Mason McNulty Discusses Acting, Music, “Sinner Like Me,” and His Upcoming Album

Actor and musician Mason McNulty has continued to build a creative career rooted in performance, emotion, and storytelling. Known for his recurring role in Schooled and his appearance in Gacy: Serial Killer Next Door, McNulty is now bringing those storytelling instincts into his music. In this interview, he discusses his journey from acting to songwriting, the inspiration behind his new single, “Sinner Like Me,” and what he hopes to accomplish next with his band, Mason McNulty and The Burning Fields.

Q1. You have built a career across both acting and music. Which creative path came first for you, and when did you realize you wanted to pursue both professionally?

Mason McNulty: I started out as an actor when I was very young. I was taking vocal lessons since I was 7 years old. I didn’t realize I wanted to do both until I started getting auditions that was requiring me to sing. My vocal coach knew before I even knew that I was going to sing professionally. She convinced me to write a song. So I sat down with my writing partner and wrote Lessons of Love. I started performing and found that I love performing as much as I love acting.

Q2. Many actors eventually explore music, but your work appears closely connected to storytelling. How has acting influenced the way you write songs and communicate emotion?

Mason McNulty: I have always been a story teller. I had gone through a rough part of my life with a horrible break up and I found that writing and performing my songs was healing for my soul. I found I was able to express the feelings that I was so upset over. Over time is how I healed.

Q3. You are known for your recurring role in Schooled and your appearance in Gacy: Serial Killer Next Door. Which acting experience has challenged you the most and helped you grow as a performer?

Mason McNulty: Both roles actually were challenging in different ways. When I was on Schooled, I was much younger than I was in Gacy: Serial Killer Next Door and both projects are so different from each other. On Schooled, I got to challenge myself with my comedic timing. Getting the laugh from others. It is terrifying when you think you have delivered the laugh and no one laughs. On Gacy: Serial Killer Next Door was much more dramatic. I had to get into the right frame of mind where I didn’t look like I was acting while Gacy was coming for me. I love all types of acting. I find every role to have a different challenge.

Q4. What is something about your personality or creative process that fans may not discover through your acting roles or music alone?

Mason McNulty: What people may not know is how I create my songs. I am a deep thinker. I love to pour my heart and soul into everything I do including my song writing. I want my music to be raw and real. I want people to be able to relate.

Q5. Your new single, “Sinner Like Me,” was inspired by your leading role in Billy the Kid: Blood and Legend. Was it difficult to separate Mason McNulty’s perspective from Billy the Kid’s emotions while creating the song?

Mason McNulty: I didn’t find it to be difficult. I just did what I do in every role. When I found out I booked the role, I did my research. I read a lot on the internet about his life and relationships with Paulita and Pat Garrett. I didn’t watch any prior movies or TV shows because I wanted to make the character my own based on what I researched, not be influenced by what someone else had already done.

Q6. The record combines romance, danger, regret, and cinematic storytelling. What did you want listeners to feel during their first experience with the song?

Mason McNulty: I want everyone to feel that they are Billy. To experience what Billy is feeling with his relationship with Paulita and why she should not love a Sinner Like Me. I do believe that Billy was misunderstood and was labeled as a bad guy when he was really protecting the ones he loved and cared for.

Q7. You worked with Agina and KThrash on the record. What qualities do you look for when choosing producers and collaborators to help develop your sound?

Mason McNulty: I love working with Agina and KThrash. They were the first producers I was introduced to. We all connected so well. They really took the time to listen to what I had to say, concerns I had and really helped me through the whole process. I have another producer I also work with, JD and he is very similar to Agina and KThrash which makes things a lot easier.

Q8. With two previous singles already released and a full-length album being planned, how would you describe the musical identity you are building at this stage of your career?

Mason McNulty: I would say that I am actually building an album now. I am very excited for everyone to hear what is coming. I am so proud of what we have all created so far.

Q9. Who are some actors, musicians, directors, or songwriters who have influenced your creative outlook, and what have you learned from their work?

Mason McNulty: That is a great question, and the answer is I have a lot and for many different reasons. Andrew Garfield is the actor who inspires me, who doesn’t love Spider Man? I love how Andrew really can take any role and make the role his. Musicians that inspire me would be Elvis Presley. I have loved him for as long as I can remember. I have always ran around singing his songs. I also like Luke Bryan, his music is just fun with a meaningful story. And the director who has always inspired me was Stephen Spielberg. I love his real life story of how he learned the industry and made a huge name for himself. I would love to direct a movie like what he has done.

Q10. Looking beyond “Sinner Like Me,” what personal, musical, and acting goals would you like to accomplish over the next few years?

Mason McNulty: My goal for the next few years is to keep performing with my band, Mason McNulty and The Burning Fields. I would love for the band and I to create an album together. Still audition for those amazing roles that my team gets for me. You can follow me @mason.mcnulty or @masonmcnulty.burningfields to see what shows we are going to be at.

As Mason McNulty continues developing his upcoming album, performing with The Burning Fields, and pursuing new acting opportunities, his commitment to authentic storytelling remains at the center of everything he creates. Whether he is bringing a character to life on screen or transforming personal experiences into music, McNulty is focused on creating work that feels raw, meaningful, and relatable.