Nell Smith, a gifted Canadian singer-songwriter known for her collaboration with The Flaming Lips, tragically passed away at the young age of 17. The news of Nell’s passing came just days after the accident, which was shared with fans during a Flaming Lips concert by frontman Wayne Coyne. On October 6, Coyne emotionally relayed that Nell had died in a car accident, reflecting on their remarkable musical journey together. He reminded the audience of the power of music and the importance of love and support during such difficult times.
An Emerging Talent in the Indie Music Scene
Nell Smith was eagerly preparing for the release of her debut solo album, scheduled for 2025, following a successful Kickstarter campaign. Simon Raymonde, the head of her label, Bella Union, expressed his devastation over her sudden passing, stating, “We are all shocked and devastated… out of respect to Nell’s grieving family, we are unable to make any further comments at this time.”
Nell’s relationship with The Flaming Lips was truly extraordinary. It began in 2018 when a then 12-year-old Nell attended one of their concerts dressed in a parrot costume, catching the attention of Coyne. This serendipitous moment blossomed into a lasting friendship, with Coyne mentoring Nell as she learned to play guitar. Their collaboration took flight during the COVID-19 pandemic when they recorded a series of covers of Nick Cave songs, resulting in the album Where the Viaduct Looms. Coyne praised Nell’s talent and creativity, noting, “It is always great to meet excited, young creative people. With Nell, we could see she is on a journey and thought it would be fun to join her for a while.”
Nell’s rendition of Nick Cave’s “Girl in Amber” received particular acclaim, with Cave himself expressing admiration for her interpretation. He wrote in The Red Hand Files, “Nell shows a remarkable understanding of the song, a sense of dispassion that is both beautiful and chilling. I just love it. I’m a fan.”
A Heartfelt Goodbye Amid Ongoing Struggles
Though Nell Smith’s musical journey was brief, it was marked by immense creativity and passion. Her collaborations with The Flaming Lips showcased her exceptional talent and promise in the indie music scene. Tragically, her passing coincides with another heart-wrenching situation for The Flaming Lips family, as band member Steven Drozd deals with the disappearance of his 16-year-old daughter, Charlotte “Bowie” Drozd, who has been missing since Saturday.
As the music community mourns the loss of Nell Smith, her contributions to the world of music will not be forgotten. Her spirit and artistry will continue to resonate with those she touched, and her family, friends, and fans will cherish the memories of her vibrant life.
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