{"id":91392,"date":"2025-06-16T11:01:43","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T10:01:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/?p=91392"},"modified":"2025-06-18T09:22:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T08:22:22","slug":"interview-casey-mcquillen-on-leaving-familiarity-behind-to-chase-her-dreams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2025\/06\/interview-casey-mcquillen-on-leaving-familiarity-behind-to-chase-her-dreams\/","title":{"rendered":"INTERVIEW: Casey McQuillen On Leaving Familiarity Behind To Chase Her Dreams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We chatted with Casey about leaving familiarity behind and embracing the next chapter…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Casey, congrats on the release of \u2018Better Than This\u2019! Be honest \u2013 what was scarier: moving to London to chase your dream or performing in front of thousands of fans on tour?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you so much! Honestly\u2026 moving to London wins that one. Performing in front of thousands of people is definitely nerve-wracking, but it\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new single is an absolute pop-rock powerhouse. What\u2019s your go-to \u201cpower anthem\u201d when you need a confidence boost (besides your own, of course)?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before every show, my bandmate Stacey Kelleher and I would blast\u00a0\u201cNissan Altima\u201d\u00a0by Doechii backstage. That song became our unofficial pre-show ritual. It\u2019s got this unapologetic, high-energy vibe that instantly puts you in the zone. We\u2019d be dancing around, shaking off the nerves, just getting hyped. It was the perfect reset before walking onstage\u2014pure confidence in a song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve opened for Anastacia and Loreen this year on a string of sold-out European dates. What\u2019s the best piece of advice or backstage moment you\u2019ll never forget from this tour?<\/strong>

There was one show where, somehow, all of my equipment got locked in the van\u2014and we couldn\u2019t get it out. Total panic moment. But before I could even start spiraling, Anastacia\u2019s 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\u2014people looking out for each other, making sure the show goes on\u2014is what makes touring so special. It reminded me that this industry is at its best when we support each other, and I\u2019ll never forget how that made me feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Casey