THE VOICE OF RESILIENCE: Collette Brady-McEntee on
‘So Long, Solo’ and the Power of Connection
Artist: Collette Brady-McEntee
Release: So Long, Solo
Questions: David Weddle
Date: 9th May 2026
Release: So Long, Solo
Questions: David Weddle
Date: 9th May 2026
Mullingar’s Collette Brady-McEntee is a singer that has drawn comparisons to stars like Adele and Freya Ridings, and with her latest single, So Long, Solo, Collette gives us a masterclass in emotional storytelling in a heartfelt tribute to the late lyricist Joy Solomon.
A classically trained pianist and vocalist, Collette brings a lot to the table as she caught the ear of legendary producer Ian Curnow (Kylie Minogue, Take That). They have crafted a record together that explores human connection and the strength it takes to find your own tribe. It is a tale of human connection that everyone can identify with on some level. We were lucky enough to delve deeper and find out what the track means to Collette and her plans for the future.
A classically trained pianist and vocalist, Collette brings a lot to the table as she caught the ear of legendary producer Ian Curnow (Kylie Minogue, Take That). They have crafted a record together that explores human connection and the strength it takes to find your own tribe. It is a tale of human connection that everyone can identify with on some level. We were lucky enough to delve deeper and find out what the track means to Collette and her plans for the future.
MNM: So Long, Solo is such a punchy, evocative title. In your own words, what is the core "mission statement" of this song?
Collete Brady-McEntee: The beauty of human connection and the strength it takes to move forward until the right people enter your life. It's a song that celebrates love , friendship and the quiet resilience behind both.
MNM: You’ve been compared to powerhouse vocalists like Adele and Freya Ridings. When you were in the studio, how did you balance that "classical control" with the raw, emotional "pop" energy the song demands?
Collete Brady-McEntee: Wow they are compliments to say the least. I'd definitely associate my voice and style with those amazing artists most definitely It was definitely a balance. Ian was really conscious about keeping the delivery emotionally direct, so he made sure there wasn’t too much vibrato creeping into the ends of phrases, because we didn’t want it to feel overly polished or theatrical. At the same time, the classical side of my training naturally comes into things like breath control, diction, and stamina in the studio — especially when you’re doing multiple takes and still trying to keep the emotion authentic.
The octave leaps at the end were probably the biggest technical challenge, because they needed power and precision without losing the vulnerability of the song. I think that’s where the control became useful: it allowed me to hit those bigger moments confidently while still keeping the performance grounded and emotional rather than just ‘big’ vocally.”
MNM: This track was born at a DWB songwriting camp. Can you take us into that room? What was the energy like working alongside Ian Curnow and Larissa Tormey?
Collete Brady-McEntee: I was in awe of their work. While the demo of the song had been completed before I did the vocals on the song , I have huge respect for their musical experience, melodies, lyrics and production they create.
MNM: "So Long, Solo" carries a heavy emotional weight as a tribute to the late Joy Solomon. How did her presence influence the final recording, and what does it mean to you to be the voice that carries her final creative legacy forward?
Collete Brady-McEntee: I never met Joy but looking into her work she loved being part of this songwriting camp and a well respected lyricist. I'm so glad the song is released for her family to be proud of her work.
MNM: Ian Curnow has worked with icons like Kylie and Take That. What was the biggest lesson or "aha!" moment you had while working with a producer of his calibre?
Collete Brady-McEntee: Ah stop I couldn't stop talking about my fav boy band east 17 . 'Let it rain ' and 'It's Alright ' were my teen anthems and still on my main Playlist. He was amazing to work with. Not one syllable wasn't addressed when recording the vocal and I don't need to tell you about the production as its so evident in the song. On top it all he is a Gent a felt so privileged he wanted to work with me.
MNM: You are classically trained in both voice and piano. How does that formal background help (or sometimes hinder!) you when you’re trying to create a contemporary pop record?
Collete Brady-McEntee: The breathing phrasing. I don't think it hinders as I sing pop songs quite naturally. I have for years. Just have to watch the vibrato doesn't creep in !
Collete Brady-McEntee: The beauty of human connection and the strength it takes to move forward until the right people enter your life. It's a song that celebrates love , friendship and the quiet resilience behind both.
MNM: You’ve been compared to powerhouse vocalists like Adele and Freya Ridings. When you were in the studio, how did you balance that "classical control" with the raw, emotional "pop" energy the song demands?
Collete Brady-McEntee: Wow they are compliments to say the least. I'd definitely associate my voice and style with those amazing artists most definitely It was definitely a balance. Ian was really conscious about keeping the delivery emotionally direct, so he made sure there wasn’t too much vibrato creeping into the ends of phrases, because we didn’t want it to feel overly polished or theatrical. At the same time, the classical side of my training naturally comes into things like breath control, diction, and stamina in the studio — especially when you’re doing multiple takes and still trying to keep the emotion authentic.
The octave leaps at the end were probably the biggest technical challenge, because they needed power and precision without losing the vulnerability of the song. I think that’s where the control became useful: it allowed me to hit those bigger moments confidently while still keeping the performance grounded and emotional rather than just ‘big’ vocally.”
