Celeste’s journey leads to release of new album ‘Woman of Faces’
Celeste’s new album, Woman of Faces, has emerged amidst a backdrop of changing industry dynamics and personal challenges, reports BritPanorama. In a candid reflection on her creative journey, Celeste expressed that her vision for the album was met with resistance from her label, Polydor, which questioned the viability of her artistic direction.
Despite her debut album Not Your Muse achieving critical acclaim, Celeste faced obstacles in her pursuit of an edgy, orchestral sound that she felt was authentic to her artistry. “Everyone looked at me like, ‘Please no, no-one’s gonna listen to that,’” the 31-year-old shared, highlighting her frustrations as she compared her ambitions to the recent success of Spanish pop star Rosalía.
The singer, born Celeste Waite and raised in Brighton, navigated a difficult path marked by personal losses and industry hurdles. Following her father’s death from cancer at 16, she found motivation to succeed, launching her career with the track “Strange” in 2019, which garnered her recognition and accolades including a Brit Rising Star award and a Mercury Prize nomination.
Her subsequent hits, like “A Little Love,” used in prominent advertising campaigns, solidified her place in the music landscape. However, the release of Woman of Faces has revealed deeper frustrations with her representation within the industry. Celeste publicly criticized Polydor on social media for their lack of support during her album’s creation, expressing concern over creative differences and the constraints imposed on her artistic vision.
“I feel I am being shown a set of consequences for essentially not doing as I was told,” she remarked, pointing to challenges faced as a female artist in a male-dominated music environment. This outspoken stance comes as she continues her relationship with the label, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
In discussing the album’s production, Celeste expressed frustrations over the lack of autonomy in her creative choices, particularly regarding collaborations and arrangements. She aimed to collaborate with Robert Ames from the London Contemporary Orchestra but was barred from pursuing that vision.
Woman of Faces nevertheless represents a powerful collection of songs exploring themes of struggle and resilience. Celeste emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her lyrics, delving into the complexities of love, loss, and addiction while striving to defy the narrative that suffering is necessary for artistic merit.
A pivotal track, “On With the Show,” encapsulates her journey of finding balance amid personal and professional pressures. As she reflects on her experiences, Celeste articulates a desire to reclaim her narrative, suggesting productive conversations with Polydor in light of her public disclosures.
Celeste remains committed to championing her artistic identity, asserting her belief in her talent and resilience. “I like to believe in my merit, and I like to believe in my distinctive qualities and my voice and my talent,” she stated, affirming her resolve to take control of her work.
Woman of Faces is out now.
