Role Model on His New Album, Working with Dakota Johnson — and a Possible Name Change
Musician Tucker Pillsbury, who performs as Role Model, has spoken about his new album, "Chuck Timely and The Hourglass," in a Rolling Stone Studio interview, discussing his musical influences, his relationship with actress Dakota Johnson, and his acting debut. The wide-ranging conversation touches on his ambivalence towards conventional pop stardom, his decision to retire a recurring stage bit tied to his breakout hit, and how the album traces a difficult period following his 2023 break-up with Emma Chamberlain.
Pillsbury said he deliberately avoids chasing "pop star" status despite making pop music, citing discomfort with trappings such as flashy outfits and backing dancers. He confirmed he has dropped the nightly "Sally" guest routine tied to his single "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out," saying fans barely reacted bar a few disappointed children. He also described the roughly two-year single period behind the new record as something close to depression, and discussed his initial reluctance to feature Johnson on the album, as well as his upcoming film debut alongside Natalie Portman in Lena Dunham's "Good Sex."
- Role Model discusses new album "Chuck Timely and The Hourglass" in Rolling Stone interview
- He retired his "Sally" stage bit; says fans barely noticed
- Album reflects tough post-break-up period; also teases film debut with Natalie Portman
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Role Model is the stage name of American musician Tucker Pillsbury, who has built a following mixing pop, rap and singer-songwriter styles. He first broke through with the viral single "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" and has since become known for candid, often self-deprecating songwriting about relationships and mental health.
His previous high-profile relationship was with fellow content creator and YouTuber Emma Chamberlain, which ended in 2023; that split has since become a recurring reference point in his music. He is now romantically linked with actress Dakota Johnson, known for films including the "Fifty Shades" series and "The Lost Daughter," who also appears on his new album. Pillsbury is separately stepping into acting himself, with an upcoming role in Lena Dunham's film "Good Sex" alongside Natalie Portman.
The wider context is a new album, "Chuck Timely and The Hourglass," which he has described as chronicling a difficult period in his life. The story matters chiefly to fans of his music and to those following the crossover between pop culture, celebrity relationships and entertainment, as it touches on how personal experiences shape his songwriting and public image.