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 determination that led her thus 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 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! Actually… transferring to London wins that one. Performing in entrance of 1000’s of individuals is certainly nerve-wracking, however it’s the form of concern that turns into adrenaline the second I hit the stage. Transferring to London was extra of a slow-burn concern – it meant abandoning every little thing acquainted, each consolation zone I had. However that’s additionally why I needed to do it. It felt just like the scarier alternative 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 might 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 enhance (moreover your personal, in fact)?
Earlier than each present, my bandmate Stacey Kelleher and I might blast “Nissan Altima” by Doechii backstage. That music turned our unofficial pre-show ritual. It’s bought 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 the perfect piece of recommendation or backstage second you’ll always remember from this tour?
There was one present the place, in some way, all of my gear bought locked within the van—and we couldn’t get it out. Whole panic second. However earlier than I might even begin spiraling, Anastacia’s crew stepped in and instantly provided 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 form of camaraderie—folks searching for one another, ensuring the present goes on—is what makes touring so particular. It jogged my memory that this business is at its finest once we help 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 music had been the opening scene of a film about you, what would that scene seem 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 every little thing’s form 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 reduce to me touchdown in London, dragging my suitcase by means of the rain, completely overwhelmed however smiling as a result of I do know I’ve made the correct alternative. It’s not polished or good—however 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 will 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 a whole lot of problem-solving, a whole lot of lengthy days, and a whole lot of dry shampoo. However there’s additionally a lot laughter and peculiar 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 powerful moments?
My largest hope is that they really feel seen. Once I was youthful, I felt so alone in a whole lot 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 need 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 sturdy sufficient to get by means of no matter they’re dealing with—that’s essentially the most significant factor I might ask for.
What’s been your largest “pinch me” second up to now in your profession?
Actually, strolling out on stage for the primary time on the Anastacia tour—large 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 title but, and by the tip of the set, they had been cheering like they’d been with me the entire time. That form 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?
Initially—thanks! That music 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 best ways. And from a manufacturing standpoint, somebody like FINNEAS could be wonderful. I like artists who know the right way to stability emotional depth with actually good, textured manufacturing.
If ‘Higher Than This’ had a tagline like a film trailer, what would it not 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 although you’re scared, you progress ahead anyway. I believe a whole lot of us hit these crossroads – this music is about selecting the highway that may be more durable, 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 transferring to London, and I’m excited to share extra of what this new model of me feels like. The subsequent 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