Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death.
Nell Smith, who gained fame for her collaboration with the Flaming Lips, died at the age of 17 in a fatal car accident. Her universal artistry and enviable genius marked impressive milestones throughout her life, until news of Nell’s death was recently announced to the public on October 7th. She was only 14 years old when her music career began to flourish.
Bella Union’s Simon Raymonde announced on October 7th the devastating news of the musical genius’ death. The label was preparing to release her first solo album in 2025.
“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,” Raymond wrote on Instagram. Nell was only 17 years old and was preparing for release.” I will release my first solo record in early 2025. ”
Nell’s journey into music was very early and notable in many ways. In 2018, at the age of 12, Nell went to a Flaming Lips show dressed as a parrot, which caught the attention of Wayne Coyne. This short episode forged a friendship that would later develop into important creative work. Coyne supported Nell in developing her musical skills, helping her master the guitar and other art forms during her early career.
Just as he was ready to complete his first recording, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and Coyne presented an idea that seemed pretty bold. The idea was to make a cover album of Nick Cave songs. Although she didn’t know much about Nick Cave, she accepted the offer to produce Where the Viaduct Looms in 2021.
The album includes Nell’s soulful covers of Cave’s songs, accompanied by the Flaming Lips. The song received great reviews from Coyne, who praised her ability to embrace the song’s true essence. According to Billboard, Nick Cave also told her, “This version of ‘Girl in Amber’ is simply lovely. I wanted to say that Nell Smith is in this song, but that would be wrong. In a sense, he is abandoning the song,” he said, showering him with words of praise. I could never do it. ”
Cave added: “I’ve always found it difficult to step away from this song and sing it without the essential elements. I guess the words just get twisted too much.”
Nell Smith recently had the most successful Kickstarter campaign for her first solo album, exceeding her $5,000 goal by more than $17,000. Unfortunately, she died before she could begin the task. At a concert in Portland on October 6, Wayne Coyne mourned the death of his close friend and collaborator, noting that Nell had died in a car accident.
Also read: What happened to Flaming Lips member Stephen Drozd’s daughter? What we know as musician seeks public assistance
