Daniel Pitout, formerly of Nü Sensae, has undergone a musical metamorphosis into the mysterious persona of Orville Peck, a masked country crooner. His enigmatic image and melancholic melodies have propelled him into the spotlight, alongside his advocacy for AIDS awareness and candid portrayal of personal struggles.
Daniel Pitout is a South African singer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known for his songs and albums such as Spit Gifting, That’s My Man and Eat Your Mind. He is the former drummer of the famous Canadian band Nu Sensae.
This band is synonymous with queercore or queer rock. In recent years, however, Pitout has taken on a new image, covering his face with an exemplary mask. His current fascination, under the new name Orville Peck, has recently become the subject of much independent country music and American talk.
The current incarnation has succeeded in garnering a cult following. The singer, who performs with his face hidden behind a fringed mask, seems like a personality destined to stay on the fringes of pop culture.
Critics and fans alike are always ready to mistake his fashionably atmospheric music mixed with Western imagery. However, Peck/Pitt, who now never appears without a mask, is quite coy about his age and upbringing.
Read more about him in the breakdown below; starting with deciphering the mysterious answer to the question of whether Daniel Pitout and Orville Peck are the same people. Find out all about his early life, music, popularity, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Daniel Pitout, known for his work with Nü Sensae, has reemerged as Orville Peck, a masked country singer.
- Peck’s enigmatic image, marked by a leather mask with fringes, has captivated audiences and critics alike.
- Transitioning from punk and grunge to indie country, Pitout’s transformation into Peck has brought newfound fame.
- Pitout/Peck is vocal about AIDS awareness and has founded the AIDS Day Music Project to promote HIV/AIDS awareness through music and art.
- Peck’s journey includes battles with depression, reflected in his cathartic music-making process.
Daniel Pitout Is Orville Peck
Some sources indeed claim that Orville Peck is Daniel Pitout and vice versa. And some internet-curious people have identified Peck as Daniel Pittout, former drummer of the Vancouver punk band Nü Sensae.
At a Troubadour concert in 2016, Peck’s manager called him Daniel – the first half of the name that appears in published reports from London’s West End, where Pitout performed in a musical comedy based on Peter Pan in 2016.
Now, as Peck, Pitout always wears a mask, at least when performing. Peck’s mask and theatrical stage presence catch the audience’s attention right away.
The top half of the mask is made of leather, and hanging from the bottom is a row of long fringes which he sometimes braids on either side to reveal his rough chin – his unforgettable look is something between a Lone Ranger and a BDSM enthusiast.
Why Does Daniel PitoutWear A Mask?
Daniel Pitout once said of his famous mask that he studied them as an art form for two years and believes there is a misconception about face coverings. The artist, who is about 12 centimeters tall, claims that his mask allows him to go on stage. It also makes it easier for the queer music icon to be open, honest, and vulnerable with what he sings about and what he says.
Daniel Pitout Is A Native Of Johannesburg, South Africa
Born on 6 January 1988, Daniel Pitout grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, and he still considers the city his home. Daniel says he grew up in South Africa north of Sophiatown (an enclave of black youth devastated by apartheid). Peck lived there until age 15.
Pitout had no formal musical training as a child, he taught himself music by playing acoustic guitar and an old Casio keyboard. Daniel is a sound engineer’s son.
As a child, Pitout did sound design for cartoons and other media. Growing up, he also trained in ballet and performed in musical theatre for 12 years.
By the age of 20, Pitouts was touring nationally in musicals. In his mid-20s, the gay cowboy of South African and Canadian origin moved to London to study acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and later starred in a West End production.
When he was young, his grandfather was a horse sheriff in [the South African province of] KwaZulu-Natal. Peck says his grandfather was like a real cowboy, and so as a kid, Pete was obsessed with all cowboys.
Daniel Was A Drummer In Two Bands Before Becoming Orville Peck
Before the mask and the name Orville Peck Peck, Daniel Pitout was the frontman of the alt supergroup Eating Out and the drummer in the scuzzy punk band Nü Sensae. With Eating Out, Daniel released the album Burn in 2013. It was accompanied by a stellar video reminiscent of the 90s and the brilliant track “That’s My Man”.
