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The music world is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Nell Smith, the 17-year-old musician who gained attention for her collaboration with The Flaming Lips.
Nell was tragically killed in a car accident in British Columbia, just months before the release of her much-anticipated debut solo album, which was set to drop in early 2025.
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A Bright Talent Gone Too Soon
Simon Raymonde, bassist/keyboardist for the iconic Cocteau Twins and head of the Bella Union label, confirmed the devastating news on Instagram.
Raymonde’s label was preparing to release Nell’s debut album, and his tribute was heartfelt, sharing moments from Nell’s life and career through a series of photos.
One picture featured Nell standing proudly with her brother Ike. Another captured a moment by a campfire with her guitar.
Other pictures showed her with The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne in London and holding the vinyl of her collaborative album Where the Viaduct Looms.
“We are all shocked and devastated to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of our artist and dear friend Nell Smith over the weekend in British Columbia,” Raymonde wrote.
He added that Nell had been working closely with Jack and Lily Wolter of Penelope Isles in Brighton on her debut solo album, which had generated excitement among her fans.
Her passing comes as a tremendous loss for both those who knew her personally and for the wider music community, who had only begun to witness her immense potential.
Nell’s connection with The Flaming Lips was unique, almost like a fairy tale in the music world.
She first caught the eye of the band’s frontman, Wayne Coyne, when she attended several of their concerts in Calgary, always dressed in her signature parrot costume.
Intrigued by her dedication and spirit, Coyne approached her after a show, sparking a friendship that would lead to a creative collaboration.
During the pandemic, Nell and Coyne stayed in touch and used the time to record a striking album of Nick Cave cover songs titled Where the Viaduct Looms.
Nell, only 14 at the time, showcased maturity and depth beyond her years on the album, which was released in November 2021 to widespread acclaim.
It wasn’t just a one-off project—her connection with The Flaming Lips continued to grow as she pursued her passion for music.
At a recent Flaming Lips show in Portland, Oregon, Coyne broke the news of Nell’s tragic passing to a visibly shaken audience.
“We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell,” Coyne began, reflecting on the bond they had formed.
“We recorded an amazing album with her three years ago, an album full of songs by Nick Cave. We got some very sad messages today… that she was killed in a car accident last night,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Coyne’s tribute to Nell tells us how deeply she had touched the lives of those around her.
“We are reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love,” he said, paying homage to the bond they had shared through their love of music.
A Solo Career Full of Promise
Nell’s fans had been eagerly awaiting her first solo album, which was set to be released in early 2025 under the Bella Union label.
After the success of Where the Viaduct Looms, she launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund her solo project, which surpassed its goal last summer.
The album, crafted with the help of Jack and Lily Wolter from Penelope Isles, was shaping up to be a remarkable showcase of Nell’s own voice and creativity.
In early August 2024, Nell posted an update to her supporters, sharing her excitement about filming the music video for her song Split in the Sky.
She seemed to be on the brink of releasing something deeply personal and full of promise, making her sudden death all the more heartbreaking for her fans and collaborators alike.
A Creative Spirit with a Lasting Impact
Nell Smith’s journey in music was remarkable not just for her talent but for the deep connections she made along the way.
As a teenager, she managed to collaborate with seasoned musicians, gain the support of a prominent record label, and build a loyal following of fans, all while keeping a humble and enthusiastic spirit.
Her debut album, though now posthumous, is expected to serve as proof of her potential and creative drive.
Her previous work with The Flaming Lips, particularly on Where the Viaduct Looms, gave fans a glimpse of her artistry, while her upcoming solo album was poised to introduce her unique sound to an even wider audience.
Simon Raymonde’s touching tribute on Instagram echoed the grief felt by all who knew and worked with her:
“While we all try and come to terms with the awful news, and out of respect to Nell’s grieving family, we are unable to make any further comments at this time.”
Life and Musical Journey of Nell Smith
Detail
Information
Full Name
Nell Smith
Birth Year
2007
Hometown
Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Debut Album
Where the Viaduct Looms (2021)
Collaborators
The Flaming Lips
Notable Album Tracks
“Girl In Amber,” “Weeping Song,” “Into My Arms,” “O Children,” “Red Right Hand,” “The Ship Song”
Genre
Psychedelic Rock, Indie, Cover Music
Instruments
Vocals
First Concert with The Flaming Lips
2018 (Calgary, Alberta)
Notable Collaboration
Where the Viaduct Looms – a Nick Cave cover album with The Flaming Lips
Age at Debut
14 years old
Label
Bella Union
Major Influences
Nick Cave, Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips)
Famous Performance
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Upcoming Album
Solo debut, due for release in early 2025 (Co-produced by Shred Kelly)
Death
2024 (aged 17), tragic car accident in British Columbia
The table gives us an overview of Nell Smith’s life and musical journey
Conclusion
Though Nell Smith’s life was tragically cut short, her impact on the music world will not be forgotten.
Her collaborations with The Flaming Lips revealed an extraordinary talent well beyond her years, and her solo work was on the cusp of introducing the world to her unique artistry.
At just 17, she had already demonstrated an artistic depth and maturity that was rare for someone her age.
Her covers of Nick Cave songs on Where the Viaduct Looms offered a glimpse into her ability to interpret and transform music in ways that resonated deeply with listeners.
Nell’s passion for music, her creativity, and the connections she made with those around her will continue to echo through the songs she leaves behind.
While her time with us was far too brief, her legacy will endure through the music she created, inspiring others and reminding us all of the powerful beauty of pursuing one’s dreams.