Occasionally, we get a social media star on TikTok who becomes well-known in the music world, like Role Model. We also get musicians who have a large presence on TikTok. Tucker Pillsbury, or Role Model, over the past few years, has become known for his songs. His most recent is ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.’ He has been writing since about 2017, but has developed a much larger following over the past several years.
Role Model’s Start
Born just outside Portland, Maine, in 1997, Tucker had a quiet childhood. His family was into music, and he grew up listening to rock and blues. He attended college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focusing on film production. While he was at college, Tucker became interested in music.
Tucker’s interest in music led to him writing some rap songs and collaborations with a few artists like the late Mac Miller. It became a little difficult to balance his burgeoning love for music with his college grades, so eventually he left college to pursue music in California.
While in California, Tucker wrote more songs, some of which fell in line with rock and pop genres. He worked with stars like Julia Michaels, featured on a song from her ‘Inner Monologue Part 2’ album. Tucker had adapted the name ‘Role Model,’ taken from the 2008 Paul Rudd film Role Models.
Role Model and Emma Chamberlain
In 2020 Tucker met Emma, a well-known TikTok influencer. The two were in a relationship for about three years. She was the inspiration for his most recent album, ‘Kansas Anymore.’
Turning Experience Into Creativity
In ‘Kansas Anymore’, he drew upon not only his breakup with Emma, but also his life experiences. He has dealt with depression, both a ski and skating injury, and is a type 1 diabetic. He has indicated that he finds beauty in writing about pain and even homesickness. Role Model’s creativity shows through in nearly everything he writes. Stand out songs are ‘Something, Somehow, Someday’ and ‘If Jesus Saves, She’s My Type.’
It’s clear to see the influence that Role Model gleans from both Bon Iver and the late great Elvis Presley. Most of his songs reflect a story which either originated from deep pain or a life lesson learned. Role Model’s lyrics are both relatable and reminiscent of struggles so many of us have faced.
To Sum Up
Role Model has not just brought poignancy into his lyrics; he melds genres, and his music is a window into his life. Successful songs like ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’ and his tour with Gracie Abrams have solidified him as an upcoming force in the music industry.