He then performed in the show “The Buddy Holly Story” in Chemainus, British Columbia.
Nu Sensae formed when drummer Daniel Pitout and bass guitarist Andrea Lukić met in high school in Vancouver and first performed when they were 18 or 19 years old.
In the original Sensae line-up, Pitout played Vancouver house concerts. After some time, the band joined guitarist Brody Mcknight and played a total of 12 shows at the sweltering South by Southwest in 2013. In late 2012, Nü Sensae released their first three-piece record, Sundowning, on the respected Northwest label Suicide Squeeze.
Daniel Pitout After Becoming Orville Peck
Daniel Pitout first found success as the drummer of punk and grunge trio Nü Sensae, but he found new fame in 2017 when he decided to transform into gay indie country singer Orville Peck, who masquerades as a fringe mask.
Since then, he has topped the indie music charts with his debut album “Pony” in 2019 and its follow-up “Show Pony” in 2020. In July 2020, Orville announced that the release of “Show Pony” would be postponed until 14 August 2020 in recognition of the Black Lives Matter movement and protests against police brutality in the US.
After Pony and Show Pony, Pitout covered seemingly every other magazine; he appeared at Dior shows in a tailored suit and mask. Pitout or Peck has also collaborated with Canadian star Shania Twain on the song “Legends Never Die”.
In addition, the group performed at Coachella and the Stagecoach Festival in 2022. In April of the same year, he released his second studio album Bronco on Columbia Records.
The South African-born, Toronto-based singer released Bronco in three “chapters” – the first on 5 March, the second on 11 March, and the last on 8 April. He has also collaborated with former Sub Pop labelmate Bria Salmen on another album, All I Can Say.
Daniel has also lent his voice to albums by White Lung and Hunx and His Punx. He has also hosted an episode of the Netflix documentary series This Is Pop and is signed to Sony Music.
Daniel Pitout Or Orville Peck Other Achievements
In January 2019, Peck performed the song “Dead of Night” on the television show Jimmy Kimmel Live. A month after that, in June 2019, Peck’s Pony was longlisted for the inaugural 2019 Polaris Music Prize.
The album additionally received a Juno Award nomination for Alternative Album of the Year at the 2020 Juno Awards. In April 2021, the vocalist/guitarist was featured on American drag queen and singer Trixie Mattel’s EP Full Coverage, Vol. 1.
Pitout has also been featured in a cover version of the duet “Jackson” by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.
In June 2021, Orville Pitt will become the sixth artist on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way The Tenth Anniversary album, on which he will cover the country-style song “Born This Way”.
Daniel Also Speaks For Aids Awareness
Pitout has always been a supporter of AIDS awareness. Once Daniel revealed that he had lost friends and family to AIDS.
He has also used his musical networking skills to help raise money for AIDS research. In addition, he has set up the AIDS Day Music Project, a non-profit organization that promotes HIV/AIDS awareness through music and art.
The Toronto-based goth-country singer founded the AIDS Day Music Project in 2012. Pitout is also one of the few openly gay members of the DIY punk music scene and is very active and forward-thinking.
Pitout Struggled With Mental Health Issues
Daniel also struggled with depression. He wrote his second studio album, Bronco, while recovering from a very, very deep depression. In March 2022, Pitout revealed that he was very unhappy during the making of Bronco.
He was almost ready to stop making music altogether. Moreover, he was basically in the worst state. But as soon as he decided to start writing Bronco, he felt incredibly cathartic, liberating, and “kind of like therapy”.
Pitout says that he cried a lot while writing Bronco.
Other Facts
- Daniel Pitout loves 90s teen movies and admits to watching a lot of them as a child.
- Pitouts drew inspiration from these periods for his music video That’s My Man.
- In 2013, he was one of the OUT 100 most eligible bachelors.
