Nell Smith Biography
Nell Smith was a young Canadian music prodigy known for her collaboration with the band The Flaming Lips. Born in the UK but raised in Canada, she first came into contact with the band when she attended their concerts at the age of 12, dressed in a parrot costume, which caught the attention of Wayne Coyne, the band’s lead singer. This encounter eventually led to a close friendship and creative collaboration.
In 2021, at just 14 years old, Nell recorded an album with The Flaming Lips titled Where the Viaduct Looms, a collection of Nick Cave cover songs. The collaboration showcased her talent and earned her praise from musicians like Nick Cave himself. She was working on her debut solo album, set to be released in 2025, before her untimely death in October 2024 due to a car accident.
Nell Smith Age
Nell Smith was 17 years old at the time of her death.
Nell Smith Nationality
Nell Smith was a Canadian. She was born in the U.K. but grew up in Canada.
Nell Smith Parents and Siblings
Nell Smith’s parents are Jude Smith and Rachel Cline. Her family includes two siblings, Jed and Ike Smith.
Nell Smith Educational Background
Nell Smith was reportedly studying subjects like Mathematics, Economics, and History at Exeter School. Despite her young age, she was balancing her academic pursuits with her burgeoning music career.
Nell Smith Career
Nell Smith’s music career began remarkably early, with her passion for music nurtured from a young age. Born in Leeds, UK, she moved to Canada in 2012 and started attending music festivals with her family from as early as two years old. Her fascination with live performances grew, and by 2017, she had developed a deep connection with the psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips, whose music had been a constant on her family’s road trips. In 2018, at age 12, her love for the band led her to a pivotal moment when she attended their concert dressed as a parrot. Her distinctive costume caught the attention of the band’s frontman, Wayne Coyne, which eventually sparked their creative relationship.
In 2020, when the world was grappling with the pandemic, Nell and The Flaming Lips embarked on an ambitious project remotely. Under Coyne’s guidance, she recorded a cover album of Nick Cave songs titled Where the Viaduct Looms. Nell, who had only recently started playing the guitar, learned to adapt Cave’s dark, atmospheric music, transforming it with her youthful perspective. Despite the challenges posed by remote collaboration, the project came to fruition, and the album was released in November 2021. Nell’s voice was widely praised, including by Nick Cave himself, who noted her unique approach to his songs.
By 2021, Nell had become an emerging figure in alternative rock. Her work with The Flaming Lips wasn’t limited to studio recordings; she also began performing live with the band. Together, they recorded music videos and even toured parts of the United States, during which she had the opportunity to meet other notable artists like Miley Cyrus, another frequent collaborator with The Flaming Lips.
Nell’s talent and ambition were far-reaching. She had already begun writing her own original material and was actively working on her debut solo album, set for release in early 2025 under the Bella Union label. Her collaborations, both live and in the studio, were shaping her into a fully-fledged artist by the age of 17. Her solo album, produced with members of Penelope Isles, promised to highlight her growth as a musician beyond her work with The Flaming Lips.
Nell Smith Songs
Nell Smith’s musical career gained momentum in 2021 with her debut album Where the Viaduct Looms, a collection of Nick Cave covers recorded in collaboration with The Flaming Lips. Some of the notable songs on the album include:
- “Girl In Amber”
- “Weeping Song”
- “Into My Arms”
- “O Children”
- “The Kindness of Strangers”
- “No More Shall We Part”
- “Red Right Hand”
- “The Ship Song”
- “We Know Who You Are”
This album, which showcased Nell’s unique voice combined with the instrumental backing of The Flaming Lips, was released in November 2021, and it received praise for her ability to bring a fresh perspective to Nick Cave’s dark and atmospheric music. You can explore more about her work and listen to the album on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcam.Â
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Nell Smith’s Death
Nell Smith tragically passed away at the age of 17 in October 2024, following a car accident in British Columbia. Her death was announced by Simon Raymonde of Bella Union, the record label that was set to release her debut solo album in early 2025. This shocking news devastated her family, fans, and collaborators, including The Flaming Lips, with whom Nell had shared a close creative relationship. The Flaming Lips’ frontman, Wayne Coyne, shared the news with a heartbroken audience during a concert in Portland, Oregon, just a day after the accident. Having recorded an album of Nick Cave covers with the band and being on the cusp of releasing her own music, Nell’s sudden death left an indelible void in the music world.
Nell Smith Net Worth
Nell Smith had an estimated net worth of $200,000 at the time of her passing.
FAQs
Who was Nell Smith?
Nell Smith was a Canadian teenage music prodigy who gained recognition for her collaborations with The Flaming Lips. She recorded an album of Nick Cave covers with the band in 2021 titled Where the Viaduct Looms.
How did Nell Smith start her music career?
Nell’s music career began after meeting The Flaming Lips at a concert when she was just 12 years old. After maintaining contact with Wayne Coyne, the band’s frontman, she eventually recorded music with them, despite being relatively new to playing the guitar at the time.
What were Nell Smith’s notable works?
Nell is best known for her 2021 album Where the Viaduct Looms, where she performed covers of Nick Cave songs alongside The Flaming Lips. The album received praise for her interpretation of Cave’s dark, atmospheric music.
What is Nell Smith’s most popular song?
One of Nell’s most popular songs from Where the Viaduct Looms is “Into My Arms,” a cover of a Nick Cave classic. Her rendition of the song gained widespread attention.
When did Nell Smith pass away?
Nell Smith tragically passed away on October 5, 2024, at the age of 17, following a car accident in British Columbia.
Was Nell Smith working on new music before her death?
Yes, Nell was working on her debut solo album, which was scheduled to be released in early 2025 under the Bella Union label.
How did Nell Smith get involved with The Flaming Lips?
Nell’s involvement with The Flaming Lips began after she attended their concert dressed in a parrot costume. This caught Wayne Coyne’s attention, leading to their collaboration on multiple music projects.
