Mason McNulty Gets Personal and Leans Into A Southern Americana Sound
The latest from Mason McNulty just dropped, and this sort of keeps going in his direction in terms of having that southern tonality, blending in Americana with the robust and filmic backbone he almost always has involved.
I definitely think this has some amazing production to it, and it comes through in an almost intense fashion because of the story being told and how he's able to tell that story in a way that you can really understand where he's coming from.
There are hidden elements of rock in its underbelly, but this is way more country-based than anything else, from the twangy tones of the instruments to the way he's performing vocally.
In my opinion, being someone who's heard a lot of Mason's music before, this is one of the best vocal performances he's put out there so far.
He's able to really input the emotion into that performance, and it draws you into the lyrics further because, once again, he is telling a story that feels connective because a lot of us have been to that place. The place he's describing is being in a relationship of some type where, no matter how much you try and fix things or make things right, something happens to sort of get in the way or ruin it.
Right as the song opens up, he talks about how she drives faster after a fight and how she's currently running red lights, giving you some insight into the tense undertone of that situation.
It's brilliant because he's putting you in that moment. You're not separated from the song, but rather experiencing it as he's telling it.
It's about a situation where you're with someone and there's love there, you've been through plenty, but now it seems like it's all getting thrown away.
The way I interpreted the track felt like it came from some very real experience. You can hear that in the way he's singing it. You can also hear that in the way he's descriptive with those lyrics.
Some people are great storytellers. Mason is one of them. However, some things have to be experienced to really describe them the way he's doing it here.
He puts you in that seat with him, and he's also really straightforward in terms of not just being descriptive, but the emotion behind how much he hates the situation.
It's like he's someone that wants to fix the relationship, but no matter how hard he tries, it's just not working. Something always steps in, even when things are feeling good.
You can feel that sort of stressful element in the song, creating the tension and showing how much he dislikes being stuck in that situation, not because he's with that person, but rather because he can't fix the relationship on his own.
This is what I mean by relatable. He puts things in a way where you sort of nod your head as you're listening to it because of how much you understand.
He's also not afraid to tell you how much she thinks it all sucks, right there in the song itself.
I love that because, again, it's so straightforward, in your face, and doesn't hold anything back in terms of letting it out the way he wants to.
I've said this before, but Mason is someone that puts those pieces of himself into the music. He's being vulnerable on songs like this one, but that makes them all the more real.
As the song opens up a little more, it gets a little kind of heavier. It's not rocked out, but you can hear the drums picking up and how they cut through the song, along with other guitars in the background that are a little bit more distorted than the main ones, giving way for some of that intensity to come through instrumentally.
The way the mood is created to line up with the lyrics is incredible. It builds up, and when the song hits that chorus, it's kind of full throttle. It gets to that pinnacle of not wanting to be there, but it's expressed instrumentally just as it is vocally and lyrically.
The song is called "Trouble", and in this particular case, it's about how that trouble follows the relationship around and always seems to show its face at the worst possible times.
This one comes from the heart. It's something that feels like loss, heartbreak, and a bit of a slow burn in terms of that process.
It's not a sudden thing in this particular song. Instead, it's stretched out over time and expresses how this keeps happening, they keep fighting, trouble keeps coming back, and after enough time, it feels like you're giving up.
It has more to do with the fact that he didn't want to give up, but at a certain point, it feels like there's no way to rebuild or rectify the situation.
Again, the production is outstanding here. Not just because he creates those moods to go along with the lyrics amazingly, but it's a really big feeling. There is a perfect level of sonic presence during the more intense sections, and the chorus is massively memorable, all while still having a little hint of spaciousness underneath it all, giving way for that cinematic approach that seems to follow Mason in his music often.
By the last set of choruses in the song, there are strings that push that cinematic element even further along, but it also helps the emotion behind it become more engulfing as well.
It's like he felt swallowed up by the situation, and the way that's expressed in the song between the production and his performances is pretty much perfect.
If this is your first go with Mason McNulty and his music, then it's a great introduction, but there are some other songs that also showcase the way he puts those pieces of himself into his music and has been evolving as an artist since a few years back.
What I'm saying is that I suggest you check out some of his previous work. A lot of the songs definitely give you plenty of emotion to soak in and express a lot of personal attributes, but also have a little bit of varying approaches.
I love following artists like Mason because you can hear that evolution over time in the music.
Mason McNulty is an artist who lets the music follow his personal evolution and growth, and I feel like that is something you don't get often enough with newer artists, so I suggest diving into Mason's stuff so you can take all of that in.
At any rate, we wanted to chat with Mason about the song, so we were lucky enough to grab him for a few questions.
