Mullingar-based recording artist Collete Brady-McEntee is quickly carving out her space in the Irish music scene with a sound that moves effortlessly between folk warmth and polished pop emotion. Over the past two years, she has built a growing catalogue defined by heartfelt delivery, cinematic pop sensibilities, and a voice that feels both controlled and deeply instinctive.
Her latest release, “So Long, Solo,” captures that balance perfectly. Written during a UK songwriting camp and later shaped in collaboration with Ian Curnow and Larissa Tormey, the track explores themes of solitude, hope, and human connection with a quiet emotional strength. While originally in the running as a potential Eurovision entry, the song ultimately found its home as a more personal, reflective pop record that Collete instantly connected with on a deeper level.
In this conversation, she opens up about discovering the song, working across genres, the emotional imprint of its writers, and how her journey from folk-leaning beginnings to expansive pop ballads continues to evolve. She also reflects on authenticity, growth as a vocalist, and what listeners can expect next from her steadily rising career.
Congrats on your new release. First of all, who is Collete Brady-McEntee?
I’m a recording artist from Mullingar, Ireland, who has recorded Folk and Pop music over the last two years. Very driven, loves the craic, passionate, and a sensitive soul!
“So Long, Solo” feels very emotionally grounded and reflective. What was the first spark or idea that started the song for you?
I loved the lyrics as I felt so many could resonate with. I love the lights and shades of the song.
You wrote this track during a UK songwriting camp with Ian Curnow, Larissa Tormey, and the late Joy Solomon. What was that creative environment like, and how did it shape the song’s direction?
I wasn’t a writer. After the camp, I received the demo from Larissa, who liked my vocals. Larissa had just come back from Ireland’s entry in the Eurovision last year with ‘Laika Party’ and sent ‘Solong’ with two other possible songs. It was a possible Eurovision Entry for this year, but felt it was more mainstream. I connected with the song straight away. I felt it was a song I could put my heart into. Larissa spoke to Ian ( so grateful), and the next thing I’m recording it with Ian in London. I love both Ian and Larissa’s work in songwriting and production. I knew we had something special here.
The track carries a quiet tribute to Joy Solomon. How did her presence and energy influence the writing session and the final song?
I never met Joy, but I know she loved songwriting and was an exceptional lyricist. While performing the song, I always think of her when thinking of the lyrics.
The song sits in a space between reflective pop and contemporary folk. How would you describe your sound evolving across your recent releases?
I’ve moved between folk and pop since my first release. I feel comfortable in both worlds. I’ve been exposed to many different styles of music since I was a teen, so once I connect with the song, I think I can deliver no matter what the genre is. I love pop music, always have. I love sitting at the piano, but I also love performing the big numbers at the mic.
Your vocal delivery on this track is both controlled and emotional. How did your classical training in voice and piano influence how you approached the performance?
Ah, the music technicalities you watch in all songs, breathing, etc., but it all comes from the heart when I sing, and if I’m really feeling the song around me, it makes me get out of my comfort zone, and I even surprise myself!
When you look back at your earlier releases like “Nobody Knows” and “Out of Your Control,” how do you feel you’ve grown as a vocalist and songwriter?
To really love being part of a song, whether its acoustic ballad or a big pop number. My music seems to connect most with cinematic, intense pop ballads. I am sitting down to co-write this summer so looking forward to what comes from that
What do you hope listeners feel or take away after sitting with “So Long, Solo”?
Contentment, Happiness, and Hope
What does authenticity mean to Collete Brady-McEntee?
For me, creating and performing music that comes from the heart.
Any dream collab?
Teddy Swims, Dermot Kennedy, Rag n Bone Man, and Mark Feehily! Love dueting with male voices.
What’s Next for Collete Brady-McEntee? Any album, concert, or tour?
Album, yes, just not sure when yet, concerts in my hometown by the end of the year, including the Christmas Concert I do in Westmeath with the talented Ben Cully. We do a range of music with a live band, including releases. I’d love my album launch to be in my hometown of Mullingar.
Message to fans and readers?
Keep listening to and sharing my music, and appreciate all the support so far. It means a lot.
‘So Long, Solo’ finds Collete Brady-McEntee at her most assured, delivering a vocal-led pop performance that balances emotional restraint with genuine warmth.
