Q&A: Casey Mcquillen Reflects On ‘Better’ And Tour With Eurovision Winner Loreen

Can you share the inspiration behind your new single ‘Better’ and how it reflects your artistic journey so far?

Definitely! Better was inspired by a conversation I had while writing with a married couple. I was joking that married people are the worst matchmakers because they just want everyone to be settled and happy like they are. But I told them, “I already have so much happiness in my life—if I’m going to be with someone, they have to add joy, not just meet some expectation.” That idea became the heart of the song: knowing your worth and refusing to settle for anything less.

This song marks a turning point in my artistic journey because it’s the most confident and self-assured I’ve ever felt in my music. Over the years, I’ve grown so much—not just as a songwriter, but as a person. Better represents me stepping into that strength, embracing who I am, and sharing a message that I hope empowers others to do the same.

I think so many of us—especially women—are taught to put others first, to make ourselves smaller, to be “easygoing” even when something doesn’t feel right. But prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. If we don’t value ourselves, how can we expect others to?

For me, self-love isn’t about being perfect or having it all figured out; it’s about setting boundaries, celebrating your own happiness, and not waiting for someone else to make you feel complete. That’s what Better is about—realizing you’re already enough on your own. I hope this song reminds people, especially young women, that their happiness isn’t something they have to compromise on.

Because I’ve lived it! So many times in my life, I’ve stayed in situations—whether it was relationships, professional struggles, or even just negative thought patterns—because I felt like I should. But the moment I started making decisions based on what actually brought me joy, my life changed.

That’s why this message is so personal. We all deserve to be surrounded by people and opportunities that lift us up. Walking away from something toxic or unfulfilling isn’t failure—it’s growth. I wrote Better as a reminder to myself and to anyone who needs to hear it: You don’t have to stay somewhere that doesn’t bring you happiness.

Oh, 100%! Writing and releasing Better has been such a cathartic experience. Every time I perform it, I feel this rush of energy, like I’m stepping into my own power all over again. Seeing audiences react—singing along, feeling that confidence with me—has been the most amazing feeling.

It’s also been therapeutic because I know this message is bigger than just me. I’ve had fans tell me that Better helped them leave a bad relationship, stand up for themselves at work, or just feel stronger in their own skin. That’s why I make music—to connect, to uplift, and to remind people (myself included!) that we are worth so much more than what we sometimes settle for.

You’ve wrapped up a huge European tour with Eurovision winner Loreen, including several sold-out dates. Have you enjoyed playing to packed-out crowds?

Absolutely! Touring with Loreen was an incredible experience, and playing to sold-out crowds across Europe was a dream come true. The energy in those rooms was just electric—Loreen’s fans are so passionate and engaged, and they welcomed me with open arms. Every night, I could feel this deep connection with the audience, especially when I performed Better for the first time. Seeing people react to the song in real-time was so rewarding.

There’s nothing quite like stepping on stage, feeling the buzz in the air, and knowing you’re about to share something special with a room full of people. It was truly unforgettable.

There are so many moments that stand out! One that really sticks with me is performing in Stockholm. Since it was Loreen’s home country, the energy that night was on another level—the crowd was so loud, and I felt completely in sync with them. It was one of those performances where everything just clicks, and you walk off stage thinking, Wow, that was magic.

It has been so exciting to start to tour with Anastacia! She’s an absolute powerhouse—her voice, her stage presence, her resilience—it’s all so inspiring. I grew up listening to her music, and now, getting to share a stage with her is surreal.

What I admire most about her is how she’s stayed true to herself throughout her career. She’s fearless in her performances, and she’s built such a loyal fanbase because of it. I’m so excited to learn from her and soak up every bit of wisdom she has to offer. Plus, her fans are in for some incredible shows, and I’m honored to be part of it!

Oh, so many! I’d love to collaborate with P!nk—her mix of powerhouse vocals and heartfelt songwriting is something I really connect with. I also think a duet with Dermot Kennedy would be incredible—his raw, emotional storytelling is just stunning.

And of course, I’ve always been a massive Taylor Swift fan. Her ability to evolve and connect with audiences through her lyrics is something I really admire. Getting to share a stage or write with any of those artists would be a dream come true!

I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but I can say that this next release builds on everything Better started. It’s another song rooted in self-worth and empowerment, but with a fresh perspective. It’s got a bit more edge, a bit more fire—I’m pushing myself both vocally and emotionally, and I can’t wait for people to hear it.

If you’ve ever needed a song to remind you of your strength, this one’s for you. Stay tuned!

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