ROLE MODEL Has a Rapturous Message "for the people in the back"

image

Photo: Clare Gillen

No one does it quite like ROLE MODEL. The Cape Elizabeth-bred indie pop artist has an impeccable gift for transforming his darkest moments into rapturous bouts of meaningful reflection. These deceivingly joyous moments come to life in tracks like "that's just how it goes," which sees him grappling with the reality of having to move on, whether you want to or not, "minimal," a vulnerable portrait of young adulthood, and now "for the people in the back."

Released via Interscope Records, "for the people in the back" marks the first taste of new music from the anti-pop purveyor since the release of his striking 2019 EP, oh, how perfect. Backed by idyllic production, ROLE MODEL takes aim at toxic masculinity, meaningless conversations, and people who only seem to come around when you are on the come up.  

The result is a scattershot list that would border on petty in the hands of a less skilled artist, but there is an innate amiability to the juxtaposition of ROLE MODEL's forthcoming grievances and euphoric production. Because, at the end of the day, "for the people in the back" is less about taking aim at those who have wronged you and more about finding peace and happiness in yourself.

"I don't need nobody" sings ROLE MODEL repeatedly in the song's closing moments. Yet, it is not out of spite or a misguided attempt to protect oneself from the outside word. It is a moment of revelation. Happiness starts with you.

“for the people in the back" is trademark ROLE MODEL at his finest - infectious emotional honesty scored by an impeccable taste for what goes into making one hell of an earworm.

Listen to "for the people in the back" and check out the Dylan Knight-directed video below:

Related Articles

Let Rio Romeo Tell You A Story with "God's Got Something Out for Me"

Let Rio Romeo Tell You A Story with "God's Got Something Out for Me"

May 9, 2025 For this Californian-via-Chicago and back artist with an impending album and a diehard here for the butch fanbase, the real sermon is their success against the odds – physical or otherwise.
Author: DJ Connor
pop
Who is Ella Monnery?

Who is Ella Monnery?

May 9, 2025 An electric force from the Kāpiti Coast to the world stage, Ella Monnery is rewriting the playbook on what it means to be a modern vocalist.
Author: Camila Roa
pop
Sophie Powers Enters a Dark New Era With "move with me" [Q&A]

Sophie Powers Enters a Dark New Era With "move with me" [Q&A]

May 9, 2025 The 20-year-old artist sheds the bubblegum neon aesthetic and steps into a darker, rawer, and more nihilistic vision of herself.
Author: Alessandra Rincon
pop