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 monitor is the life-changing determination that led her so far – a transfer abroad to pursue her musical endeavours.
We chatted with Casey about leaving familiarity behind and embracing the subsequent 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 1000’s of followers on tour?
Thanks a lot! Actually… shifting to London wins that one. Performing in entrance of 1000’s of individuals is unquestionably nerve-wracking, nevertheless it’s the sort of concern that turns into adrenaline the second I hit the stage. Shifting to London was extra of a slow-burn concern – it meant forsaking all the pieces 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 might actually personal that area.
The brand new single is an absolute pop-rock powerhouse. What’s your go-to “energy anthem” while you want a confidence increase (in addition to your individual, after all)?
Earlier than each present, my bandmate Stacey Kelleher and I’d blast “Nissan Altima” by Doechii backstage. That track grew to become our unofficial pre-show ritual. It’s acquired 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 right reset earlier than strolling onstage—pure confidence in a track.
You’ve opened for Anastacia and Loreen this 12 months on a string of sold-out European dates. What’s one of the best 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 tools acquired locked within the van—and we couldn’t get it out. Complete panic second. However earlier than I might even begin spiraling, Anastacia’s crew stepped in and instantly supplied to allow us to borrow their gear and devices so we might 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 business is at its greatest once 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 appear like?
It might open with me standing alone at an airport terminal—luggage packed, coronary heart pounding, staring up on the departures board. It’s nighttime, and all the pieces’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 digital camera would minimize to me touchdown in London, dragging my suitcase by way of 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 filled 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?
In all probability 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 lots of problem-solving, lots of lengthy days, and lots 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 needed 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 largest hope is that they really feel seen. After I was youthful, I felt so alone in lots of my struggles—whether or not it was self-image, nervousness, 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 faux 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 sturdy sufficient to get by way of no matter they’re going through—that’s probably the most significant factor I might ask for.
What’s been your largest “pinch me” second to date in your profession?
Actually, strolling out on stage for the primary time on the Anastacia tour—big area, 1000’s of individuals, and so they really listened to me. I used to be this indie artist from Boston standing in entrance of a crowd that didn’t know my identify 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 huge, was surreal. It made me really feel like, “Okay… possibly 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 quite a bit 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 stability emotional depth with actually good, textured manufacturing.
If ‘Higher Than This’ had a tagline like a film trailer, what wouldn’t it be?
In all probability 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 regardless that you’re scared, you progress ahead anyway. I believe lots of us hit these crossroads – this track is about selecting the highway that may be tougher, however finally extra value it.
Lastly, can we anticipate extra new music quickly?
Sure—completely. ‘Higher Than This’ is only the start of a brand new chapter for me, each personally and musically. I’ve been writing quite a bit since shifting to London, and I’m excited to share extra of what this new model of me seems like. The following few releases will hold constructing on this theme of development and boldness, and I can’t look ahead to folks to listen to the place it’s all going.
Catch Casey McQuillen on her headline UK tour this autumn – TICKETS HERE