- He has also worked in the theatre, having been a professional actor for a long time at the West End Theatre in London. Before that, Pitout worked as a professional dancer. He admits that he has almost always worked exclusively in the creative field.
- He is also a big fan of John Waters and Gus Van Sant.
- Pitout has also composed the soundtrack for the 2022 film Scream, the HBO series Euphoria, and others.
| Real Name | Daniel Pitout |
| Nick Name | Daniel |
| Famous As | Singer |
| Age | 36 years old |
| Birthday | NA |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Birth Sign | NA |
| Nationality | American |
| Sexuality | Gay |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | approx. 6 ft 2 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | approx. 68 Kg (158 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | approx. 44-32-38 inches |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Shoe Size | 10 (US) |
| Girlfriend | Single |
| Wife/Spouse | NA |
| Net Worth | approx. $1.2Million |
FAQs
Who is Daniel Pitout?
Daniel Pitout is a South African singer-songwriter and musician. He is known for his work with the band Nu Sensae and his solo career under the name Orville Peck.
Is Daniel Pitout the same person as Orville Peck?
Yes, Daniel Pitout and Orville Peck are the same person. Pitout adopted the stage persona of Orville Peck in recent years, known for his signature fringed mask and baritone vocals.
What kind of music does Daniel Pitout make?
Daniel Pitout, played drums for the queercore band Nu Sensae. As Orville Peck, he creates country and Americana music with a melancholic and thematic touch.
Why does Orville Peck wear a mask?
Orville Peck has never explicitly stated why he wears a mask. He has said that it allows him to focus on the music and create a sense of mystery and theatricality.
What are some of Daniel Pitout’s most well-known songs?
Daniel Pitout, his contributions as a drummer are part of Nu Sensae’s work. As for Orville Peck, some of his popular songs include “Dead of Night,” “No Glory in the West,” and “Hope You’re Happy Now.”
Does Daniel Pitout have any other projects besides music?
Yes, Daniel Pitout founded the AIDS Day Music Project, a non-profit organization raising awareness about HIV/AIDS through music and art.
Where is Daniel Pitout from?
Daniel Pitout was born in South Africa but his musical career has primarily taken place in Canada.
What are some interesting facts about Daniel Pitout?
He is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
He is known for his DIY approach to music, often self-producing and releasing his work.
He has collaborated with various artists, including Lady Gaga and Shania Twain.
What is Daniel Pitout’s age?
Daniel Pitout is known for being private about his personal life, and his exact age is not publicly available.
Is Daniel Pitout still making music?
Yes, Orville Peck, Daniel Pitout’s musical persona, is still actively creating and performing music.
Where can I find Daniel Pitout’s music?
Orville Peck’s music is available on major streaming platforms and can be purchased on his website and various online retailers.
Can I see Daniel Pitout perform live?
Yes, Orville Peck regularly tours and performs live. You can find upcoming tour dates on his website or social media platforms.
How did Daniel Pitout become interested in music?
There is not much public information available about Daniel Pitout’s early life and his initial interest in music.
What are some influences on Daniel Pitout’s music?
Orville Peck has cited various influences, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Leonard Cohen.
What are some awards or recognition has Daniel Pitout received?
Orville Peck has been nominated for various awards, including the Juno Awards for his music videos and Country Album of the Year.
What is the meaning behind the name “Orville Peck”?
The meaning behind the name “Orville Peck” has never been officially explained by Daniel Pitout, adding to the mystique surrounding his persona.
What is Daniel Pitout’s relationship with the band “Eating Out”?
Daniel Pitout was the drummer for the band “Eating Out” earlier in his musical career.
How did Daniel Pitout transition from playing drums to becoming a solo artist?
The specific details of Daniel Pitout’s transition from drummer to solo artist are not widely known.
Does Daniel Pitout use social media?
Orville Peck maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
What are some fan theories about Daniel Pitout?
Due to the mysterious nature of the Orville Peck persona, various fan theories are circulating online. However, it’s important to be mindful of the line between speculation and respecting personal privacy.
