Johannesburg‑based singer‑songwriter Celeste Swift has unveiled her deeply personal solo debut single and accompanying music video, ‘Now That You’re Gone’.
Co‑produced by award‑winning musician Mark Beling, the track marries the raw immediacy of grief with moments of quiet hope, offering listeners both a mirror for their own pain and a gentle path towards healing.
‘Now That You’re Gone’ is Celeste Swift’s tribute to her late father, whose passing in 2014 left an indelible mark on her life. For years, she carried an unspoken grief that affected her emotionally, creatively and personally. When she finally sat down to write the song, the lyrics poured out in a raw, unfiltered rush of emotion.
“Writing ‘Now That You’re Gone’ was a vital part of my healing,” Celeste explains. “It allowed me to process the shock and sorrow, and ultimately to find a measure of peace. My hope is that anyone who’s experienced loss will feel less alone when they hear it.”
Celeste enlisted Mark Beling to co‑produce the track. Mark prioritised the song’s emotional core, allowing Celeste’s vocal performance to remain centre stage. Subtle guitar layers, warm piano chords and careful rhythmic accents create space for the lyrics to breathe without overshadowing them.
Moments of hushed intimacy build into sweeping crescendos, mirroring the journey from grief to gentle hope. “Mark understood the weight of this song from our very first session,” Celeste recalls. “His sensitivity and creative insight elevated every lyric and melody.”
Directed with a focus on simplicity and emotional resonance, the music video for ‘Now That You’re Gone’ was filmed on location in the Gauteng countryside.
Two principal settings serve as visual metaphors: a wide-open field, representing the vast emptiness and vulnerability of grief, yet also its potential for stillness and reflection; and a railway track, symbolising life’s onward journey and reminding us that even in our sorrow we continue to move forward, one step at a time.
The video’s muted colour palette and unhurried pacing invite viewers to inhabit the song’s emotional space, offering room for personal reflection and healing.
Celeste’s music career began in 2009, performing heartfelt cover versions at weddings, bars and intimate live‑music venues across South Africa. Those early years taught her how to forge authentic connections with audiences and channel vulnerability into performance.
After a period away from the spotlight, Celeste re‑emerged in 2023 as lead vocalist of the alternative pop‑rock outfit Headline, a collaboration that reignited her passion for songwriting. In 2024, she founded Swift & Co., embracing full creative control over her music and embarking on her solo journey.
Today, Celeste Swift’s original work is characterised by songs drawn from both joyful and painful personal experiences, balancing grief and hope, sadness and strength in equal measure. She brings a uniquely intimate touch to every live performance, from seasonal festivals to bespoke private events.
Encouraging Open Conversations Around Mental Health: This song addresses grief and suicide with care and compassion. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental‑health professional or supportive helpline in your region.
Mental‑health awareness is at the heart of Celeste’s mission. By speaking candidly about her own experiences with grief and the creative process that helped her heal, she hopes to break down stigma and encourage compassionate dialogue. “If my song leads even one person to reach out, share their story or seek help, it will have served its purpose,” Celeste says.
