There’s a particular warmth that spreads through a crowd when an artist steps onto stage and instantly feels like family. That’s the kind of night New York-based singer-songwriter Casey McQuillen delivered at The Classic Grand Lounge in Glasgow, on the latest stop of her European and UK headline tour.
No stranger to the road, Casey is a tireless performer—constantly writing, recording, and touring, whether as a headliner or a guest act. But if there’s one place she always receives a tumultuous welcome, it’s here in Glasgow. And tonight, that tradition held strong.
Before Casey took to the stage, local singer-songwriter Carrie Mac opened the evening with a striking set. Carrie opened for Casey on her last visit to this venue and made such an impression that she invited back; Casey prides herself on promoting local talent whenever she can.
Standing alone at her electric piano, Carrie commanded the room with the kind of voice that doesn’t just fill a space—it lingers. Confident and emotive, she even took on Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love (in a Hopeless Place)’ and made it her own. There’s a lot of talk about “ones to watch”—but in Carrie’s case, the future isn’t coming, it’s already arrived. You’d be smart to check her out now on most of the usual online music platforms and, of course, on social media.
The Classic Grand Lounge, with its moody lighting and intimate setup, provided the perfect setting for Casey’s brand of heartfelt, soulful pop. Fans—some sporting fresh merch, others donning Casey’s trademark sparkle—waited eagerly in the tight-knit crowd. The lounge’s size meant there was no separation between artist and audience; it was all connection, no distance. The only downside to tonight was the numbers in attendance… Casey deserves jam packed venues!
With little delay, Casey and Jimmy (her musical sidekick for the tour) took the stage to a warm reception. Casey’s smile was instant and infectious, radiating the kind of joy that could soften even the hardest of hearts. She launched into ‘The One’ and the room was with her from the first note.
Casey’s vocals—dynamic, rich, and full of emotion—paired seamlessly with Jimmy’s musicianship. Together, they displayed a level of artistry that could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest names in the industry. Every note was precise, every lyric sincere, and every smile genuine.
Casey very much writes and speaks from the heart; not averse to sharing her negative experiences with her audience. Her show is a rollercoaster and her outpourings are the front seat passengers. She speaks passionately about the background to the stunning song ‘Skinny’ as well as her personal journey with her weight. This bubbly confident woman has a vulnerable side… for the record; ‘Skinny’ is epic!!
Watching from the crowd, Casey’s mom, Flora, beamed with pride, snapping photos and moving along to the rhythm. Her father, ever the supportive force, ran the merchandise stand with the same enthusiasm Casey brings to the mic. It’s clearly a family affair, and that love radiates through every part of the experience.
The set closed out with ‘Better Than This’, but the night was far from over.
One of the most cherished traditions at a Casey McQuillen show is what comes after the final song—a hug and chat with every single fan in the room. No stage posturing, no ego. Just gratitude and kindness. And if you think that sounds like a gimmick, you haven’t met Casey.
She hugs, signs, chats, and sparkles her way through it all, face lit up with genuine joy. It’s hard to imagine how she’ll maintain this level of personal connection when she inevitably moves on to bigger venues—but knowing Casey, she’ll find a way.
In a world where music often feels like a product, Casey McQuillen offers something different: authenticity, talent, and heart. She is, without question, one of the hardest-working musicians on the scene today, and she’s not slowing down. If you get the chance to see her live, take it. To hear her is to love her (I stole / recycled than line from my previous review of a Casey show)
Oh… almost forgot.
Casey is moving to the UK on a permanent basis very soon so if you missed her shows but like the thought of attending one; your chance just got that little bit closer!
Review & Photographs by John Brown Photography
