In this in-depth discussion, rising artist Celeste Swift opens about the raw emotions behind her debut single ‘Now That You’re Gone’. With her soulful voice and honest songwriting, Celeste teamed up with SA rock legend Mark Beling to turn her personal story into an anthem of hope. We talk about the creative process, the challenges of sharing such a vulnerable message, and how she channels pain into positivity. Celeste’s insights shed light on why this track could be a catalyst for conversation and healing in the indie music community.

Celeste, with ‘Now That You’re Gone’ being your first solo single, how does it feel to share something so personal with listeners?

Releasing ‘Now That You’re Gone’ has been both terrifying and liberating. Writing a song in the quiet safety of your own space is one thing but sharing that vulnerability with the world is quite another. This song is deeply personal - rooted in my own grief, in a chapter of my life I carried silently for so long - so putting it out there felt exposing. I wondered how people would respond to something so raw, yet I’ve discovered there is power in telling the truth. It is immensely rewarding to know that my personal story may help others feel seen. Above all, I feel grateful: grateful for the courage to write it, grateful for the support I’ve received, and grateful that something so close to my heart can now connect with people in such a meaningful way.

The title itself is powerful. What does the phrase ‘Now That You’re Gone’ mean to you on a deeper level?

The phrase ‘Now That You’re Gone’ carries considerable weight for me. It is not merely about someone’s physical absence, but everything that follows. On a deeper level, it reflects my emotional state after my father passed away. I felt alone, as though life was moving on while I remained frozen. I was overwhelmed with questions - about him, about what drove him to that point, and about how to move forward. Those words capture the moment grief truly sets in and you must learn to navigate life without someone who once felt constant. Yet the title also marks a turning point: writing this song helped me find meaning in those emotions and, eventually, begin to heal. So, although ‘Now That You’re Gone’ began in sorrow, it ultimately became a means to process, understand and let go.

Collaborating with Mark Beling can shape a song’s sound in profound ways. Can you describe any studio moments when ‘Now That You’re Gone’ really came together?

Working with Mark Beling was incredibly moving. He has a calm, intuitive way of grasping not just a song’s structure, but its emotional heart. One studio moment stands out: after a raw vocal take of the chorus, the room fell silent. Neither of us spoke for a few seconds - it felt as if we both knew we had captured something real. Mark’s creative input shaped the track’s emotional tone, giving it a space to breathe, to build and to land gently. He honoured the song’s heart without overproducing, and his patience gave me the confidence to push through the weighty emotions of recording. It was in those honest, unplanned instances that the song truly came together.

The song mixes heartfelt lyrics with an uplifting melody. How did you decide on an arrangement that conveys both grief and optimism?

Striking that balance was one of Mark’s inspired ideas from the outset. He understood the song’s gravity - the grief, the loss, the vulnerability – but he also wanted the track to lift the listener by its conclusion. He suggested structuring the arrangement so that the verses felt raw and intimate, then building towards a chorus that felt emotionally freeing. By introducing gentle guitar layers, dynamic crescendos and a warm, driving rhythm, he created a subtle optimism woven through the production. You can feel the sadness, yet you’re not left there - you sense forward motion and hope.

Every artist faces doubt. Did you ever hesitate to release such a vulnerable song? What gave you the confidence to proceed?

Absolutely. Sharing something so personal always brings fear - fear of misunderstanding, of seeming too raw. ‘Now That You’re Gone’ is a piece of my heart, my history and my healing, so releasing it was daunting. Yet I realised that carrying my grief in silence wasn’t serving me or anyone else who might need to hear it. I decided I wasn’t releasing it to seek approval, but because it was genuine. That honesty in music can reach people in a way nothing else can, and that conviction gave me the confidence to move forward.

Your music video adds visual depth to the song. How do the images reflect the story you’re telling?

The video imagery was chosen to mirror the song’s emotional journey - from stillness to release and, ultimately, quiet hope. We shot in two primary locations: a wide‑open field and beside a railway line. The field symbolises the emptiness and vulnerability of grief - open, quiet and isolating - yet it also offers healing stillness. The railway line signifies the passage of time and life’s onward journey; even though we feel as if life stops when we lose someone, time keeps moving. Trains become a metaphor for forward motion, and standing by the tracks represents the decision to keep going despite the weight of grief. We kept the visuals minimal and natural - no flashy effects - so viewers can inhabit the stillness, feel the vulnerability and walk through the story with me. The video’s message: even in our most painful seasons, beauty exists in the healing process and hope always waits on the horizon.

The indie music scene values authenticity. How do you stay true to yourself as you begin to attract more attention?

Staying authentic is a promise I made to myself. The indie scene thrives on honesty, vulnerability and real connection, and I want my work to embody those values. I don’t chase trends or try to be someone I’m not - I simply tell my truth. To remain grounded, I prioritise the things that matter most: time with family, quiet moments for reflection and the support of people who love me unconditionally. Those practices keep me connected to my purpose and remind me why I started this journey in the first place.

If you could sum up the message of ‘Now That You’re Gone’ in one line for someone who hasn’t heard it yet, what would it be?

It is a message of hope.

Do you have any advice for fellow independent artists who are working through personal experiences in their art?

Stay true and be authentic. Your personal experiences - both joyful and painful - make your voice unique. Don’t shy away from telling your story as it is. There is immense power in vulnerability, and often the songs that are hardest to write resonate the deepest. Avoid comparison and trust that honesty sets you apart. People crave genuine feeling, so lean into your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Someone out there needs to hear exactly what you have to say.

After this journey, what keeps you inspired to write and perform music? Where do you draw your strength from now?

I am inspired by the knowledge that music matters - it can express what words alone cannot, offering comfort, connection and healing. Every message I receive from someone who felt seen or understood by ‘Now That You’re Gone’ reignites my passion to keep writing and performing. I draw strength from my faith, my family, my husband’s unwavering support and the resilience I’ve discovered within myself. I’ve learned that strength often comes from presence - slowing down to face difficulty with courage. Most of all, I’m inspired by the stories we all carry. If I can continue creating music that reflects our shared experiences and reminds people they are not alone, then I know I am exactly where I belong.

Celeste Swift’s emotionally charged debut, ‘Now That You’re Gone,’ is now available on all music platforms, and the official video dropped along with it. Underground Press readers should check out this moving track and video to experience its message of hope and resilience—because sometimes the most powerful stories come from the heart.

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