Role model trades guitars for fishing rods – and it's a dior-fueled obsession
Tucker Pillsbury, known to the world as Role Model, is ditching the stage for a tackle box, revealing a surprising new passion for old-school fishing.
East coast roots, west coast reality
The singer-songwriter, who rose to fame thanks to a collaboration with Mac Miller in 2018, is trading the glitz of Coachella for the quiet solitude of Los Angeles’ rivers. He’s trading in the typical LA lifestyle for a decidedly less glamorous pursuit – reeling in (or, perhaps, not reeling in) fish.
A mentor’s influence, a new direction
Pillsbury’s musical trajectory began with Miller’s discovery of his early tracks, a story that propelled him from the scenic shores of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, to the heart of the music industry. But now, he’s embracing a simpler life, fueled by a recent visit from his mom and a sudden realization that he lacked a hobby. “It’s my new hobby,” he confessed via video call. “I grew up fishing and my mom recently visited me and realized I don’t have any hobbies, so suggested fishing again.”
Dior and the new england aesthetic
The shift isn’t just about escaping the spotlight; it’s about a deliberate aesthetic. Jonathan Anderson, Dior’s newly appointed creative director, has been channeling a distinctly New England vibe in his recent menswear collections – think layered denim, crisp button-downs, and a touch of Gallic flair. “I’ve seen pieces and things over the years from him that seem very much inspired by, maybe not fishing, but like the New England world,” Pillsbury said. “I don't know if it's intentional or not that some of the stuff has this East Coast feeling to it. I love the whole upgraded, slight New England aesthetic with the blue shades, the denim, the gold hardware, the button-downs, and the casual little loafer slides. It feels like New England summer to me, which I love, always.”
Still hooked, still learning
Despite his enthusiasm, Pillsbury admits he's still a novice. “No one really goes fishing in Los Angeles, but I’ve been going out to the river the past couple of nights,” he explained. “I ask if he’s caught anything, to which he answers, “nope” with a laugh, admitting he’s not sure if the rivers he’s been to even have fish in them. “I like that there's no one else down there when I'm doing it, so hopefully maybe I'll keep it a little secret. I was using the wrong lures though, so I’m going to get the right ones shortly.”
A fashionable pursuit
And tonight, he’s stepping into a completely different world: Dior’s Cruise collection show at LACMA. “To be honest, and maybe I shouldn’t say this, but Dior was never really on my radar. I'm a JW Anderson [brand] super fan, but now I’m so into Dior too. A long time ago when I first got money I got these hot pink leather JW slides. I also had the classic zip-up, obviously.” He’s envisioning himself sporting one of Anderson’s signature ornate belts and a button-down, a look he’s “obsessed with.” He’s even fantasizing about “stealing” one of the iconic Dior belts – a request he anticipates will be met with a polite, albeit firm, explanation.
A simple pleasure
As he prepared for the show, Pillsbury reiterated his newfound joy: “I mean I would love to steal the outfit tonight. Um, I've tried that before with other things and usually I just end up getting a text with a polite explainer that they need it back a month later. But yeah, I’m obsessed with the Dior belts. I would love all of the belts and the jacket that I’m wearing.” Ultimately, he’s content to return to the quiet rhythm of his fishing escapades, a stark contrast to the pressures of the music industry – and a surprisingly stylish one at that.