July 31, 2025Interviews, Local Artists, New Music Video, New Single Comments (0)

CELESTE SWIFT – ‘NOW THAT YOU’RE GONE’ NEW SINGLE INTERVIEW

SINGLE & VIDEO ‘NOW THAT YOU’RE GONE’ (PRODUCED BY MARK BELING) RELEASED FRIDAY 1 AUGUST 2025

Celeste Swift’s Uplifting Debut Bridges Hope and Healing

Celeste Swift is a new name turning heads in the South African music scene with her debut single
‘Now That You’re Gone’, released Friday 1 August. Known for pouring passion into her live
performances, Celeste now shares a deeply personal track – a tribute to her late father – produced
by Mark Beling. Her heartfelt lyrics and uplifting melody aim to inspire hope and encourage
community, continuing Fanbase’s mission to build the music scene. In this interview, Celeste opens
about her musical influences, the inspiration behind her song, and how she believes music can unite
fans in positivity and support.

Photo by Ronel Photo Design Studio

Q: Celeste, in the past you focused on performing covers rather than writing your own material.
What changed, and how did ‘Now That You’re Gone’ come to life?

Celeste Swift: I never really focused on writing my own music initially. I was content performing
cover songs until I realised, I needed to tell my own story. One day, while driving, the floodgates
opened, and lyrics simply poured out. I had to pull over and record voice notes so I wouldn’t forget them. Once home, I put pen to paper and wrote song after song, but ‘Now That You’re Gone’ is by
far the one closest to my heart.

Q: Your debut single ‘Now That You’re Gone’ honours your father’s memory. How did fans and
fellow musicians react when you first shared the song’s meaning?

Celeste Swift: Their initial response was excitement, but when I explained the song’s backstory,
there was often a brief pause followed by tears. So many of us sing along to lyrics without realising
their deeper significance – and that is certainly the case with ‘Now That You’re Gone’.

Q: Collaborating with producer Mark Beling is a major milestone. What did you learn from working
with him, and how did he shape the final track?

Celeste Swift: Mark’s exceptional talent and passion are hard to put into words. He’s a phenomenal
musician whose enthusiasm is contagious. His guidance was invaluable: this song simply wouldn’t
exist in its current form without his influence and dedication. I’m immensely grateful for his support
and look forward to many more studio sessions together.

Q: Aside from your vocals, which instruments do you play, and how do they influence your
songwriting and live shows?

Celeste Swift: I studied piano when I was younger and have recently taken up the guitar. Having an
instrument on stage makes live performances far more impactful. With each new chord I learn, my
guitar becomes almost like a best friend.

Q: Fanbase Music Magazine champions the South African scene. How do you see ‘Now That You’re
Gone’ uplifting the community and fostering connection?

Celeste Swift: Any song written from the heart that tells a genuine story can unite listeners. My hope
is that this song takes people on a journey – reminding us that music speaks to the soul and
ultimately brings us together.

Q: Your song is both personal and universal. How do you balance telling your own story with
creating a song that fans everywhere can relate to?

Celeste Swift: Grief is universal – everyone faces it at some point. By sharing my story, I aim to raise
awareness of mental health and offer comfort to those who have lost someone dear to them.

Photo by Ronel Photo Design Studio

Q: Have any listener stories surprised or touched you since the release of ‘Now That You’re Gone’?

Celeste Swift: I’m always moved when people tell me they’ve been brought to tears. It shows they’re
relating to the lyrics and that they, too, have experienced deep loss. That connection means
everything to me.

Q: ‘Now That You’re Gone’ serves as a platform for mental‑health awareness. Do you have plans to
partner with charities or create initiatives to support fans’ well‑being?

Celeste Swift: While I haven’t yet formalised partnerships with mental‑health organisations, this is a
key goal for me. I want to help raise awareness and emphasize that seeking help is a sign of
strength. There is always support available for anyone facing challenges.

Q: Performing can be cathartic. When you sing this song live, does it further your own healing?

Celeste Swift: Absolutely. Drawing on every emotion when performing live truly advances my
healing journey.

Q: As an independent artist, who would you love to collaborate with next – locally or internationally?

Celeste Swift: There are many, but if I had to choose one, it would be Pedro Barbosa. He’s an
exceptional artist, and I know I could learn so much from him.

Q: Outside of music, how do you recharge and find inspiration?

Celeste Swift: This may seem odd, but I recharge either at a shooting range or out in nature – two
very different settings! I find peace in the outdoors, whether at the ocean or in the bushveld. Being
outside feeds my creativity.

Q: Finally, what line from ‘Now That You’re Gone’ do you hope listeners remember, and why?

Celeste Swift: “It gets harder each day, but I’m moving on.” They say time heals all wounds, but I
believe we learn to cope better and build the courage to move forward, one step at a time.

Celeste’s passion for community and hope shines through her music. Her debut single ‘Now That
You’re Gone’ and its heartfelt video are now available on all streaming platforms. We invite Fanbase
readers to listen, share, and join Celeste in using music to uplift each other and brighten someone’s
day.

Photo by Ronel Photo Design Studio

Celeste Swift Biography

Celeste Swift is a South African singer‑songwriter whose music explores the delicate terrain of loss,
healing and renewed hope. Rooted in heartfelt performance, she infuses every note with sincerity
and emotional depth.

Her musical journey began in 2009, performing cover songs at weddings, bars and intimate
live‑music venues. There, she perfected not only the mechanics of performance but also the art of
forging an immediate connection with her audience. After stepping away from the spotlight, she re-
emerged in 2023 as the lead vocalist of alternative pop‑rock outfit Headline – a pivotal chapter that
reignited her passion for songwriting and reminded her why music is her true vocation.

In 2024, Celeste struck out independently by founding Swift & Co. and launching a solo career.
Embracing full creative control, she now crafts songs drawn directly from her own experiences – raw,
honest and resonant. Her debut single, ‘Now That You’re Gone’, produced by award‑winning Mark
Beling, is available 1 August 2025 – A poignant tribute to her late father, the track confronts grief,
celebrates healing and champions open conversations about mental health.

A seasoned live performer, Celeste appears regularly at venues and seasonal festivals, and tailors
her set for private occasions – bringing a uniquely personal touch to each event. Inspired by adult‑contemporary and singer‑songwriter traditions, she weaves lyrical narratives that confront
difficult emotions while offering solace, inviting listeners into a space of shared vulnerability and
reflection.

With her debut single imminent and further original material underway, Celeste Swift is poised to
emerge as a compelling new voice in South African music – fearlessly transforming personal pain
into universal connection.

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