Casey McQuillen (End Of Year 2025)

After a whirlwind run of sold-out European arena shows alongside music icons Loreen and Anastacia, the London-based singer-songwriter has spent 2025 turning vulnerability into strength, both on stage and in the studio. With the release of her deeply honest new single 'Good' as well as the brand new Christmas track, 'Christmas Morning (I'll Be Home)', Casey continues to prove that her superpower lies in telling the truths so many are afraid to say out loud.

Between returning to the UK and Ireland with her powerful anti-bullying #YouMatterTour, partnering with global youth charity Ditch The Label, and releasing music rooted in self-worth, healing and courage, this year has been as purposeful as it has been transformative. From surreal onstage moments in Paris to quiet breakthroughs in confidence, Casey’s journey has been defined by connection, compassion, and choosing bravery over comfort.

As she looks ahead to a new era of music, touring, and growth, we caught up with Casey for her end-of-year Q&A to reflect on vulnerability, advocacy, unforgettable live moments, and the next chapter she’s stepping into with a full heart.

Hi Casey, how are you?

I’m doing so well — still catching my breath a bit! It’s been a huge year of touring, creating, and trying to soak in every surreal moment. And honestly? I’m just excited about what’s next.

You’ve just released your new single “Good,” a really honest reflection on self-doubt and the fear of feeling unwanted. What inspired such a vulnerable song?

I think we all have that quiet fear inside us — What if I’m not enough? What if nobody shows up for me? For me, those feelings trace back to growing up with bullying and trying to rebuild my self-worth afterward. I wrote “Good” on a day when those old insecurities surprised me again, and instead of burying them, I wanted to turn them into something healing.

What do you hope listeners will feel when they hear it?

I hope they feel seen — like, oh, I’m not the only one who feels this way. If the song can help someone breathe a little easier in their own skin, then that’s everything.

The #YouMatterTour has just completed another run across the UK and Ireland — such a powerful anti-bullying initiative. What did you learn from this latest chapter?

Every time I return to schools, I’m reminded how much courage young people have. They share their stories, their fears, their victories — it’s emotional and inspiring. I’ve learned that kindness lands deeper when it feels personal, and music gives us that bridge. A song can bypass the armor people wear.

How have students been responding, and why do you think music works so well in this space?

The response has been incredible — so many tears, laughs, high-fives. Music disarms us. It turns a message like “you matter” from words on a poster into something you can feel in your chest.

You’re also an advocate for Ditch The Label. What drew you to their mission?

Their values align so closely with mine: empathy, acceptance, empowerment. They tackle bullying and confidence from every angle — mental health, identity, body image — and that’s what I try to do in my music too. No one should have to figure out self-love alone.

You toured Europe this year with some iconic artists. Any personal highlights or funny stories from the road?

Oh my gosh — Paris gave me a moment I will never forget. I was opening for Loreen at L’Olympia, which is already such a legendary and dreamy venue to perform in. I’m mid-song, fully in the emotion of it, when suddenly… silence. Total music blackout. I’m standing there like, “Well… that’s not part of the setlist!”

For a split second my stomach dropped — being an opening act, you always worry the crowd might tune out or get impatient. But instead, something magical happened: the entire audience started chanting my name. It was the most heart-melting, confidence-boosting moment. They cheered for me until everything got sorted and I could come back out and finish the show.

It was this beautiful reminder that live music fans are one big community — they root for you, even when they’ve only just met you. That support is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career. 💛

Do you have a favourite song to perform live?

It changes! But right now it’s “Better Than This.” When the crowd shouts the chorus back at me, it feels like we’re all promising ourselves a future we deserve.

“Better Than This” reflects your move to London and stepping into a new personal chapter. How has that shift prepared you for what’s next?

Moving pushed me outside my comfort zone — new city, new industry, new growth. I learned how to trust myself and say yes to opportunities that scare me a little. The next chapter? I’m running into it full-speed.

Looking back on the year, what are you most proud of? And what’s in store for 2026?

When I think about this past year, I’m proud that I kept choosing courage over comfort. I wrote and released songs that were painfully honest, I continued speaking out about confidence and self-worth, and I pushed myself to grow — both personally and creatively. Moments like the music cutting out mid-song in Paris could have been terrifying, but instead they became these powerful reminders of why I make music in the first place: the connection with people who show up and choose to support you, even when everything goes a bit sideways.

As for 2026, I feel ready for the next chapter. There will be new music that builds on everything I’ve learned about who I am and what I want to say. There will be more shows across places I’m still dreaming of visiting. This year taught me to trust the journey, so I’m walking into the next one with a full heart and big plans.