London-based Singer-songwriter Casey McQuillen’s empowering single ‘Better Than This’ capped off sold-out European tours supporting Anastacia and Eurovision winner Loreen, but behind the track is the life-changing decision that led her to this point – a move overseas to pursue her musical endeavours.
We chatted with Casey about leaving familiarity behind and embracing the next chapter…
Casey, congrats on the release of ‘Better Than This’! Be honest – what was scarier: moving to London to chase your dream or performing in front of thousands of fans on tour?
Thank you so much! Honestly… moving to London wins that one. Performing in front of thousands of people is definitely nerve-wracking, but it’s the kind of fear that turns into adrenaline the moment I hit the stage. Moving to London was more of a slow-burn fear – it meant leaving behind everything familiar, every comfort zone I had. But that’s also why I had to do it. It felt like the scarier choice because it mattered so much. The stage is where I feel most like myself, but making that leap was about becoming the version of myself who could really own that space.
The new single is an absolute pop-rock powerhouse. What’s your go-to “power anthem” when you need a confidence boost (besides your own, of course)?
Before every show, my bandmate Stacey Kelleher and I would blast “Nissan Altima” by Doechii backstage. That song became our unofficial pre-show ritual. It’s got this unapologetic, high-energy vibe that instantly puts you in the zone. We’d be dancing around, shaking off the nerves, just getting hyped. It was the perfect reset before walking onstage—pure confidence in a song.
You’ve opened for Anastacia and Loreen this year on a string of sold-out European dates. What’s the best piece of advice or backstage moment you’ll never forget from this tour?
There was one show where, somehow, all of my equipment got locked in the van—and we couldn’t get it out. Total panic moment. But before I could even start spiraling, Anastacia’s crew stepped in and immediately offered to let us borrow their gear and instruments so we could still play our set. No hesitation, just pure generosity. In that moment, I really felt like part of a team. That kind of camaraderie—people looking out for each other, making sure the show goes on—is what makes touring so special. It reminded me that this industry is at its best when we support each other, and I’ll never forget how that made me feel.
‘Better Than This’ is basically the soundtrack to a bold new chapter in your life. If this song were the opening scene of a movie about you, what would that scene look like?
It would open with me standing alone at an airport terminal—bags packed, heart pounding, staring up at the departures board. It’s nighttime, and everything’s kind of blurry with nerves and adrenaline. I’d call my mom one last time, take a deep breath, and then walk toward the gate. And right as the chorus kicks in, the camera would cut to me landing in London, dragging my suitcase through the rain, totally overwhelmed but smiling because I know I’ve made the right choice. It’s not polished or perfect—but it’s real, and full of hope. That’s exactly the energy of ‘Better Than This.’
The music video captures both the glam and the grit of tour life. What’s something fans don’t see behind the scenes that would surprise them?
Probably how unglamorous most of it actually is! The show is the shiny part—but 90% of the time, we’re schlepping gear, eating sandwiches on the floor of a green room, fixing tech issues on the fly, or sleeping on tour buses in weird positions. It’s a lot of problem-solving, a lot of long days, and a lot of dry shampoo. But there’s also so much laughter and weird inside jokes with the band. Those quiet, chaotic, in-between moments are what make it all feel human—and what I wanted to capture in the video. It’s messy in the best way.
You’ve championed anti-bullying, body positivity, and mental health for years. How do you hope your music helps young fans navigating those tough moments?
My biggest hope is that they feel seen. When I was younger, I felt so alone in a lot of my struggles—whether it was self-image, anxiety, or just feeling like I didn’t belong. Music was the one place where I felt understood, and now I want to offer that space to someone else. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I try to write songs that say, “Yeah, I’ve felt that too—and you’re not broken because of it.” If a fan hears my music and feels like they don’t have to hide who they are, that they’re strong enough to get through whatever they’re facing—that’s the most meaningful thing I could ask for.
What’s been your biggest “pinch me” moment so far in your career?
Honestly, walking out on stage for the first time on the Anastacia tour—huge arena, thousands of people, and they actually listened to me. I was this indie artist from Boston standing in front of a crowd that didn’t know my name yet, and by the end of the set, they were cheering like they’d been with me the whole time. That kind of connection, especially in a space that big, was surreal. It made me feel like, “Okay… maybe I am really doing this.”
Your debut album ‘Skinny’ featured a duet with Jon McLaughlin (we’re still obsessed with ‘In & Out’). Any dream collaborators you’d love to work with next?
First of all—thank you! That song means a lot to me. Jon is such a thoughtful artist and working with him was a dream. As for future collaborations… I’d love to work with Julia Michaels. Her songwriting is so raw and specific—it just punches you in the gut in the best way. And from a production standpoint, someone like FINNEAS would be amazing. I love artists who know how to balance emotional depth with really smart, textured production.
If ‘Better Than This’ had a tagline like a movie trailer, what would it be?
Probably something like: “One life. One leap. No turning back.” It’s about reaching that moment where staying the same just isn’t an option anymore, and even though you’re scared, you move forward anyway. I think a lot of us hit those crossroads – this song is about choosing the road that might be harder, but ultimately more worth it.
Finally, can we expect more new music soon?
Yes—absolutely. ‘Better Than This’ is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, both personally and musically. I’ve been writing a lot since moving to London, and I’m excited to share more of what this new version of me sounds like. The next few releases will keep building on this theme of growth and boldness, and I can’t wait for people to hear where it’s all going.
Catch Casey McQuillen on her headline UK tour this autumn – TICKETS HERE
