Kyle Mooney, the actor, director, and Saturday Night Live alum from 2013 to 2022, has not forgotten his San Diego roots.
For Mooney, maintaining an 858 phone number is a nostalgic reminder of his early life in the city.
“Why change something that works?
I remember when we were a 619 household, up until whenever they created 858, and I’ve been there ever since,” he said.
The avid Padres fan is now adding musician to his portfolio, releasing his debut album, The Real Me, under the moniker Kyle M.
The album features 11 tracks packed into a concise 20-minute runtime, showcasing a raw and earnest creativity.
On the day of the album’s release, Mooney shared a mini-documentary on YouTube that features him visiting his childhood home in Scripps Ranch, along with other notable locations in San Diego.
“Yeah, my friend Dave McCary, a fellow SNL and San Diego alum, helped me out.
It just made sense to embrace my roots.
I was really fortunate to find a decent amount of archival photos and clips to use in it,” he explained.
In an exclusive interview, Mooney discussed his new album, the impact of his upbringing, and his loyalty to the Padres.
The album cover evokes a ’70s-inspired vibe reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel.
“Yeah, I think you’re spot on.
I’m very inspired by some of the ’70s folk artists that I love.
That imagery has a warm place in my heart.
The photo was taken by a man named Sela Shiloni; I think he did incredible work,” Mooney remarked.
When asked about his musicianship, he confirmed, “Absolutely.
Keyboards, guitar… Obviously, I’m singing.
But yeah, anything’s fair game, if I can grab it.”
Mooney’s album exhibits an unusual lo-fi production style, particularly in its vocal tracks.
When questioned about the recording process, he stated, “People might be pretty surprised to hear, but it’s truly just me in the bedroom with a computer and making it all happen on my own.
But I certainly showed the music to friends and people whose opinions I respect.”
Reflecting on his early start in music, Mooney revealed, “I played guitar probably starting around 9 years old.
My first live performance with a guitar in my hand was at the Miramar Ranch Elementary School Talent Show.
I’ve seen video, and I’ve got to be honest, I feel like I was a little stiff.”
The title track, “The Real Me,” struck him as a particularly profound piece.
“Yeah, it did feel sort of all-encompassing of the project, and a way of telling my story that I’ve not shared with the world.
Expectations of me, how I should act or how I should perform, and I don’t want to live by those sorts of restrictions.
So it is to some degree an announcement that I’m here, this is actually who I am, and I want to invite you into my world,” he explained.
When asked if this world includes the Padres, Mooney enthusiastically responded, “Yeah, it really has been so incredible to watch them in the last couple years, and what a special start to the season.
It’s one of those things you don’t want to miss.”
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