Casey Mcquillen’s 2025 has been off to a firecracker start. From dropping her resonant, empowering new single ‘Better’ to heading out on a European tour with Eurovision winner Loreen, she’s embracing a confident new era. We caught up with the artist mid-tour and got to know her a little Better…
How did you first get into music?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I started writing songs as a teenager, and from the very beginning, it was my way of processing emotions and telling stories. I grew up playing piano and guitar, and I remember spending hours in my room just writing and experimenting with melodies.
My first big break came when I started sharing my original songs on YouTube, which led to an amazing response from people all over the world. That gave me the confidence to really pursue music as a career. Then, when I was in college at Berklee, I started touring with my You Matter Tour, where I performed in schools and used music as a way to connect with students on issues like self-worth and resilience.
From there, things kept growing—playing bigger stages, going on tour with artists I admire, and now getting to perform across Europe and the UK. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel like I’m just getting started!
Can you walk us through your new single ‘Better’ and the inspiration behind it?
Better is all about recognizing your worth and walking away from something that’s no longer good for you—whether that’s a relationship, a job, or even a mindset that’s holding you back. I wanted to write something that felt empowering, but also fun and light, because that moment of realizing you deserve better doesn’t have to be sad—it can actually feel liberating and exciting.
I wrote this song with Jacob Lutz and Claudia Swope, two incredible songwriters, and the process was just so natural. We talked a lot about personal experiences—times when we’ve had that moment of clarity and said, “Wait a second, I deserve so much more than this.” Once we had that concept, the lyrics and melody just flowed.
For me, Better is a celebration of choosing yourself, stepping into confidence, and not settling for less than you deserve.
‘Better’ is one of your most confident releases yet, filled with a fun, flirtatious charm and powerhouse vocals. How do you feel this vibrant sound enhances the song’s empowering message?
I love this question! I think the energy of the song is just as important as the lyrics in delivering the message. If Better had a sad, slow vibe, it would feel like a breakup song, but because it has this playful, feel-good energy, it feels like an anthem of self-confidence instead.
The flirty, cheeky tone in the lyrics and delivery is intentional—it’s not just about leaving something behind, it’s about feeling excited for what’s next. And the powerhouse vocals were a way for me to channel that strength—like, “I’m not just walking away, I’m thriving without you.”
The whole song is meant to feel like that moment when everything clicks, and you know you’re making the right choice. I hope when people hear it, they feel that same sense of empowerment and joy! 
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I’ve always been drawn to artists who blend powerful storytelling with emotional vocals, so my influences come from a mix of pop, singer-songwriter, and soul-driven music. Growing up, I was obsessed with Kelly Clarkson, Sara Bareilles, and John Mayer—all of them have this incredible ability to make you feel something deeply through their music, which is exactly what I strive for in my own songs.
I also love artists like P!nk and Anastacia (which makes touring with Anastacia even more surreal!), because they bring such strength and authenticity to their performances. More recently, I’ve been inspired by Loreen, both as an artist and a performer—her ability to create an immersive live experience is something I really admire.
At the core of it, I love music that tells a story, connects emotionally, and empowers people, and that’s what I aim to do in my own songwriting.
How would you describe yourself to any new fans?
I’d say I’m a pop singer-songwriter with a heart for storytelling and a passion for making people feel seen through music. My songs are often about self-discovery, resilience, and learning to embrace your worth, but they’re always wrapped in catchy, melodic, feel-good energy.
If you’re new to my music, expect big vocals, honest lyrics, and songs that make you want to sing along—whether it’s an anthem of empowerment or a ballad that hits you in the heart. I love connecting with my audience, both through my recordings and live shows, and my goal is always to leave people feeling a little more inspired and a little more confident in themselves after they hear my music.
So if you’re into artists like Kelly Clarkson, Sara Bareilles, or P!nk, and you love music that lifts you up, I think you’ll feel right at home with my songs!
