Listen To Casey (McQuillen)
Let’s hop right into this latest single “Skinny’ — Tell me about this particular track? How did it actually come to fruition?
I wrote the song “Skinny” with my friend, Hadley Kennary, after going out dancing in New York for the first time after the pandemic restrictions began to ease. During the pandemic I had gained some weight, in that weekend I realized that my mindset had really shifted. Instead of just having fun with my girlfriends, the whole weekend I felt like I would be better, shinier, happier, prettier, if I were still thin. It really, really bothered me that I was feeling that way. On Monday morning, Hadley and I had a co-write scheduled. We’ve been friends for a long time, and as we were catching up before our writing session, I told her about my weekend and how frustrated I was. We talked for about an hour and I was very honest, because I was just chatting with a friend. After awhile, Hadley suggested that we write about my experience, and we pulled the lyrics directly from what I’d told her about my weekend. That’s why the song feels so vulnerable and intimate; I shared all those feelings with my friend, not intending on sharing it with the world. And while that made the song very scary to share at first, it has also made it so powerful.
Of course “Skinny” comes courtesy of your brand new album of the same name — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?
For me, that title represents that radical vulnerability that I try to bring to my music. I some times get push back from people who hear my songs and stories on stage; there are some people who are a little uncomfortable with how unabashedly honest I am about my life and my feelings. Naming the album Skinny and existing as a curvy woman on the cover is a perfect example of that tension; I’m aggressively bringing to the forefront issues and ideas that a lot of society would prefer stay behind closed doors.
How then does Skinny differ and / or compare to previously released material(s)?
Fans who have been with me for years will recognize the second song on the album, a song called “Bourbon.” I’ve been playing this song out on stage for years acoustically, and I am really happy with how it turned out for the album. My producer, Charles Humenry, and I went back and forth with Pop production for months, and nothing felt right; eventually, we leaned into a Country feel, and the song really came together! So there’s also a Country song on this Pop album.
Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested? And, how did it all begin for Casey McQuillen?
I’ve been writing songs since I was a really little kid, but I didn’t start performing them until I was about 13 and taught myself to play the guitar. Pretty quickly after that, I started putting videos of my songs on YouTube, back when YouTube was only full of amateurs, and my videos did very well. I was very lucky to develop a fan-base early through YouTube and was encouraged to keep writing and releasing music. I still see some of those fans interacting with my social media accounts today!
Now you’re a Boston, MA, by way of New York City, native, correct? So growing up in ‘Beantown,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I do not come from a particularly musical family, and so my influences as a young kid were largely from the radio or YouTube, whatever I could find. I delved deep into the female singer-songwriter side of Pandora and would have so many amazing artists on repeat; like Colbie Caillat, Kate Voegele, Brandi Carlile, and Kate Nash. I still listen to these artists all the time and even had the honor of opening up for Kate Voegele a few years ago!
With that being said, how do you classify your overall sound and/or style?
I think there are two main kinds of Pop songwriting right now; I call them ‘fact pop’ and ‘story-teller pop’. Fact Pop states a fact and then provides evidence supporting that claim (“7 Rings” by Ariana Grande is a fantastic example of this; ‘I buy what I want, here’s what I buy’). Taylor Swift’s 1989 album is an unreal example of ‘story-teller pop’; songs with Pop beats, melodies and production, but there is a character that grows and has a storyline. I definitely write ‘story-teller’ Pop; every song on my album has a ‘who, what, when, where and why.’
The masses first became familiar with you back in 2014 while you were competing on the thirteenth season of American Idol — What are some of your fondest memories from this specific time in your life?
The day I got my golden ticket, they kept us for hours taking B-roll footage, interviewing us, etcetera. I was SO excited all day and my energy was through the roof. When we finally got to go home for the day, my mom and I went back to our hotel room to change and go to a celebratory dinner. Instead, all of that adrenaline caught up with me and I crashed; I ordered a piece of carrot cake and fell asleep with the plate in my lap sitting up watching hotel room TV!
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I hope people see themselves in my songs; imperfect characters who are just trying to find themselves and find the right path forward.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
TAYLOR SWIFT!! Because she is the best Pop songwriter of our generation and my entire career is due to her influence! I truly think she’s a genius and it would be fascinating to be in a songwriting room with her. I say this every interview in case one day she notices! Call me Tay!
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Probably Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. It’s the biggest venue in MA and is where I saw all of my favorite artists smash their world tours. It would be an insane experience to get on that stage myself.
In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?
Playing for people in person. I just came off a huge tour with James Morrison and Newton Faulkner across the UK, and it was so life giving to be back in front of large crowds again! I write my songs to perform them; it’s that connection and community that make it all worth it for me!
Do you have any other outside / additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I could see myself hosting a talk show or podcast; I love connecting with people and making people feel comfortable sharing their stories; I think there are many mediums for that!
You’re about to hit the road again performing dates in both the states as well as overseas — For someone who has yet to experience you LIVE, what would you tell that person can be expected?
ENERGY, BABY! After years of performing, I’ve learned to just come out with all the excitement I’m feeling written all over my face and in my voice. People are at shows to get out of their heads and hand their night over to the entertainer; I try to steer that ship right away and lead us to a new, fresh place for a little while.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show was one of the most surreal moments of my career. I’ve been a huge fan of hers for my entire life and it was such an amazing opportunity to be on her show!
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I’d like to be even more established in my career so that I could collaborate with the artists and producers I look up to! All of the TV shows appearances and awards are great, but only because they open doors to be able to make music in the circles you want to be in!
As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Casey?
MY ALBUM CAME OUT on April 29th!!! Make sure to give me a follow on Spotify or Apple Music to be the first to hear it!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
I’m going to be doing my own shows in Boston, L.A., New York and Nashville this Spring! Check out my website: listentocasey.com/shows for details!
Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Thank you for taking the time to engage with musicians and their content; it’s a busy internet out there, and I’m honored you took the time to read this interview!
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