London-based Singer-songwriter Casey McQuillen’s empowering single ‘Higher Than This’ capped off sold-out European excursions supporting Anastacia and Eurovision winner Loreen, however behind the observe is the life-changing choice that led her so far – a transfer abroad to pursue her musical endeavours.
We chatted with Casey about leaving familiarity behind and embracing the following chapter…
Casey, congrats on the discharge of ‘Higher Than This’! Be sincere – what was scarier: shifting to London to chase your dream or performing in entrance of hundreds of followers on tour?
Thanks a lot! Actually… shifting to London wins that one. Performing in entrance of hundreds of individuals is unquestionably nerve-wracking, nevertheless it’s the sort of concern that turns into adrenaline the second I hit the stage. Transferring to London was extra of a slow-burn concern – it meant forsaking the whole lot acquainted, each consolation zone I had. However that’s additionally why I needed to do it. It felt just like the scarier selection as a result of it mattered a lot. The stage is the place I really feel most like myself, however making that leap was about changing into the model of myself who may actually personal that area.
The brand new single is an absolute pop-rock powerhouse. What’s your go-to “energy anthem” once you want a confidence increase (apart from your individual, in fact)?
Earlier than each present, my bandmate Stacey Kelleher and I might blast “Nissan Altima” by Doechii backstage. That track turned our unofficial pre-show ritual. It’s obtained this unapologetic, high-energy vibe that immediately places you within the zone. We’d be dancing round, shaking off the nerves, simply getting hyped. It was the proper reset earlier than strolling onstage—pure confidence in a track.
You’ve opened for Anastacia and Loreen this yr on a string of sold-out European dates. What’s the perfect piece of recommendation or backstage second you’ll always remember from this tour?
There was one present the place, one way or the other, all of my gear obtained locked within the van—and we couldn’t get it out. Whole panic second. However earlier than I may even begin spiraling, Anastacia’s crew stepped in and instantly supplied to allow us to borrow their gear and devices so we may nonetheless play our set. No hesitation, simply pure generosity. In that second, I actually felt like a part of a group. That sort of camaraderie—folks looking for one another, ensuring the present goes on—is what makes touring so particular. It jogged my memory that this trade is at its finest after we assist one another, and I’ll always remember how that made me really feel.
‘Higher Than This’ is mainly the soundtrack to a daring new chapter in your life. If this track have been the opening scene of a film about you, what would that scene seem like?
It could open with me standing alone at an airport terminal—luggage packed, coronary heart pounding, staring up on the departures board. It’s nighttime, and the whole lot’s sort of blurry with nerves and adrenaline. I’d name my mother one final time, take a deep breath, after which stroll towards the gate. And proper because the refrain kicks in, the digicam would minimize to me touchdown in London, dragging my suitcase by the rain, completely overwhelmed however smiling as a result of I do know I’ve made the proper selection. It’s not polished or excellent—nevertheless it’s actual, and stuffed with hope. That’s precisely the vitality of ‘Higher Than This.’
The music video captures each the glam and the grit of tour life. What’s one thing followers don’t see behind the scenes that may shock them?
Most likely how unglamorous most of it really is! The present is the shiny half—however 90% of the time, we’re schlepping gear, consuming sandwiches on the ground of a inexperienced room, fixing tech points on the fly, or sleeping on tour buses in bizarre positions. It’s a variety of problem-solving, a variety of lengthy days, and a variety of dry shampoo. However there’s additionally a lot laughter and bizarre inside jokes with the band. These quiet, chaotic, in-between moments are what make all of it really feel human—and what I wished to seize within the video. It’s messy in one of the simplest ways.
You’ve championed anti-bullying, physique positivity, and psychological well being for years. How do you hope your music helps younger followers navigating these powerful moments?
My greatest hope is that they really feel seen. After I was youthful, I felt so alone in a variety of my struggles—whether or not it was self-image, anxiousness, or simply feeling like I didn’t belong. Music was the one place the place I felt understood, and now I wish to supply that area to another person. I don’t fake to have all of the solutions, however I attempt to write songs that say, “Yeah, I’ve felt that too—and also you’re not damaged due to it.” If a fan hears my music and looks like they don’t have to cover who they’re, that they’re robust sufficient to get by no matter they’re going through—that’s probably the most significant factor I may ask for.
What’s been your greatest “pinch me” second to date in your profession?
Actually, strolling out on stage for the primary time on the Anastacia tour—enormous area, hundreds of individuals, they usually really listened to me. I used to be this indie artist from Boston standing in entrance of a crowd that didn’t know my title but, and by the tip of the set, they have been cheering like they’d been with me the entire time. That sort of connection, particularly in an area that large, was surreal. It made me really feel like, “Okay… perhaps I’m actually doing this.”
Your debut album ‘Skinny’ featured a duet with Jon McLaughlin (we’re nonetheless obsessive about ‘In & Out’). Any dream collaborators you’d like to work with subsequent?
To start with—thanks! That track means loads to me. Jon is such a considerate artist and dealing with him was a dream. As for future collaborations… I’d like to work with Julia Michaels. Her songwriting is so uncooked and particular—it simply punches you within the intestine in one of the simplest ways. And from a manufacturing standpoint, somebody like FINNEAS could be wonderful. I really like artists who know learn how to stability emotional depth with actually good, textured manufacturing.
If ‘Higher Than This’ had a tagline like a film trailer, what wouldn’t it be?
Most likely one thing like: “One life. One leap. No turning again.” It’s about reaching that second the place staying the identical simply isn’t an possibility anymore, and though you’re scared, you progress ahead anyway. I believe a variety of us hit these crossroads – this track is about selecting the highway that is perhaps tougher, however in the end extra value it.
Lastly, can we count on extra new music quickly?
Sure—completely. ‘Higher Than This’ is just the start of a brand new chapter for me, each personally and musically. I’ve been writing loads since shifting to London, and I’m excited to share extra of what this new model of me appears like. The following few releases will maintain constructing on this theme of progress and boldness, and I can’t anticipate folks to listen to the place it’s all going.
Catch Casey McQuillen on her headline UK tour this autumn – TICKETS HERE