MNM: This track was born at a DWB songwriting camp. Can you take us into that room? What was the energy like working alongside Ian Curnow and Larissa Tormey?
Collete Brady-McEntee: I was in awe of their work. While the demo of the song had been completed before I did the vocals on the song , I have huge respect for their musical experience, melodies, lyrics and production they create.
MNM: "So Long, Solo" carries a heavy emotional weight as a tribute to the late Joy Solomon. How did her presence influence the final recording, and what does it mean to you to be the voice that carries her final creative legacy forward?
Collete Brady-McEntee: I never met Joy but looking into her work she loved being part of this songwriting camp and a well respected lyricist. I'm so glad the song is released for her family to be proud of her work.
MNM: Ian Curnow has worked with icons like Kylie and Take That. What was the biggest lesson or "aha!" moment you had while working with a producer of his calibre?
Collete Brady-McEntee: Ah stop I couldn't stop talking about my fav boy band east 17 . 'Let it rain ' and 'It's Alright ' were my teen anthems and still on my main Playlist. He was amazing to work with. Not one syllable wasn't addressed when recording the vocal and I don't need to tell you about the production as its so evident in the song. On top it all he is a Gent a felt so privileged he wanted to work with me.
MNM: You are classically trained in both voice and piano. How does that formal background help (or sometimes hinder!) you when you’re trying to create a contemporary pop record?
Collete Brady-McEntee: The breathing phrasing. I don't think it hinders as I sing pop songs quite naturally. I have for years. Just have to watch the vibrato doesn't creep in !
MNM: Mullingar has a rich musical history. How has your home turf shaped your identity as an artist?
Collete Brady-McEntee: I'm surrounded by artists in this town , its brilliant. I have huge respect for artists of different genres and on different musical journeys and the hard work I see they put in. We all support each other.
MNM: You spend a lot of time as a Musical Director for school productions. Does coaching others and overseeing large-scale productions change the way you approach your own solo performances?
Collete Brady-McEntee: Connection to the song and the audience is vital and I do my best to train my students how important they are when performing along with all the technical things. Yes most definitely was I conscious about those points with Solong. I always say I sing from the heart , all the emotion I might be feeling in the song or personally.
MNM: From "Nobody Knows" in 2024 to "So Long, Solo" today, how do you feel your sound has evolved over the last two years?
Collete Brady-McEntee: I've always been acoustic with my piano which I love . It's what I was always seen with in my performances and that will always remain but I'm also loving standing with a mic with a big production behind me . I like both worlds.
MNM: You’ve been building a reputation as a vocalist-first live performer. What can fans expect from a Collette Brady-McEntee headline show in 2026?
Collete Brady-McEntee:I headlined a Christmas Concert with the talented Ben Cully (who I recorded Nobody Knows with) last Christmas and hope to do it again next Christmas. It was with a live band and all our favourite songs. There was definitely a mixture of songs/ styles which I loved. It was a huge success . My plan is to release an album and have an album launch gig in Mullingar !
MNM: I read that you want this to be an everyday song people relate to and you have certainly achieved that. Do you have any advice for budding musicians and songwriters looking for their start in music?
Collete Brady-McEntee :I've taught music , sang myself but it became a need not a want to sing and record the last couple of years. If you feel your voice and/or music needs to be out there... go for it and ignore the noise . Stay driven.
Collete Brady-McEntee: I'm surrounded by artists in this town , its brilliant. I have huge respect for artists of different genres and on different musical journeys and the hard work I see they put in. We all support each other.
MNM: You spend a lot of time as a Musical Director for school productions. Does coaching others and overseeing large-scale productions change the way you approach your own solo performances?
Collete Brady-McEntee: Connection to the song and the audience is vital and I do my best to train my students how important they are when performing along with all the technical things. Yes most definitely was I conscious about those points with Solong. I always say I sing from the heart , all the emotion I might be feeling in the song or personally.
MNM: From "Nobody Knows" in 2024 to "So Long, Solo" today, how do you feel your sound has evolved over the last two years?
Collete Brady-McEntee: I've always been acoustic with my piano which I love . It's what I was always seen with in my performances and that will always remain but I'm also loving standing with a mic with a big production behind me . I like both worlds.
MNM: You’ve been building a reputation as a vocalist-first live performer. What can fans expect from a Collette Brady-McEntee headline show in 2026?
Collete Brady-McEntee:I headlined a Christmas Concert with the talented Ben Cully (who I recorded Nobody Knows with) last Christmas and hope to do it again next Christmas. It was with a live band and all our favourite songs. There was definitely a mixture of songs/ styles which I loved. It was a huge success . My plan is to release an album and have an album launch gig in Mullingar !
MNM: I read that you want this to be an everyday song people relate to and you have certainly achieved that. Do you have any advice for budding musicians and songwriters looking for their start in music?
Collete Brady-McEntee :I've taught music , sang myself but it became a need not a want to sing and record the last couple of years. If you feel your voice and/or music needs to be out there... go for it and ignore the noise . Stay driven.
So Long, Solo is currently streaming on all major platforms.