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 choice 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: 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 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 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 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 personal, in fact)?
Earlier than each present, my bandmate Stacey Kelleher and I might blast “Nissan Altima” by Doechii backstage. That tune 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 proper reset earlier than strolling onstage—pure confidence in a tune.
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 tools acquired 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 sort of camaraderie—individuals 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 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 tune had 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—baggage packed, coronary heart pounding, staring up on the departures board. It’s nighttime, and every little thing’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 means of the rain, completely overwhelmed however smiling as a result of I do know I’ve made the appropriate selection. It’s not polished or good—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 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 number of problem-solving, a number of lengthy days, and a number 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 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. Once I was youthful, I felt so alone in a number 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 provide 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 appears like they don’t have to cover who they’re, that they’re robust sufficient to get by means of no matter they’re going through—that’s essentially the most significant factor I might ask for.
What’s been your greatest “pinch me” second thus far in your profession?
Actually, strolling out on stage for the primary time on the Anastacia tour—big 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 top of the set, they had been cheering like they’d been with me the entire time. That sort of connection, particularly in an area that massive, 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 tune 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 can be wonderful. I really like artists who know methods to steadiness emotional depth with actually sensible, 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 regardless that you’re scared, you progress ahead anyway. I believe a number of us hit these crossroads – this tune is about selecting the street 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 quite a bit since shifting to London, and I’m excited to share extra of what this new model of me feels like. The following few releases will hold constructing on this theme of progress and boldness, and I can’t watch for individuals to listen to the place it’s all going.
Catch Casey McQuillen on her headline UK tour this autumn – TICKETS HERE
