Orville Peck’s Sobriety Routine Leads to ‘Mule’ and the Hollywood Bowl

On Friday, Orville Peck will release his highly anticipated new album, Mule, and headline a concert at the historic Hollywood Bowl. The masked country music artist and actor made the decision to get sober three years ago, a transition that reshaped his personal life and creative output. Mule explicitly chronicles his path to recovery.

Peck first gained widespread recognition with his 2019 debut album, Pony, and followed it with 2022’s Bronco. His signature fringed masks evoke classic outlaw country aesthetics, while his distinct baritone voice has established him as a prominent figure in contemporary indie country.

Los Angeles has been central to Peck’s identity and ongoing recovery. He has lived in the city on and off for 18 years, met his partner there, and found a community supportive of his lifestyle. The city’s active, fitness-oriented culture has also suited his sobriety, giving him what he calls “appropriately obsessive company” among residents committed to daily gym routines, swimming, and local recovery groups.

His routine starts at 5 a.m., a habit maintained since childhood. Peck begins with 20 minutes of Transcendental Meditation, or TM, followed by 30 minutes of journaling. Introduced to the West in the late 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the silent, mantra-based practice was adopted by Peck after he observed its positive effects on his partner.

By 7 a.m., hydration and caffeine take priority. Peck carries a large, time-marked water bottle throughout the day to meet his hydration goals, along with a large iced coffee.

An hour later, he visits a public pool to swim laps. Peck grew up in South Africa, where physical education and sports are heavily integrated into the youth curriculum, and he excelled in swimming early on. He revived the practice over the past year and now uses swimming as his primary form of cardiovascular exercise, preferring it to traditional gym equipment such as treadmills.

The Hollywood Bowl performance will be a homecoming at the 17,500-seat amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills. The venue has been a cultural landmark in Los Angeles since it first opened in 1922.

After swimming, Peck returns to his Hollywood Hills home to meet his partner, walk their dog, and shop for groceries. He often goes to Gelson’s, Ralphs, and Whole Foods for fresh produce to use during the week.

Peck cooks at home five to six nights a week, drawing on his past experience in the restaurant industry. He organizes a set weekly menu and specializes in slow-cooked dishes, including stews and curries, that build flavor over several hours.

The first two years of sobriety involved trial and error as Peck balanced therapy, mindfulness, and everyday obligations. His earlier life had been chaotic and unhealthy, and over time he developed a strict but sustainable daily routine to keep himself grounded.

At 2 p.m., he moves to weight training, either at home or in a gym. His fitness regimen expanded significantly last year while he was filming a role in Legendary Entertainment’s upcoming live-action feature film adaptation of the video game franchise Street Fighter in Australia. The part required months of intensive physical preparation and martial arts training, which Peck has incorporated into his standard workouts to prevent monotony.

Mental health remains a priority later in the day. At 4 p.m., Peck typically attends a 12-step recovery meeting, drawing on the extensive network of in-person and online meetings available throughout Southern California.

On weekends, Peck and his partner take a break from cooking by ordering takeout or dining out with friends. Their favorite local establishments include the Vietnamese restaurant Sisters Cafe and the Italian eatery Jon & Vinny’s.

Peck prepares for sleep by 9 p.m. and aims to be in bed by 10 p.m. for his early morning schedule.

He emphasizes that flexibility and self-compassion are essential to long-term sobriety. Instead of following a rigid, militant schedule every day, Peck allows time for rest when needed, balancing discipline with flexibility as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.