ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Role Model

In the ever-expanding landscape of modern pop, Role Model (AKA Tucker Pillsbury) has carved out a lane that feels intimate, mischievous, and authentic. What began as bedroom recordings during his college years has grown into a loyal following that screams his lyrics back at him every night. Known for his sharp sense of humor, vulnerable songwriting, and a voice that toes the line between polished and raw, Role Model has quickly become one of Gen-Z’s most magnetic artists.

Before the sold-out tours and viral fandom moments, Role Model’s journey had one pivotal turning point: being discovered by the late Mac Miller. At the time, Tucker was still experimenting with his sound, blending soft melodies with brutally honest lyrics. Mac heard something in him, something that stood out from the crowd, and offered his support That co-sign didn’t just validate Role Model’s talent; it gave him the confidence to pursue music fully. While Mac’s passing was an immeasurable loss to the music community, his early recognition of Role Model speaks volumes. In many ways, it feels like Tucker is carrying forward a torch of unfiltered creativity and emotional honesty.

Before the folk-pop turn of his sophomore album Kansas Anymore, Role Model’s sound leaned much closer to rap and synth-pop influences. His early EPs -- Arizona in the Summer (2017), Oh, How Perfect (2019), and Our Little Angel (2020) -- captured a lo-fi, moody energy that reflected his DIY beginnings and built him a strong underground following. These projects blended sharp lyricism with electronic textures, hinting at the versatility that would later define him.

In 2022, he released his debut full-length album, Rx, which introduced a sleeker pop polish to his music while still carrying forward the quirky, confessional edge that fans had grown attached to. With tracks centered around themes of love, desire, and self-discovery, Rx helped him break into a wider spotlight and set the stage for the sonic shift that would come with his second album, Kansas Anymore.

Kansas Anymore arrived in 2024 and marked a pivotal moment in Role Model's career. Breaking away from the synth-pop and rap textures of his earlier work, Tucker leaned into a warmer, folk-pop sound that highlighted his growth as both a songwriter and performer. The record was steeped in themes of heartbreak, healing, and self-reflection, giving fans a glimpse of a more vulnerable side that resonated deeply. The album’s success cemented him as more than a viral name and proved he could craft a cohesive body of work that carried both emotional weight and mainstream appeal.

Riding that momentum, Role Model dropped an extended version in February 2025: Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye). The expanded project featured the now-iconic “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out”, a track that exploded on TikTok and became his first entry to make noise on the Billboard charts.

With Kansas Anymore, Role Model redefined his trajectory, stepping confidently into a new chapter of artistry while pulling his fans along for the ride.

If you’ve ever been to a Role Model concert, you know that "Sally" isn’t just a song; it’s a full-blown ritual. The energy shifts the second it starts -- the crowd erupts, Tucker leans into the chaos with playful smirks and dramatic gestures, and often hands the mic over so the audience can scream every word back at him.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. At every show, Tucker brings out a special guest to be "Sally" for the night. Sometimes he’ll pull a lucky fan straight from the crowd; other times, it’s a surprise celebrity cameo. Past Sallys have included Olivia Rodrigo, Jake Shane, and even Natalie Portman, each met with wild cheers and viral fan clips. In one of his most tender gestures, he’s even invited his mom to join him onstage as Sally, making the moment feel both hilarious and heartfelt. What makes the "Sally moments" so unforgettable is that they feel like a living inside joke, one that fans are not just in on but actively a part of. For many, seeing who will become "Sally" each night is the highlight of the show, proof that his shows are as much about connection and surprise as they are about the music.

For all of Role Model’s success on stage, his TikTok presence has become its own cultural touchpoint, especially under the handle @SaintLaurentCowboy. What started as a playful outlet quickly turned into an extension of his artistry, where fans get to see the looser, goofier side of Tucker Pillsbury. On TikTok, he leans into absurd humor, deadpan delivery, and random skits that feel like inside jokes for the internet generation. The SaintLaurentCowboy persona strips away the polish of the stage, giving fans unfiltered access to the guy behind the songs — the one who doesn’t mind being a little ridiculous, self-deprecating, and endlessly relatable.

It’s also a clever move. by not taking himself too seriously online, he builds an even stronger bond with fans who see him as more than just a pop star. Instead of curated perfection, they get the same energy that makes his concerts feel like hanging out with a hilarious friend. In a digital landscape where TikTok can make or break an artist, Role Model has turned it into yet another stage.

Role Model’s journey, from bedroom demos and sold-out shows to Mac Miller’s early co-sign and TikTok virality, has been a story of evolution and authenticity. Each era has revealed a different side of Tucker Pillsbury -- the lo-fi dreamer of his EP days, the playful romantic of Rx, the heartbroken storyteller of Kansas Anymore, and the irreverent comedian behind @SaintLaurentCowboy. What ties all these versions together is a rare ability to be both deeply vulnerable and unapologetically goofy, often in the same breath. He doesn’t posture as a flawless pop star; instead, he invites fans into the messy, funny, and emotional reality of being human. That honesty has made him more than just another voice in modern pop; it’s made him a cultural touchstone for a generation that craves connection over perfection.