Dig into the interview below, but don't miss the song. That's most important.
“Trouble” felt like a very personal song pulled from real experience. Is this true, and can you tell us a little about that?
Yes, it is true. The song was written based on my personal experiences. Very personal. It is about a relationship where I was doing everything I could to make it good, and the other person just kept wanting to leave. Every time things got good, trouble would take the wheel again. That’s where the line comes from: “Trouble always takes the wheel these days.”
You have a film releasing next year, is that correct? Billy the Kid, Blood and Legend? Can you tell us a little about that?
Yes, that is correct. Billy the Kid, Blood and Legend comes out in January. I play Billy the Kid, and it was such an amazing experience. Playing Billy the Kid was a real mental journey. It took me into emotions I don’t usually go to. That was hard, but it was also a special feeling. “Sinner Like Me” was written from Billy’s perspective. Living in that character’s head while I was writing helped me understand him even more. I can’t wait for everyone to see the movie. I am very proud of the job I did and hope everyone sees it the way I did.
How do you manage to keep all this creative output aligned without burning out?
In all honesty, it’s the balance that keeps me from burning out. On set, I’m focused on the character, and in the studio, I’m focused and honest as myself. Acting and music are kind of therapeutic to me. I am able to let feelings release that I would normally keep to myself in an everyday situation. When I switch off from acting and music, you can find me gaming, hanging out with my family, or making my latest cosplay creations. I love to lean on the people around me. I surround myself with positive and like-minded people, and we all support each other. My inner circle keeps me grounded. And the main thing is I am doing what I love to do.
Is your music inspired by film at times?
Yes, definitely. The biggest example is “Sinner Like Me.” I wrote that from Billy the Kid’s perspective while I was getting ready to play him. And living in that character’s head changed the way I wrote the song. Acting and music feed each other for me like that.
Who are you listening to the most right now? Is there an artist or band you are obsessing over?
Actually, I really love Ice Nine Kills. I love the way they take the music and turn it into a theatrical version. I find it so cool to be driving on the freeway and rocking out to their music. I also like Luke Bryan. His music is raw and shows emotions that we can all relate to. I love singing covers of Luke’s music during my live shows. So, two very different genres of music, but they all come together.
You recorded this at APEX in Los Angeles! How was that experience for you? Were you comfortable there?
I did record “Trouble” at APEX Studios in Los Angeles. The experience was a really great one. JD and Shana work hard to make sure I am comfortable and that I am doing okay. JD Walker is amazing to work with. He built the track around the emotion instead of covering it up, so I could just focus on the song. The room felt easy to be in, and that totally matters when you’re singing something so personal. JD and Shana are amazing to work with, and I am excited to be working with them on more music.
With so much on the horizon, do you still find time to sit and actually focus on just writing?
Yes, I have to. Writing is where it all starts for me. I am always jotting down words and phrases so when I go into songwriting mode, I can pull from those. I don’t want to forget the feelings and emotions, so that is why I always keep a journal with me. I also find that therapeutic in the healing process before I actually sit down and write the songs.
What about live shows? Do you perform live?
I absolutely do. I love doing live shows. My first debut with a live band was back in February at the iconic Whisky A Go Go. What a high that was! The energy in that room and the energy you get from the band are like no feelings that really can be explained. I love performing with my band, Mason McNulty & The Burning Fields. We are starting to perform a lot more. Last month, we performed at a benefit for UCLA Children’s Hospital, and that was so fun. We have also performed twice at the Maui Sugar Mill Saloon in Tarzana, and that was also fun. We have a lot of other venues we are talking with to perform, so follow @mason.mcnulty or @masonmcnulty.burningfields on Instagram for updates on when the next live performances will be.
This must all be super exciting for you! Can you share how you feel about all of this? Did you expect any of it?
It’s honestly so exciting, and a little surreal sometimes. I’ve been acting since I was very young, so that has always been a part of my life. The music side is newer, and watching people connect with these songs is something else. Did I expect any of it? I always have hoped for it and never gave up on it. Never give up on your dreams is what I have always lived by. I am very grateful for everyone who has listened to my music or watched my movies or TV shows.
All this can’t happen without dedication! Is there advice you want to share with others working at putting themselves out there?
Never give up on your dreams. That’s always been my message. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. Stay dedicated, stay focused, and keep showing up even when it feels like nothing is happening. Lean on your people. My inner circle has gotten me through some of the hardest times. One of my favorite songs is by Jimmy Eat World, “The Middle.” It is about not giving up and getting back up when you're knocked down. So put yourself out there and don’t give up before it happens.
Thank you once more, Mason! We appreciate the opportunity!
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