One of the UK’s recent breakout successes in the soul space, Celeste won the Rising Star award at this year’s Brit Awards. Initially signed to Lily Allen’s record label Bank Holiday Records, she signed with Polydor after attracting the attention of fellow UK soulster Michael Kiwanuka. Her highly stylised but distinct vocal has garnered comparisons to the likes of Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday.

Celeste’s latest single ‘I Can See The Change’ had production from FINNEAS, the multi-Grammy Award winning producer best known for his work with sister Billie Eilish. Against a simple piano accompaniment, Celeste decides to make a change in her life for the better – ‘I can see the change / Come what may / I won’t regret today.’ The resolve in the lyric does not feel overly triumphant, however. It is tempered by a melancholy and malaise in Celeste’s delivery and, though the lyrics are fairly abstract, the listener gauges a damaged, worn-out persona. It’s as if she’s making this commitment to herself while still very much immersed in her sadness. The vocal is understated, rising into airy textures.

“The song was written from a very personal and introspective place,” Celeste explains, “however it has taken on a new and more powerful meaning because of what has been happening with Covid-19 and the global reinvigoration of the Black Lives Matter movement.”

The music video has an air of 1920s high-drama noir. “The video was shot at home in my living room, which was completely blacked out using thick, heavy fabric. It was the hottest day of the year so far, so it was a challenge. It was directed by Sophie Jones and shot remotely via Zoom with my housemate Holly Milk who took on the role of camera person, lighting operator and all round life saver.”

(Copyright: Universal Music)