You have an exciting year ahead, with European tours alongside Eurovision winner Loreen and the legendary Anastacia. How are you preparing for the tour?
Touring at this level is a whole different ballgame, so preparation is key! Right now, I’m in the middle of my tour with Loreen, playing in incredible venues across Europe, and at the same time, I’m gearing up for my upcoming run with Anastacia. Balancing both tours means I have to stay sharp, both mentally and physically, so I’m constantly fine-tuning my set with my accompianist Stacey Kelleher, keeping my voice and stamina in top shape, and making sure each performance feels fresh and exciting.
Being on the road night after night is amazing but also demanding, so vocal health is a huge priority. I’m super disciplined with my warm-ups, hydration, and rest—though that’s definitely a challenge when you’re traveling to a new city every day! And, of course, I’m working closely with my team to make sure everything, from the setlist to the visuals, creates an unforgettable experience for the audience.
Performing Better live every night has been such a thrill, and I can’t wait to bring that same energy into the next leg of the journey with Anastacia!
Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025?
Yes! ‘Better Than This’ will be my next single coming out very soon! This song is deeply personal—it’s about making the leap to move to Europe to chase my dreams, stepping into the unknown, and trusting that something amazing is waiting on the other side.
And that theme—taking risks, embracing change, and finding where you truly belong—is something you’ll hear a lot in my upcoming releases. I’ve been writing so much since making this big transition in my life, and I can’t wait to share these new songs with everyone. Expect more heartfelt storytelling, anthemic melodies, and some fresh sonic elements that reflect this new chapter I’m in.
There’s a lot more music coming in 2025, and I can’t wait for you all to hear it!
Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines to get into the right mindset before performing live?
Yes! I have a few little routines that help me get into the right headspace before stepping on stage. First, I always do a long vocal warm-up—not just to make sure my voice is ready, but also to help calm any nerves.
Right before I go on, I take a few moments to remind myself why I do this—to connect with people, to share my music, and to create a meaningful experience for everyone in the room. And, of course, I have a little hype-up moment with my acompianist Stacey Kelleher, just to shake off any last-minute nerves and get pumped up.
And then once I’m out there, it’s all about being present, having fun, and soaking up the energy of the crowd!
‘Better’ appears to be the beginning of a fearless new chapter. Could you share what we should expect from your upcoming music?
Absolutely! Better really marks the start of a new, more confident era for me musically. It’s about embracing who you are, stepping into your power, and knowing your worth, and that theme is going to carry through my upcoming releases.
I’ve been writing so much lately, and the new music is going to reflect the journey I’ve been on—moving to Europe, chasing my dreams, and learning to trust myself even when things feel uncertain. Sonically, I’m blending organic singer-songwriter elements with bold, anthemic pop, and I think fans are really going to connect with it. Expect big melodies, powerful vocals, and lyrics that feel like a conversation with a close friend.
What do you consider to be your biggest career accomplishments so far?
There have been so many moments that have meant the world to me, but a few stand out:
- Touring with Loreen and Anastacia—these are two incredible, powerhouse women, and getting to open for them across Europe and the UK has been such a dream come true.
- My You Matter Tour—bringing music and mental health advocacy into schools has been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. Seeing the way music can create space for important conversations and help people feel less alone is something I’ll always be proud of.
- Releasing my album and hearing fans connect with my music—nothing compares to the feeling of someone telling me that one of my songs helped them through a tough time or made them feel stronger. That’s what it’s all about for me.
Looking ahead, where do you hope to be in the next five years?
I want to be headlining my own international tours—playing bigger venues, connecting with even more fans, and creating live experiences that people walk away from feeling inspired and empowered.
I also want to keep pushing myself as a songwriter and artist, exploring new sounds, collaborating with other musicians I admire, and putting out music that continues to resonate with people on a deep level.
And beyond that, I just want to keep growing, keep challenging myself, and keep making music that makes people feel something. If I can do that, I’ll be exactly where I want to be.
Listen To Better: