ROLE MODEL is the stage name of Tucker Pillsbury, a fairly new artist emerging onto the alternative pop scene. Unlike many musicians, Pillsbury wasn’t initially pursuing music. Although he was influenced by Elvis as a child, he initially decided to pursue film at Point Park University after graduating high school.
However, he broke his wrist multiple times during freshman year from various accidents and was confined to his dorm during the recovery process. His roommates had left some music equipment in the dorm, and Pillsbury decided to record multiple rap mixtapes. After dropping out of college due failing grades, he started pursuing music full time. First going by the stage name “Tucker”, he released Since When in early 2016. In June 2016, he switched to the name “Dillis” and dropped his debut album, Moth. After changing his stage name yet again in 2017, Pillsbury finally became ROLE MODEL and moved from rap to alternative pop.
After being signed on by Interscope Records in 2018, ROLE MODEL released his EPs oh, how perfect in 2019 and our little angel in 2020. He has also released two albums – Rx in 2022 and Kansas Anymore in 2024. ROLE MODEL mainly sticks to using his own vocals for songs, but he has collabed with Julia Michaels, Benee, and Lizzy McAlpine since beginning his musical career. Most of his songs have an indie feel with underlying rock influences. A melancholy twist also adds to the vibe of a majority of his songs.
His earlier EPs aren’t as cohesive, and reflect ROLE MODEL’s newness to the music industry. While he stays within the alternative/indie pop genre, he also explores different backtracks, intros, and instrumental combinations. However, compared to his later albums, oh, how perfect and our little angel feature more classic pop-centered songs.
While Rx looks like a more sad album, it actually explores the start of a new relationship and the excitement that comes with it. Rx is more pop-focused, with subtle techno backtracks. Many of the songs are slower, but the funky techno helps add interest to the song. Many of the more upbeat songs have catchy choruses, however this album does harness a darker feel than his earlier works.
Kansas Anymore is also a bit of an oxymoron, as it mourns a relationship that has ended but does so through rather upbeat songs. Instead of being resentful towards the relationship, ROLE MODEL comprises songs that look back on it fondly and wish his ex the best. This album leans more towards country (hence the cowboy hat on the album cover) and has a more folk song-feel at the center of the songs. Following the folksy vibe, this album is very guitar based with raw vocals. These songs feature more clever lyrics, not ideal for sing-alongs, but you’re definitely going to remember ROLE MODEL’s wordplay.
My Top Ten:
- Writing’s on the Wall (Kansas Anymore)
- blind (our little angel)
- Superglue (Kansas Anymore)
- who hurt you (Rx)
- hello! (oh, how perfect)
- Deeply Still in Love (Kansas Anymore)
- for the people in the back (our little angel)
- Something, Somehow, Someday (Rx)
- going out (our little angel)
- better the first time (our little angel)
For fans of COIN, Benson Boone, beach weather, and Peach Tree Rascals.
