Indie singer-songwriter Tucker Pillsbury, who goes by Role Model, released the deluxe version of his second album, “Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye),” on Feb. 14. The album now includes 17 pop-country tracks, with the song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” stealing the show. The upbeat tune has gained traction online and is a very clear frontrunner for the song of summer 2025.
Although there are still a few months until summer officially begins, Role Model’s track has made it feel like the season is right around the corner. Initially, Role Model teased the song on TikTok and announced the album's release date. Now with the album out, the song has amassed over 16 million streams on Spotify and over 98,000 videos on TikTok.
The song is one of the catchiest tunes out right now, with a consistent bass and beat throughout. It’s an easy listen with lyrics almost guaranteed to get stuck in your head. What stands out the most about it is the bridge of the song.
Role Model tells the story of Sally, a girl he meets at a late-night dive bar; the song tells the story of Sally, what she’s like and the romance that happens. Role Model was able to make a song that focuses on narrative writing, but he manages to not get lost in the songwriting with a chorus that is well-structured and simplistic. Mirrored with the consistent beat and bass line throughout, the song nods towards 70s style and has a feel-good vibe that everyone can appreciate.
Many know Role Model for previously dating internet sensation Emma Chamberlain, with many songs on his sophomore album revolving around bouncing back from the heartbreak he experienced after that relationship. But this new album and the success of “Sally” have redefined his role in the music industry as a much bigger star than just Chamberlain’s ex-boyfriend.
Another key component that makes “Sally” the song of the summer is how Role Model utilizes fans in the process of the song’s success. The singer-songwriter began his tour, “No Place Like Tour” in November in Dublin and now is on the tour’s American leg. Recently, Role Model has been bringing fans up on stage to dance during his performance of “Sally.”
The chosen fan comes up to dance during the bridge of “Sally” and Role Model dances with them, hugs them and they are donned as his “Sally” of the night. The videos of different Sallys getting chosen and then dancing on stage have gone viral on TikTok and other social media platforms. Role Model even brought up a few celebrities to join him including Jake Shane, Ashe and Grace O’Malley.
As his tour continues, more fans will be brought on stage. This tradition not only increases exposure for Role Model but also makes his relationship with fans more personal, as he dedicates time to celebrating his fans and having a good time dancing with them on stage. Besides, who wouldn’t want to get on stage and be serenaded as you get to dance around in front of a crowd of people? He created every fangirl’s dream on tour, and it is working incredibly well.
This inclusivity of fans on tour is not uncommon in touring culture, as superstars Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift also implemented fan interactions in their tours. Both women received more media attention because of this and having a fan part of the set makes the experience feel more personal and unique for each night of tour.
Not only is the song incredibly catchy and a feel-good anthem, but Role Model makes it an inclusive experience for fans on his tour. Whether you have listened to Role Model before, this song deserves a spot on your playlist, or at least a listen on a warm day.
Clara Leder is a junior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Clara know by emailing her at cl125221@ohio.edu.
