Kyle Mooney, best known for his decade-long run on Saturday Night Live and for directing the A24 film Y2K, is now stepping into a new creative arena: music. With the release of his debut album under the moniker “Kyle M,” titled The Real Me, he has launched a tour blending comedy sketches, video clips, and live performances. His upcoming show at Spirit in Pittsburgh not only highlights his evolving artistic identity but also reconnects him with the city where he once played Little League baseball. In an interview, Mooney shared insights about his passion for music, his collaborative spirit, and how nostalgia—especially from the Y2K era—influences his work.

Mooney describes his live performance as more than just a concert—it's a full tribute to his career so far. Audiences can expect to see beloved characters, humorous and nostalgic video content, and finally, a set drawn from his newly released album. Though some may raise eyebrows at a comedian entering the music world, Mooney approaches it with sincerity and openness. He acknowledges that reactions vary—some laugh, some get lost in the moment—but what matters most to him is the emotional connection formed during the live experience.

The Real Me, a concise 20-minute project featuring 11 tracks, showcases Mooney’s unique voice and humor. One standout track, “Blue Car,” playfully explores mundane yet oddly poetic aspects of everyday life, like automatic locks and cup holders. Despite its brevity, the album has resonated with early audiences. During a warm-up gig in Los Angeles, fans sang along, proving that Mooney’s musical experiment might be striking a chord. While he admits some skepticism exists, especially from figures like Tim Heidecker who hosted him on Office Hours Live, Mooney remains committed to authenticity and expression over expectation.

Much of Mooney’s creative process is rooted in collaboration, a theme that carried through his work on Y2K. Co-written with Evan Winter, the film draws from their shared high school experiences, allowing Mooney to mentor younger actors while revisiting a pivotal time in his life. This intergenerational exchange was meaningful for him, reinforcing the idea that creativity thrives when people from different walks of life come together. His current tour echoes this philosophy, aiming to create a communal space where laughter, music, and storytelling unite the audience.

Beyond the stage and screen, Mooney’s affection for Pittsburgh extends into childhood memories. As a seventh grader, he idolized Pirates legend Jason Kendall, whose early success made a lasting impression. Acknowledging the team’s recent struggles, Mooney offered a lighthearted but earnest apology to Pittsburgh fans, jokingly leaving the door open for any role he could play in boosting morale. Whether through comedy, film, or music, Mooney continues to build bridges between his personal history and evolving artistry, making every performance feel like a shared journey.