Collete Brady-McEntee is a singer-songwriter from Mullingar, Ireland, whose music blends contemporary folk and pop with classical influences. Known for her expressive vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting, she has steadily built a reputation as one of Ireland’s most promising emerging artists through releases such as “Nobody Knows”, “Out Of Your Control” and “Solong Solo”.
Her career highlights include collaborating with Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan on the duet “Valentine” and appearing on RTÉ’s Behind the Music. Alongside her recording and live performance work, Brady-McEntee serves as Musical Director for school productions, bringing her passion for music to both the stage and the next generation of performers. We were fortunate to sit down with Collete and ask her a few questions about her life, music and career to date.
MBTM: You’re originally from Mullingar, Ireland—how would you describe your hometown?
Collete: Full of music of all different genres. Lots of live music and artists . You're never short of it on a night out.
MBTM: What stands out most when you think back on your childhood?
Collete: Singing. I had a record player given to me and a keyboard up in my bedroom. Singing in a children's choir at mass.
MBTM: Did music play a role in your family growing up?
Collete: Yes, my father had a gorgeous voice and loved traditional jazz. He would go on all the jazz tours including New Orleans. He never played an instrument, as not given the chance, but he would have been great. Mum enrolled me in music school from the age of 10, and the both of them gave me all the chances and experience of music.
MBTM: When did you first realise you wanted to pursue life as a singer-songwriter, and what sparked that decision?
Collete: As a child. It was something I could see that I was good at and it gave me confidence. From my secondary education, I geared my schooling throughout so I could go to college to study music. It was really the only thing I felt strong at to be honest.
MBTM: “Solong Solo” was written during a songwriting camp—what was that experience like from a creative standpoint?
Collete: I received the demo after the camp but know how the camps work. I would have loved to be in that camp with such amazing writers lyricists and producers of the caliber that "Solong" had.
MBTM: What story or emotion sits at the heart of the song?
Collete: Contentment, happiness, resilience and hope.
MBTM: What do you listen for in a great song? Especially when you’re performing material you didn’t write, what tends to draw you in?
Collete: Oh, the minor sections, piano ,strings and a good beat are usually the two elements.
MBTM: Your Spotify bio references a background in classical music—how has that training influenced your sound today?
Collete: I have a degree in music but have been singing a few genres over the course of my career. I suppose the initial vocal and piano training helps with the technical things in music, but I like to think all that I do comes from the heart.
MBTM: Are you currently working toward an album release?
Collete: Yes, hopefully. I'll know when the time is right.
MBTM: Which artist has had the most profound influence on your musical style?
Collete: Very hard question as I don't have just one but going from my teens probably Celine Dion, Adele ... but there's so many to be honest.
MBTM: Finally, what guiding philosophy shapes the way you approach life and your work?
Collete: My guiding philosophy as an independent artist is to stay authentic, passionate, and committed to creating music I really feel and connects with listeners. I believe dreams become reality through consistency, hard work, and believing in your vision even when the journey gets difficult. My goal is to keep evolving creatively, inspire others through my story, and build success on my own terms.
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Collete Brady-McEntee Facebook
Collete Brady-McEntee Instagram
Interview by staff at MBTM
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