Celeste Reflects on Identity and New Album Ahead of Release

During a recent performance at Brooklyn’s Warsaw venue, British singer-songwriter Celeste engaged with a largely unfamiliar audience, showcasing both her latest material and beloved hits. The 31-year-old, known for her impactful albums, expressed that this experience felt liberating. “When you play to people who have no context or idea of what you do, everything’s new to them anyway. It gives you a lot of freedom,” she stated.

Celeste, who gained acclaim with her debut album, Not Your Muse, in 2021, is now preparing for the release of her second album, Woman of Faces, set for November 14, 2025. At the 1,100-capacity venue, she performed older favorites like “Strange,” alongside newer tracks such as “This Is Who I Am,” which draws inspiration from the sounds of trip-hop icons like Portishead.

The artist’s journey through the music industry has been complex, shaped by her mixed-race heritage and the expectations placed on her as a musician. Born Celeste Epiphany Waite in California in 1994, she has navigated preconceived notions surrounding her identity. “People want to heavily assign you to what they deem to be a black identity,” she explained. “If you don’t take that kind of moulding on as a mixed-race artist, you’re deemed to be too white.” This struggle for authenticity is a prevalent theme in her work and her life.

Celeste’s new album represents a bold exploration of her artistic identity. The track “On With the Show” stands out as a stark ballad without guitars or percussion, while “People Always Change” features a sample from the renowned minimalist composer Philip Glass. Celeste reflected on the creative process, stating, “I feel like I continuously have to fight to preserve my true identity and true sense of what my feeling of authenticity is within myself.”

She has also highlighted the challenges women face in the music industry, noting how often their contributions are overlooked. “Sometimes it’s as simple as not being listened to,” she remarked, recalling an instance where a female CEO’s warnings about impending industry challenges went unheeded because she was the only woman in the meeting.

Despite these obstacles, Celeste remains grounded in her vision. Her earlier work, particularly the song “A Little Love,” which featured in a popular holiday advertisement for John Lewis, led to misconceptions about her musical direction. “There’s probably quite a few moments that have given the impression of something that I could be that I’m not,” she reflected, acknowledging that her earlier songs may not have fully represented her artistic self.

Celeste’s personal history further informs her music. After losing her father to lung cancer at a young age, themes of grief and loss resonate deeply in her work. Her single, “Father’s Son,” addresses the absence of paternal figures and the emotional void they can create. “Maybe I’m lonely, maybe you’re lost. Maybe I’m an echo, or perhaps you’re a ghost,” she sings, encapsulating universal feelings of longing and heartache.

As she prepares for the release of Woman of Faces, Celeste emphasizes the album’s focus on personal growth and empowerment. While it contains elements of heartbreak, she insists it is not solely a breakup record. “I’d say that Woman of Faces is more political,” she noted. “The tragedy of a relationship that’s gone wrong, I think a lot of people experience that in their life… a moment that feels like catastrophe but, ultimately, a moment that reaches its balance and equilibrium.”

Celeste’s reflections on her experiences reveal a desire for authenticity in an industry that often pushes artists to conform. She described a transformative moment while recording in Los Angeles, where a chance encounter with music enthusiasts led to a connection with Philip Glass, enabling her to incorporate his work into her album. This experience not only influenced her music but also encouraged her to confront her assumptions about classical music and its creators.

Through her journey, Celeste has learned to embrace change. “When stagnancy is in your life, it can take a lot to shift it,” she said, acknowledging the challenges of moving beyond periods of grief and depression. Her new album captures this evolution, reflecting her ongoing quest to find balance while navigating the complexities of identity and artistry.

As November 14 approaches, anticipation builds for the release of Woman of Faces. Celeste’s music continues to resonate with listeners, offering a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of being a modern artist in an ever-evolving industry.