Following the release of her latest single ‘The One’ LOCK Magazine caught up with American pop artist Casey McQuillen to discuss ‘The One’, where she gets her inspiration from and how her current UK tour is going.
For our readers, please tell us about your musical background?
“Hi guys! My name is Casey McQuillen, I’m an American singer/songwriter based in New York! I’ve been writing my own songs since I was about 15, but my first bit of exposure came when I was 21 as a finalist on American Idol. Since then, I’ve toured all around the US, UK, and Europe with artists like James Morrisoin, Newton Faulkner, and Beverley Knight!”
Who or what are your musical influences?
“I’ve always looked up to female songwriters who tell stories with their craft; women like Taylor Swift, Colbie Caillat, and Adele. Recently I’ve been so inspired by the artists I’ve been on tour with; watching artists like James and Beverley enthrall their fan-bases after all these years is so inspiring, and motivates me to continue to focus on quality over quantity, even as the industry pushes us to release more and more content every year.”
And what made you want to pursue music as a career?
“Writing songs has always been so cathartic for me; a way to organize my thoughts and feelings and clarify my own experiences to myself. Sharing those songs with the world helps me feel connected to those around me; when I write a song that perfectly encapsulates how I’m feeling, and the audience connects with the lyrics, I know I’m not alone.”
For viewers who don’t know Casey McQuillen, how would you describe your sound?
“My ‘elevator pitch’ is that I’m like if Adele and Taylor Swift had a baby; pop, story-based songwriting with a strong, soulful vocal!”
What song out of your catalogue holds the most meaning to you?
“‘Skinny,’ the title track of my album, is a song about body dysmorphia and self-love. I wrote ‘Skinny’ with my good friend Hadley Kennary after confiding in her about a difficult night out I had after gaining weight during Covid. I told her how upset I was that not only was I being treated differently by others, but I was treating myself differently; imagining how much shinier, prettier, better I would be if I were only still thin. She encouraged me to be vulnerable and turn that experience into a song. It has been very challenging at times to be so open about an insecurity of mine, but the connection I’ve had with audiences has been astounding. It means so much to me that people of all shapes and sizes connect with the song and feel empowered to view themselves with more kindness.”
You released your latest single ‘The One’ – can you tell us about the track?
“‘The One’ is a song that I believe will empower anyone who has ever needed to let go of something toxic in their life. It’s about finding the strength to move on and realizing your worth!”
You’re currently on a sold-out UK tour supporting Beverley Knight, can you tell us your experience with that so far?
“This has been an AMAZING experience so far! Beverley is so so so kind, friendly, and inclusive; I couldn’t ask to be out with a better headliner. Her fans love her for her raw talent and infectious personality, and I find it so inspiring. I hope to have a career like hers one day!”
You were a finalist on American Idol, could you tell us how you found that experience?
“It was an amazing experience! It was very exciting to have national exposure at such a young age, and it opened so many doors for me.”
Any new music or tours in the works?
“Yes! I’m coming back to the UK to do my own headline tour in March 2024!! You can find tickets at listentocasey.com/discover !”
Finally, what’s one fun fact about yourself for our readers?
“I’m in the middle of applying for my Irish Citizenship!”