Role Model Says the Concept of Time and ‘Feeling Stagnant’ Was ‘Very Much on My Mind’ While Writing New Album (Exclusive)

**Role Model Announces Upcoming Album and Tour Plans with Big Brands**

Singer-songwriter Role Model, also known as Tucker Pillsbury, is gearing up for the release of his new album, *Chuck Timely & the Hourglass*, which is set to launch on 7th August. The album delves into concepts of time and the feeling of stagnation, all through the lens of a fictional alter ego – Chuck Timely, a time traveller with a unique taste in music.

Pillsbury’s latest project comes on the heels of additional success following his breakthrough single “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” His new track “High Hopes 3000” has recently made waves by becoming his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In an interview with *PEOPLE*, Pillsbury expressed his amazement at this milestone, reflecting on his long journey in music. “It’s amazing. I don’t know. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and it’s crazy to have something like this happen now. I guess it’s never too late,” he said.

The character of Chuck Timely was born during the recording process of the new album. Pillsbury shared that he and his studio collaborators started discussing Chuck’s backstory intensively while completing the record. “What are his likes and his dislikes? What kind of music does he enjoy? What kind of car does he drive?” he recounted, noting how the discussions sparked excitement and creativity within the group.

To further develop Chuck’s character, the team even produced a bible of sorts, complete with a range of questions about Chuck’s world. This imaginative exercise led to re-recording some songs to better reflect the essence of Timely. Although Pillsbury stopped short of labelling the album as a concept piece, he admitted that the influence of time pervades the lyrics and themes presented throughout the record.

As he navigates his late twenties, Pillsbury described a sense of dislocation as friends around him embark on significant life milestones, such as marriage and starting families. “There’s a lot of feeling stagnant and feeling like everybody’s moving ahead in their lives,” he explained. His songwriting reflects this inner turmoil, with many lyrics exploring the desire to revisit past decisions, making time a pressing issue within the album’s content.

In September, Pillsbury will take his new project on the road with “Chuck on Tour,” a venture in collaboration with American Airlines and Mastercard. The sponsorship promises exclusive pre-sale access for cardholders to secure tickets, aimed at ensuring that his devoted fans have the opportunity to attend his performances.

Pillsbury cheekily remarked, “I’m already an American Airlines frequent flyer spokesperson in my own life, so it felt right. I’m down to do anything to give actual fans access to the tickets.” Alongside this, Mastercard users can utilise their AAdvantage miles for the chance to see him live, a gesture that resonates with his desire to connect directly with his audience.

He expressed excitement about performing at larger venues and the potential for a more elaborate production. “The band has grown, and so I think it’s just going to be a better show. We have more to play with now,” he noted, promising a lively atmosphere and a “big party” vibe at each gig.

Pillsbury recently offered audiences a taste of his upcoming album by performing a few new tracks at the Bonnaroo festival in Tennessee. He cited influences such as John Mellencamp, although he emphasised that his goal is to maintain a balance by avoiding becoming too entrenched in any single style.

One example sharing insight into his creative process was a song that initially had a folky feel needing “banjo and fiddle.” Instead, he and his band opted for a sitar and flute, reflecting a desire to blend various musical eras into one cohesive sound. “We wanted to either go further in time and pull in some early 2000s pop references or go further back and draw inspiration from the early Rolling Stones,” he explained. The resulting music aims to present an eclectic mix, showcasing the multiple influences that have shaped his artistic journey.

As the release date for *Chuck Timely & the Hourglass* approaches, anticipation is building for both the album and the accompanying tour, marking a significant chapter in Role Model’s evolving career. The creative freedom he feels during this phase highlights not only his growth as an artist but also his deepening connection to the themes that resonate with so many during pivotal moments in life.