US musician Casey McQuillen is an advocate for global youth charity Ditch The Label. She appears at Dublin schools to talk and perform to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and bullying. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Casey will be at:
6 October: Ellenfield Community College, Dublin (09:00am) and Firhouse Community College, Dublin (12:45pm)
7 October: Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin, Co. Kildare (12:50pm)
Casey appeared on season 13 of American Idol and has supported Eurovision winner Loreen, Anastacia, James Morrison, Beverley Knight, Marti Pellow, Newton Faulkner, Will Young.
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She has performed her anti-bullying concert series for over 50,000 students across the US, the UK, and Ireland. Her You Matter Tour was recognized by the UN Foundation and was featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I grew up in a town outside of Boston, and honestly, I was that kid who was completely obsessed with music. I'd spend hours memorizing lyrics like they were secret messages written just for me.
I use songwriting as my way of making sense of life. Whether I’m over the moon, heartbroken, or completely unsure of what’s next, I process it by turning those emotions into lyrics.
I’ve been a bit of a city-hopper for music. From Boston to New York to London, I’ve packed up my life more than once to chase this dream - and every move has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.
How would you describe your music?
I’d say my music is like heart-on-your-sleeve pop with a little sparkle and a lot of honesty. It’s catchy enough to sing in the car with your best friend, but vulnerable enough that you might cry while you’re doing it. Basically, if you’ve ever overthought a text, replayed a conversation in your head, or felt every single feeling at once…then yeah, my music is probably for you!
Who are your musical inspirations?
Growing up, I was glued to Top 40 radio and completely obsessed with pop singer-songwriters. I’ve always loved artists who are both vulnerable and bold - people who tell the truth in their songs but still make it feel like a party. Icons like Taylor Swift and Adele have shaped the way I think about storytelling and emotion, and I’m constantly inspired by female breakout artists like Maisie Peters and Alessi Rose, who bring such a fresh, fearless energy to pop right now. I love that balance of honesty and joy - the kind of music that can break your heart one minute and get you dancing the next.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first concert I ever went to was Vanessa Carlton when I was 10 years old. I was completely mesmerized - the way she told stories through her songs made me feel like I was in on a secret world. I think that’s when I first realized how powerful storytelling in music could be; and honestly, that love of storyteller songwriters has never left me!
What was the first record you ever bought?
The very first album I ever bought was Kelly Clarkson’s first record - and I literally memorized every single lyric. I would sing along in my bedroom like it was my own personal concert. Years later, getting to appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show and talk with her about my own music was such a full-circle, pinch-me moment. Ten-year-old me would have absolutely lost her mind!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Right now, I cannot stop listening to Sue Me by Audrey Hobert. Her lyrics are so frank and wildly honest - it’s incredibly refreshing. And while she delivers her songs in this effortlessly simple way, when you really listen, the combination of her unique melodies and sharp, emotional lyrics is something really special. It’s such a clever balance, and honestly, she completely deserves the blow-up she’s having right now!
Favourite lyric of all time?
I’d have to say Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. I once heard that he wrote dozens of verses before deciding on the ones that ended up in the song, and that’s always stuck with me. The lyrics are absolutely perfect and completely captivating and knowing the process behind them inspires me to keep pushing and editing in my own writing. It’s a reminder to trust my gut that a song can always grow into something even more powerful if I give it the time and care it needs.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wow, what an impossible question! But if I had to choose, I think I’d say What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. It’s the song I listened to with my family when I was little, so it feels like home to me. The lyrics capture the human experience in such a simple, beautiful way - a reminder to notice the little things and to see the world with gratitude and wonder. I’d want to carry that perspective with me every single day.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find me everywhere online! My website is here and I’m always hanging out on Instagram at @listentocasey, and of course you can stream all my music on Spotify under Casey McQuillen. Come say hi - I love connecting with new listeners!
Alan Corr
