What To Know
- The stage name “Role Model” (stylized in all caps) is a playful nod to the 2008 comedy film Role Models starring Paul Rudd—though Pillsbury has joked in interviews that it’s not as deep as fans might think.
- Released on February 14, 2025, as part of the deluxe edition Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye) of his sophomore album, it’s an upbeat indie-pop/rock anthem with 1970s influences—think twangy electric guitars, a bumping bassline, and a simple drum groove.
- Lyrically, it’s a cheeky, nostalgic recount of a one-night stand at a dive bar, with lines like “Sally, when the wine runs out / Let’s get out of this town.
Role Model, whose real name is Tucker Harrington Pillsbury, is a 28-year-old American singer-songwriter born in 1997 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Known for his introspective indie-pop and bedroom pop sound, he blends acoustic guitars, minimalist production, and candid lyrics about love, heartbreak, mental health, and self-reflection. His music often draws from personal experiences, evolving from early rap influences to a more polished pop style. Pillsbury initially studied film at NYU but dropped out to pursue music full-time, self-teaching production with home software. He’s signed to Interscope Records and has built a dedicated fanbase through viral online releases and high-energy live shows.
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The stage name “Role Model” (stylized in all caps) is a playful nod to the 2008 comedy film Role Models starring Paul Rudd—though Pillsbury has joked in interviews that it’s not as deep as fans might think. His style has been compared to artists like Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Tyler, the Creator, with a focus on emotional vulnerability wrapped in catchy, nostalgic hooks.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Pillsbury’s musical journey started in 2016 as a rapper under aliases like Tucker and Dillis, releasing mixtapes like Since When and Moth. He performed locally in Maine and opened for artists like Jordan Capozzi. In early 2017, he pivoted to singing, recording his debut EP, Arizona in the Summer in his closet using basic equipment. The project went viral online, catching the ear of the late rapper Mac Miller, who invited him to Los Angeles to collaborate. This led to his Interscope signing in 2018 via Benny Blanco’s Mad Love label.
Key early releases include:
- EPs: Oh, How Perfect (2019) and Our Little Angel (2020), which explored youthful romance and anxiety.
- Debut Album: Rx (2022), a love-drenched record inspired by his high-profile relationship with YouTuber Emma Chamberlain. Tracks like “blind” and “Masturbation Song” captured the giddy, obsessive side of young love.
Pillsbury’s breakthrough came from blending DIY ethos with major-label polish, amassing millions of streams and selling out U.S. tours by his early 20s.
The Hit Song: ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’
This track is the breakout single that’s catapulted Role Model into mainstream buzz in 2025. Released on February 14, 2025, as part of the deluxe edition Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye) of his sophomore album, it’s an upbeat indie-pop/rock anthem with 1970s influences—think twangy electric guitars, a bumping bassline, and a simple drum groove. Lyrically, it’s a cheeky, nostalgic recount of a one-night stand at a dive bar, with lines like “Sally, when the wine runs out / Let’s get out of this town.”
The song exploded thanks to its live performance gimmick: During his “No Place Like Tour,” Pillsbury invites a “Sally” onstage for the bridge to dance, often surprising fans with celebrity guests. High-profile “Sallies” have included Kate Hudson, Reneé Rapp, Bowen Yang, Troye Sivan, and even enthusiastic audience members. Viral videos of these moments (like Hudson’s disco-ball-hat chaos) have racked up millions of views, making it his biggest hit to date. Fans note its nostalgic vibe, with chord progressions echoing Daft Punk’s “Digital Love” or Tom Petty’s “Wildflower.” It’s available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and the official music video dropped on YouTube in February 2025.
Recent Work and Personal Life
Role Model’s second album, Kansas Anymore (2024), marked a shift from honeymoon-phase romance to raw heartbreak, inspired by his 2023 breakup with Emma Chamberlain after three years together. The record processes the “full spectrum” of loss with tracks like “Deeply Still in Love” (a breakup banger) and “Frances” (a nod to her middle name). It’s described as a “love letter to himself,” blending melancholy with uplifting energy. The deluxe edition added “Sally” and more, tying into themes of moving on from his “quarter-life crisis” in LA.
Post-breakup, Pillsbury has leaned into touring (he’s wrapping up Europe dates) and side projects like acoustic vinyl releases for Record Store Day Black Friday on November 28, 2025. He’s open about his love-hate with Los Angeles, tattoos (including “may women rule the world”), and influences from Pittsburgh’s music scene via Mac Miller. No confirmed new relationship, but his self-deprecating humor shines through—recent X posts joke about everything from “big days for Tuck” to calling out fake 3D breast edits of himself.
Why He’s a Rising Star
At 28, Role Model embodies the “boy next door” archetype: charmingly awkward, unfiltered, and relatable in a TikTok era. With over 100K X followers (@rolemodel), sold-out arenas, and collabs with A-listers, he’s transitioning from indie darling to pop force. Critics praise his growth from self-released EPs to cinematic music videos (like the one-shot “neverletyougo”). If you love introspective bops from artists like Noah Kahan or Phoebe Bridgers, dive into Kansas Anymore—it’s the perfect soundtrack for late-night drives and questionable bar nights. Catch him live if you can; those “Sally” moments are pure magic.
