Role model trades headphones for hooks: singer-songwriter embraces old-school fishing
Tucker Pillsbury, known to millions as Role Model, is trading the neon lights of Los Angeles for the quiet solitude of the riverbank – and he’s admitting he’s utterly clueless about it.
A sudden shift: from coachella to carp
The musician, currently crafting a ‘vibey and fun’ new album, revealed he’s taken up old-school fishing after a recent visit from his mother sparked a nostalgic urge. “She was like, ‘You don’t have any hobbies,’ and boom – fishing it is,” he chuckled over a video call. It’s a far cry from the high-octane world of sold-out festivals and viral TikTok trends that have defined his career.
Pillsbury, who rose to prominence thanks to a chance encounter with Mac Miller in 2018 – Miller championed his early track “Stolen Car” – confessed he’s yet to catch anything. “Nope,” he admitted with a laugh, adding that he’s unsure if the rivers he’s been exploring even contain fish. He’s prioritizing the experience over immediate results, preferring the quietude to the relentless demand of his music career.
New england roots, dior dreams
Born on the scenic shores of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Pillsbury left behind his East Coast upbringing to study film at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. Despite establishing himself on the West Coast, he’s actively embracing his heritage, describing his style as “laid-back, less dressy New England vibes.” But his current fascination isn’t solely focused on fishing rods; it’s intertwined with a deep appreciation for Jonathan Anderson’s work at Dior.
“I’ve seen pieces from him that really resonate with that New England aesthetic – the blue shades, the denim, the gold hardware, the button-downs,” he explained. “It’s like New England summer, you know? I love it. Anderson’s knack for world-building is incredible, and I genuinely think a fisherman would fit right into his designs.” He freely admitted his devotion to JW Anderson, recalling his early days splurging on hot pink leather slides and a classic zip-up jacket.
The outfit of choice
Tonight, Pillsbury is aiming for a sartorial statement – a meticulously curated ensemble inspired by Anderson’s vision. “I’ve got these straight leg jeans with a beautiful wash,” he said, pointing to the perfect fit. “They hug the thighs and the butt, and then they’re a little bit loose down below, but they fall perfectly. It's the perfect fitting pair of jeans, which never happens.” He’s complemented the denim with an ornate Dior belt and a button-down, rounded out by a suede jacket. “I would love to steal the outfit tonight,” he confessed, adding with a mischievous grin, “I’ve tried before, but usually I just get a polite explainer about needing it back a month later.”
As he prepares to attend Dior’s Cruise show at LACMA, Pillsbury’s fishing escapades offer a surprising counterpoint to the high fashion world. He’s leaving the pressures of the music industry behind, seeking solace in the simple act of casting a line – a refreshing reminder that even a global superstar can find peace in the quietest of pursuits.