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 resolution that led her up to now – 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 trustworthy – what was scarier: transferring to London to chase your dream or performing in entrance of 1000’s of followers on tour?
Thanks a lot! Truthfully… transferring to London wins that one. Performing in entrance of 1000’s of individuals is unquestionably nerve-wracking, but it surely’s the type of worry that turns into adrenaline the second I hit the stage. Transferring to London was extra of a slow-burn worry – it meant abandoning every thing 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 turning into the model of myself who may actually personal that house.
The brand new single is an absolute pop-rock powerhouse. What’s your go-to “energy anthem” whenever you want a confidence increase (moreover your personal, after all)?
Earlier than each present, my bandmate Stacey Kelleher and I’d blast “Nissan Altima” by Doechii backstage. That music turned 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 music.
You’ve opened for Anastacia and Loreen this yr 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, by some means, all of my gear acquired 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 crew. That type of camaraderie—folks searching for one another, ensuring the present goes on—is what makes touring so particular. It jogged my memory that this trade is at its greatest once we help one another, and I’ll always remember how that made me really feel.
‘Higher Than This’ is principally the soundtrack to a daring new chapter in your life. If this music had been the opening scene of a film about you, what would that scene seem like?
It will open with me standing alone at an airport terminal—baggage packed, coronary heart pounding, staring up on the departures board. It’s nighttime, and every thing’s type 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 via the rain, completely overwhelmed however smiling as a result of I do know I’ve made the correct selection. It’s not polished or excellent—but it surely’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?
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 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 wished to seize within the video. It’s messy in one of the best 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 robust moments?
My greatest hope is that they really feel seen. Once I was youthful, I felt so alone in lots 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 house 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 robust sufficient to get via no matter they’re dealing with—that’s probably the most significant factor I may ask for.
What’s been your greatest “pinch me” second to date in your profession?
Truthfully, strolling out on stage for the primary time on the Anastacia tour—enormous enviornment, 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 had been cheering like they’d been with me the entire time. That type of connection, particularly in an area that massive, 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 begin with—thanks! That music means so much 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 best ways. And from a manufacturing standpoint, somebody like FINNEAS can be superb. I really like artists who know the best way to steadiness emotional depth with actually good, textured manufacturing.
If ‘Higher Than This’ had a tagline like a film trailer, what would it not 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 choice anymore, and although you’re scared, you progress ahead anyway. I believe lots of us hit these crossroads – this music is about selecting the highway that is perhaps more durable, 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 so much since transferring to London, and I’m excited to share extra of what this new model of me feels like. The subsequent few releases will preserve constructing on this theme of development and boldness, and I can’t watch for folks to listen to the place it’s all going.
Catch Casey McQuillen on her headline UK tour this autumn – TICKETS HERE
