Actor and musician Mason McNulty is stepping into legend. Taking on the title role in Billy the Kid: Blood and Legend, McNulty delivers an authentic, grounded performance that directly inspired his new single, “Sinner Like Me.”
In this candid interview, McNulty opens up about capturing the iconic outlaw’s complex love story, fully embracing his dual identity as a musician and actor, and navigating industry self-doubt with the support of his inner circle. From his songwriting process and creative influences to his dream of directing analog horror, McNulty reflects on the evolution of his craft and what lies ahead.
Hey Mason! Congratulations on landing the title role in Billy the Kid. What attracted you most to this legendary character, and how did preparing for the role change you as an actor?
When I was offered the role, I took the role very serious. I dived into the life of Billy the Kid through the internet. I did not want to watch any TV shows or movies that were out prior to filming the movie. I wanted to play the role as authentic and close to my perception of who I felt Billy the Kids was. The role changed me in way where I actually grew up more. It was very challenging but very cool to play such a iconic person in our American history.
Your upcoming single Sinner Like Me was inspired by Billy the Kid: Blood and Legend. How did acting in the film influence your songwriting process?
It had a huge influence on the way I wrote the song. As I dived into the story, I realized it wasn’t just about Billy the Kid’s journey through the west, it was also about the love he shared with Paulita, the only woman historically documented as his true love.
The chorus, “You don’t wanna love a sinner like me” reflects Billy the Kid’s desire to protect Paulita from the dangerous life he lived. He never wanted her to get caught in the crossfire and even though he tried to push her away. Her love for him was stronger than the risk she faced.
I felt there needed to be a song that captured that side of the story. The deep emotional love between Billy the Kid and Paulita. Sinner Like Me became my way of telling that part of their journey.
You’ve successfully balanced acting and music. Do you see yourself as an actor who makes music or a musician who acts, or are both equally important to your creative identity?
If you would have asked me that question about a year and half ago, I would have said that I am an actor who creates music. But now that I have dived into the music world more and am loving everything from making music, recording the music and performing the music, I have changed my mind. I now feel that they are both equally important to my creative identity. I cannot see myself not doing both now. And my whole team and support system is all on board and super supportive which helps a lot. Without support I don’t know where I would be as of right now.
Every artist has moments of self-doubt. Was there a time in your career when you almost gave up, and what kept you moving forward?
To be honest, I have not experienced that in the music part. But I have felt it in acting. At times when you face rejection so often, it does start to take a toll, and you do start to doubt what you are doing and the choices you are making. Generally, I try to be an upbeat person, and I end up snapping out of it. Plus, as I stated, I have a very strong support system which helps keep me focused on my dreams.
From Modern Family and Teen Wolf to leading feature films, how has your approach to choosing roles evolved over the years?
I just LOVE acting. As long as I love the script, it doesn’t matter how big or small the budget is. I just love acting.
Your songs often carry emotional storytelling. When writing music, do you begin with a melody, lyrics, or a personal experience?
WOW, great question…I usually start with personal experience. I jot my feelings down in a lyric book that my mom had given to me as a gift. I then go from there with my writing partner Agina. Together we sit and bounce even more ideas till we get the lines we love in the song.
Who have been the biggest creative influences on your acting and music, and what lessons have you taken from them?
The biggest creative influences in my acting I would have to say are Hugh Jackman, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Andrew Garfield. Hugh Jackman, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash because they all knew how to cross over from music to acting. They have incorporated both into their movies. I find that so interesting. Andrew Garfield – because honestly, who isn’t influenced by a superhero? Just musically, Luke Bryan, because he really knows how to tell a story in his songs. I also love singing Luke’s song as covers when I am performing.
If you could collaborate with any filmmaker, actor, or musician in the world, who would it be and why?
Oh wow…There are several people. But to pick one I would have to say I love and admire Steven Spielberg because I feel he is a brilliant director and storyteller. Just watch his movies and you will understand why I say that.
What’s the one story you still dream of telling, whether through film or music – that you haven’t had the chance to create yet?
One of the stories that I would love to tell is actually one of my own horror short films. It’s an analog horror film that I’m actually currently in the process of writing and hopefully soon I’ll be able to get on its feet.
Stay connected with Mason McNulty by following him on social media:
Instagram: @mason.mcnulty
TikTok: @masonbyson
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qHrMcBV3N8G5k3JsBHPd8
Facebook: MasonMcNulty05