ROLE MODEL Finds the Sweet Spot with New Single “Joy”

The wait is over. ROLE MODEL—otherwise known as Tucker Pillsbury—just dropped his latest single, “Joy” and it’s the kind of song that gets stuck in your head immediately for all the right reasons.

If you’ve been following his evolution from those early, bedroom-pop days to the expansive sound of his last record, Kansas Anymore, you know Pillsbury has a knack for turning really specific, messy feelings into music that feels universal. With “Joy,” he’s leaning into something a bit lighter and punchier, proving that he doesn’t have to sacrifice his signature vulnerability to make a track that feels like summer.

A New Era: Chuck Timely & The Hourglass

“Joy” is our latest look at his upcoming third album, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass, which lands on August 7, 2026.

After the massive success of “High Hopes 3000″—which actually landed him his first Billboard Hot 100 entry—the pressure was definitely on. But “Joy” doesn’t sound like he’s trying to chase a trend. Produced by Mason Stoops, Kane Ritchotte, and Taylor Mackall, the song feels like a genuine breath of fresh air. It’s got that indie-pop DNA we love him for, but with a sharper, more confident edge.

The Visuals

The music video is pure gold. Directed by Pillsbury and William DeSena, it skips the over-produced spectacle for something much more grounded. It features Pillsbury and Aidan Delbis on a road trip through the desert, and honestly, it captures that feeling of just driving around with your best friend, not really going anywhere, but having the best time anyway. It feels authentic, which is exactly why his fans connect with his work so deeply.

Why It Works

At the end of the day, people keep coming back to ROLE MODEL because he feels like a real person. He’s not playing a character. Whether he’s writing about the exhaustion of modern dating or the genuine buzz of a good day, he makes you feel like you’re listening to a story from a friend rather than a polished PR campaign.

With the “Chuck on Tour” run starting in September, it’s going to be interesting to see how these new tracks translate live. If the energy of “Joy” is anything to go by, those shows are going to be a highlight of the year.