Rising multi-talented artist Mason McNulty has just released his highly anticipated new single, ‘Sinner Like Me’. Deeply intertwined with cinematic storytelling, the hauntingly beautiful country-rock track is featured in the upcoming film ‘Billy the Kid: Blood and Legend’. Mason, who stars in the leading role as the legendary outlaw himself, drew direct inspiration from portraying Billy's complex trials and tribulations.
Recorded in Los Angeles and co-written alongside acclaimed collaborators Agina and KThrash, the song explores the bittersweet romance between Billy the Kid and Paulita Maxwell. Through his poignant lyrics, Billy warns Paulita of the dangers of his chaotic lifestyle, pleading that she shouldn't love a "sinner like me."
Marking his third official single release, ‘Sinner Like Me’ builds on Mason’s growing discography as he gears up for a consecutive rollout of tracks leading into a full-length album. In this interview, we sit down with Mason to discuss getting into Billy the Kid's mindset, his songwriting process, and what fans can expect from his upcoming project.
A huge thank you for joining us today! What first inspired you to start making music, and where did your journey begin?
“I’ve been taking singing lessons since I was very young, but I didn’t start writing and recording my own music until I had a story I truly wanted to tell. After going through a difficult time in my life, songwriting became an outlet for me. And a million thanks to my writing partner Agina, I was able to put my feelings down into lyrics.”
“Writing, singing, and performing those songs have helped me heal, and that’s when I realised the power music has to connect, inspire, and help people through their own struggles.”
What can you tell us about your latest track and why it holds such a special place for you?
“My newest song, ‘Sinner Like Me’, is out today, and I couldn't be more excited to share it. This song is incredibly special to me because it's featured in the movie ‘Billy the Kid: Blood and Legend’, which I also star in.”
“I was honoured when I was asked to write an original song for the film. Right away, I knew the feeling and atmosphere I wanted to create. While I was filming, I listened every day before my scenes to a song by Donut Larsen that helped me get into Billy the Kid's mindset. That inspiration stayed with me throughout the process.”
“When I sat down with my writing partner, Agina, we wrote ‘Sinner Like Me’. Together, we created a song that captures the emotional tone of the film and reflects the relationship between Billy the Kid and his love, Paulita.”
“I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say you'll be seeing a lot of Paulita in the movie. I can't wait for you to hear the song and experience how it fits into the story.”
Which artists and influences shaped the sound and feel of this release?
“The biggest inspirations for me are Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Luke Bryan, and two newer artists named Donut Larson and Kashus Culpepper. All of these artists' way of telling a story through music is second to none! These guys are what make me continue wanting to keep telling stories in my music.”
How do you and your collaborators bring a song from an initial idea to life?
“The process when songwriting is actually very simple. I sit down with Agina and we bounce ideas to the subject that I want to write about. I think it is a lot of fun and love waiting till the end to see what we have come up with. It all comes together very easily. Agina makes it all look so effortless.”
What is the most crucial element you focus on when writing a new track?
“The most important things when I go into songwriting is really knowing what I want a song to sound like, not just lyrically but musically as well—whether I want it to be a fun, upbeat dance song or a slow and mind-thinking one.”
How would you describe your signature sound to someone listening for the first time?
“I would totally describe my sound as country rock. Most of my music is upbeat and fun dance music. But even the slower songs still want to make you dance. I love the country rock genre.”
Is there a core theme running through ‘Sinner Like Me’, and is there a specific lyric that highlights it best?
“I’m really just trying to tell the love story of Paulita and Billy and how much he did truly care for her, even in the rough era of the 1800s. One part that really captures that is in the second verse, where it describes her following him into unknown territories to be with him and Billy tries to keep her as safe as possible.”
Do you often look for guidance from experienced musicians, and how has your backing band influenced you?
“All the time I am looking for advice. My band, Mason McNulty and the Burning Fields, has some established musicians who have helped me so much. Bentley Mitchum is on bass, and he has toured with Corey Feldman, and his grandfather is Robert Mitchum, the actor. On guitar, we have Seb, and he is also in the band Blytz. Also on guitar is John Ashton, who is in Cherie Currie's band. Last but not least, on drums, we have Jake Busey, who is an actor and has played in different bands. With everyone’s expertise, I have learned so much, and they all want to see me succeed and bring the band to the next level.”
Looking back over your musical journey so far, what stands out as a personal highlight?
“When Corey Feldman took the time to come up to me after my performance at Lucky Strike and compliment me personally, it was an incredible moment. Hearing those words from someone who has been in this industry and is pursuing the same passion I am meant more than I can put into words.”
“I truly value what he had to say. It's not every day that someone you admire takes the time to recognise your work, and his encouragement was both humbling and inspiring. It's a moment I'll never forget.”
What can fans expect next from you in terms of live gigs, upcoming music, and goals for the rest of 2026?
“Yes, keep looking. I am having new music coming out throughout the year, which I am so excited for everyone to hear. I will also continue to keep performing. Always check my Instagram for the latest shows where we will be at.”
Mason McNulty’s seamless blend of narrative songwriting and raw country-rock energy makes ‘Sinner Like Me’ a standout release for 2026. Between leading major feature films and crafting deeply personal anthems, Mason is rapidly carving out a unique lane in modern entertainment.
As he prepares for a steady rollout of tracks leading into his debut full-length album, Mason’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Be sure to stream ‘Sinner Like Me’ on all major music platforms now and keep an eye out for his upcoming film ‘Billy the Kid: Blood and Legend’.
Follow Mason McNulty on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to stay up to date with his latest gigs, releases, and announcements!
