Nell Smith, a gifted 17-year-old singer who gained attention for her collaboration with The Flaming Lips, tragically passed away on October 5, 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Nell Smith, the talented young singer, passed away at the early age of 17.
- She came into the spotlight after the collaboration projects with The Flaming Lips.
- Nell was planning to release her debut solo album in early 2025.
Simon Raymonde of Bella Union, the record label Nell Smith was signed to, confirmed her passing in an Instagram post.
Her family also paid a tribute to her through Instagram on Monday, mentioning,
“She has left an indelible mark on the word and an unfillable chasm in our hearts. Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you.”
Via Instagram
Though her family and official sources have not revealed the cause, Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips shared during their Portland show that she passed away in a car accident.
Nell Smith’s Early Life and Family
Nell Smith was born on July 18, 2007, in Leeds, UK, to her parents, Jude Smith and Rachel Cline.
Recently, she was engaged in a music course at Selkirk College in September 2024.
Interestingly, Nell’s connection to music began before she was even born.
Her mother played music while she was still in her mother’s womb, hoping to give her familiar sounds to help her settle after birth.
Consequently, this early exposure laid the foundation for Nell’s deep love of music.
As she grew, Nell was drawn to a wide range of artists, including Herman Dune, Arcade Fire, Metronomy, The Flaming Lips, David Bowie, The Fleet Foxes, and MGMT.
Moreover, from the age of 2, she attended music festivals with her family, further fueling her passion for live music and performance.
In 2012, Nell’s family moved to Canada, where her fascination with The Flaming Lips intensified.
Then, in 2017, at the age of 10, she attended one of their concerts in Spokane, Washington, a moment that left her in tears of joy as she watched from the front row alongside her brother.
Meeting Wayne Coyne And The Flaming Lips
Nell’s persistence and love for The Flaming Lips led to a life-changing moment in 2018.
During another show, she managed to catch the attention of the band’s frontman, Wayne Coyne, by shouting from the side of the stage.
In response, Coyne met Nell and read a letter she had slipped onto the band’s tour bus.
Ultimately, this encounter marked the beginning of a lasting connection between Nell and the band.
Nell Smith’s Musical Career
Nell began performing live at the early age of 11, sharing stages with professional musicians and writing her own original music.
Under the mentorship of Wayne Coyne, Nell recorded an album of Nick Cave cover songs in 2020, showcasing her vocal range and artistry.
Subsequently, her debut album, Where the Viaduct Looms, was released on November 26, 2021, through Bella Union.
The project featured a collection of Nick Cave covers and highlighted the blossoming talent of a young artist with immense potential.
Additionally, Nell was also prepping for her debut solo original album release in 2025 under Bella Union.
While Nell’s untimely demise marked the loss of a bright and promising talent in the music world, her legacy will continue to encourage young talents to pursue their dreams.
We here at Bristol Film Fest express our heartfelt condolences to the Smith family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Nell’s mother, Rachel, is a physiotherapist and a birth coach doula.
- Nell had 2 more siblings.
- For her solo album, she raised more than $17K through the Kickstarter fundraising page.
