Diplo and Orville Peck talk cowboys and queerness as they lead Attitude’s May issue

The gay yee-haw agenda is alive and well in Attitude’s May issue – out now to download and to order globally – as country music’s new queer poster boy, Orville Peck, and DJ and super-producer Diplo take to the cover to talk cowboys, country, and their own special bond.

As they pose together in world exclusive shoot and interview, music’s hottest men of the moment discuss queer influence in mainstream music, the changing nature of masculinity, and how isolation and loneliness have fuelled their creativity.

Enigmatic masked singer Peck, whose arresting debut album Pony became one of the most acclaimed sleeper hits of 2019, sings the praises of Diplo – real name Thomas Wesley Pentz – as the pair confirm they’ve collaborated on the producer’s upcoming country music album.

“The thing I really like about Wes is his sense of humour”, Peck says.

Diplo and Orville Peck, shot by Taylor Miller exclusively for Attitude’s May issue, out now to download and to order globally

“My kind of sense of humour is pretty silly. And I think Wes is similar. We’re usually making fun of pop culture or things like that.”

Diplo, who turned heads when he walked the Grammys red carpet in cowboy garb alongside Peck earlier this year, is only too aware of Peck’s importance in the industry as one of country music’s few out gay stars.

“When I saw him pushing the envelope, I was like, ‘Damn, I love that.’ He forced his way in”, he enthuses.

Photography: Taylor Miller

 

“Now, everybody is paying attention. When we went to the Grammys together everybody was just pushing me out the way to get to him.

“I realised right then his impact was really big.”

Marcelino Sambé, shot by Kosmas Pavlos exclusively for Attitude’s May issue, out now

Meanwhile, Attitude’s May issue also sees The Royal Ballet’s principal dancer Marcelino Sambé appear on a special edition second cover, as the star of Swan Lake opens up about his position as one of Britain’s most successful classical dancers.

Nathan Graham, shot by Jonathan Blackburn exclusively for Attitude’s May issue

We also meet Nathan Graham – better known to you as Coronation Street’s James Bailey – as the soap star opens up about playing a closeted gay footballer and why the beautiful games’ bosses should be doing more to tackle homophobic and racist abuse.

Jack Rowan, shot by James Asastasi exclusively for Attitude’s May issue

Another actor currently exploring prejudice and identity in their work is rising star Jack Rowan, whose turn as Callum in the BBC adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s dystopian race Noughts + Crosses has kept viewers hooked.

We speak to the 23-year-old about his rapidly rising star, and how his latest role has forced him to re-examine some of the troubling structures that underpin our society. 

The incomparable Rylan Clark-Neal also swings by to have a natter and share a few of his favourite things as he prepares to return to screens in BBC One’s new fashion makover show You Are What You Wear.

Tom Kemp, shot by Markus Bidaux exclusively for Attitude’s May issue

Plus, in Active, we get pulses racing with Farm Fit founder Tom Kemp, who takes us through his more grounded approach to working out.

Cara Melle for Attitude’s May issue

It wouldn’t be an issue of Attitude without a healthy dose of lip-gloss, however, and thankfully drag star Cara Melle is on hand to keep things sweet – and a lil’ salty – as this month’s Big in a Wig.

Lypsynka for Attitude’s May issue (Photography: Steven Menendez)

Giving her a run for her money in the wardrobe department is drag performer and lip-sync artist Lypsynka, who shares some of her valuable and sometimes unexpected life lessons.

Dave the Bear, shot by Markus Bidaux exclusively for Attitude’s May issue

Another artist sharing some of themself is Dave The Bear, as the London singer and burlesque star strips off to talk body positivity and the bear scene.

Joesef for Attitude’s May issue

They’re all joined by rising star Joesef, who talks to Attitude all about bisexuality, getting over your first love, and his (protein-)rich songwriting.

That’s alongside all your usual news, reviews, fashion, travel and opinion of course…

Attitude’s May issue is out now to download and to order globally. 

Buy now and take advantage of our best-ever subscription offers: save 45% on the cover price in print, 13 issues for £19.99 to download to any device.