Artist ROLE MODEL, also known as Tucker Pillsbury (soon to be known as PEOPLE’s sexiest man and currently known as everybody’s favourite underrated alt-pop princess), has been getting his flowers, and it’s not hard to understand why. Known for his trademark charmingly self-deprecating pen and persona, the singer-songwriter has had a whirlwind of a year – maintaining his candid authenticity through live performance and the release of recent sophomore album, Kansas Anymore.
Get to know ROLE MODEL ahead of his first-time visit to Aotearoa New Zealand with his No Place Like Tour, headlining The Powerstation on February 3rd, 2025.
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His music career happened on accident…literally
It was during his freshman year of university, in the face of nasty, months-long, recoveries from back-to-back skiing and skateboarding accidents, that Tucker discovered his musical talents. He began experimenting with beats using equipment that friends left behind in his university dorm, pairing them with lyrics inspired by diary entries from his rougher period. Continuing on his self-taught journey using home software, Tucker is genrefluent. He first explored musicality through the rap genre and lofi beats before later shifting to singing and creating indie-alt pop pieces.
His special connection to Mac Miller
Tucker often cites the unmatched energy of Mac Miller coursing through the city of Pittsburgh as the undeniable electricity as his infectious inspiration from the moment he moved there years ago. It’s not the only pivotal role the late and great Mac went on to play in ROLE MODEL’s journey either. In 2017, Malcom discovered Tucker’s independently-released homemade track ‘stolen car’, prompting him to fly the young musician out to LA to work together, later co-signing him in 2017 alongside Benny Blanco.
Where the name ROLE MODEL came from
Commonly thought to be an ode to Paul Rudd’s character in the 2008 film ‘Role Models’, the stage name was simply a statement of irony Tucker landed on branding himself with. Despite its facetious origins, the ROLE MODEL identity has fostered an organic authenticity that allows for a speckled humanity that accounts for imperfection, a trademark that only grows in semblance as his career and works go on.
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He’s an Elvis impersonator
When asked about his earliest musical memories in an interview with DIY magazine, Tucker confessed: “When I was 7 or 8, I used to dress up like Elvis on holidays and perform with my aunt in front of my mom’s whole family. I used to have an obsession with him. Posters, lunchboxes, giant cut-outs and all.” So essentially, if all else fails, he’s qualified to host some Vegas weddings. This also proves he’s well-versed in being a fangirl … the merch, the decor, the captive-home-audience performances – he’s just like us for real.
He’s currently on tour
Documenting the antics through video diaries, ROLE MODEL is currently on tour with fellow breakthrough star and songwriter Gracie Abrams ahead of his headline shows next year. Tucker treats audiences to an opening set that features soft and celebratory moments from his recent sophomore record Kansas Anymore – an album that charmingly traverses the homesickness of the degradation of long-term romantic relationships in their hopes, heartbreaks and miseries. And in true ROLE MODEL style, you’ll have the best time hearing about it.
But he’s also incredible at covers
Earlier this month Tucker released a cover of The 1975’s evergreen heart wrenching hit ‘Somebody Else’ for Spotify Singles. In parallel fashion to the dreamy popscape of the original track, Tucker contrasts the lyrical devastation with upbeat acoustics and a layering of cheerful harmonies in the backing vocals. It’s also a fun nod to his work with 1975 bassist Ross Macdonald, who co-wrote and produced the song ‘Frances’ on his latest album. In a fan-fave move, Tucker also famously quips the chorus of Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ at live shows and on social media often.
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Ssh, he’s not to be mistaken for @saintlaurentcowboy …
ROLE MODEL often gets confused for an alleged impersonator/separated-at-birth twin that goes by the username @saintlaurentcowboy on TikTok. 👀 Despite the user’s focus on #community, him and Tucker have never been seen in the same room together … maybe one day they can work it out on the remix 💚
@saintlaurentcowboy♬ original sound – saintlaurentcowboy
His love for film
Originally studying film at Pittsburgh’s Point Park University, Tucker once had ambitions of producing skate videos and music videos that showcase others’ artistry through a creative visual lens. ROLE MODEL’s quality appreciation for filmmaking is obvious from reviewing his music video catalogue – with pieces that vary in style featuring home-video feels (‘a little more time’), one-shot takes (‘neverletyougo’), and palpable short film world-building (Deeply Still in Love).
He’s (nominated) the world’s sexiest man
ROLE MODEL was recently nominated in the music category of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive poll – and he’s been on the campaign trail via social media, taking the honour extremely seriously. His strategy relies not simply on good looks but also on pity, desperation, and pleas. In Tucker’s persuasive words, “the three artists that I’m going up against — Mr. Harry Styles, Zach Bryan and Shaboozey — I love them, but they have everything…some have radio hits, some have Grammys, some have clothing brands. And all of them have money. Okay? I have nothing. I am the underdog that needs a happy ending.” In the meantime he’s been enjoying the accolade of nomination, with his recent tour fits repping the news on graphic tees and all.
@people You heard @tucker … vote for the Sexiest Musician Alive at the link in our bio. 🤭 #RoleModel #SexiestManAlive #HarryStyles #ZachBryan #Shaboozey ♬ original sound – People Magazine
He’s collaborated with Kiwi artist BENEE
Back in 2019, Aotearoa’s own BENEE featured and co-wrote on the track ‘notice me’ from one of ROLE MODEL’s earlier EPs, oh, how perfect. It makes sense that two of the most down-to-earth, stylish and fun indie-pop artists have worked together, and it makes even more sense that they did so on what remains a cool and alternative hidden gem produced just as they were both approaching fresh breakthrough moments in their respective careers. She would later pop up again this year in his music video for ‘Look At That Woman.’
Check out ROLE MODEL’s discography ahead of his upcoming Aotearoa-debut below:
