take on a new dramatic role: as the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’, in which he made his Broadway debut. Peck’s performance as the Emcee generated glowing reviews over his 16-week run, marking an exciting new era for an artist who has already proven himself keen to evolve in both theatre and his own music. In November, Peck released a seven-track EP, ‘Appaloosa,’ that included an homage to the 1972 ‘Cabaret’ film, in a fitting signifier of his recent evolutions as a performer.
Peck is now bringing that versatility to a collaboration with W Hotels, as the latest star of their ongoing “Hotel Tales” series. Just as Peck’s onstage persona invites audiences into a world of theatricality, grit, and romance, W Hotels’ immersive environments provide an ideal setting for individual expression and sweeping adventure. “Hotel Tales” has featured some of today’s most exciting creatives at W Hotels locations around the globe, and their collaboration with Peck places him at the recently transformed W Austin, in a playful short film that depicts him chasing a lost mask around the hotel.
Schön! spoke to Peck about life on the road, his collaboration with W Hotels, and more.
Over the years of touring, how has travelling inspired or influenced your music?
Having the opportunity to travel, tour, and experience new parts of the world has been instrumental to who I am as an artist. Each destination and experience on the road gives me a new perspective that I hold onto. Meeting people from all walks of life inspires me for my music and projects. There’s a rhythm I get into when travelling that feels a lot like music, always searching for the next inspiration.
What drew you to this collaboration with W Hotels?
Hotels are fascinating, in-between spaces. You arrive, you settle, you move on – and for a moment, you’re part of something transient yet meaningful. W Hotels has an energy that’s alive, bold, and always evolving. It’s the kind of environment where stories take shape, and I wanted to be part of that.
The “Hotel Tales” series reflects how the W Hotels brand is constantly evolving. Have you found that different environments have inspired evolutions or new directions in your own work?
Yes, without a doubt. When I’m in a city like Austin, there’s this buzz – an energy and creativity that pushes me to try new things and take chances. Other times, being somewhere remote and quiet helps me slow down and reconnect, blocking out the outside noise. Your surroundings seep in whether you notice it or not, and those shifts find their way into the music.
Amidst your various projects and travelling, what steps do you take to maintain a sense of routine while on the move?
Touring can be chaotic, so I try to keep a few things constant. I like to travel with my journal, my film camera, and of course my masks. I try to carve out small moments for myself, like coffee in the morning at a shop that everyone loves or music to ground me. It’s easy to lose yourself on the road, so I rely on rituals that help me stay present, even in motion.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at a hotel?
Even though the stay is temporary, I like to make the space my own. I’ll put on some music (the rooms at W Hotels always have an incredible sound system) and unpack. It’s about settling in and letting the room feel like a temporary home away from home for me.
Where do you want to visit next?
I’ve got my eye on W New York – Union Square. It’s such an iconic property that’s been newly redesigned, and I like the idea of experiencing the brand’s roots in one of my favourite cities.
Learn more about W Hotels at w-hotels.marriott.com and check out more Hotel Tales on Instagram.
interview. Juliana Ogarrio
