Nell Smith

Nell Smith (17 July 2007 – 6 October 2024) was a British-Canadian singer-songwriter whose brief yet impactful musical journey left an indelible mark on the indie and psychedelic pop scenes. Born in Leeds, England, she moved to Fernie, British Columbia, during her childhood. Her musical path took a serendipitous turn in 2018 when, at age 12, she attended a Flaming Lips concert dressed as a parrot. This playful gesture caught the attention of frontman Wayne Coyne, sparking a mentorship that would shape her artistic trajectory. In 2021, at just 14, Smith collaborated with The Flaming Lips on Where the Viaduct Looms, an album of Nick Cave covers. Her rendition of "Girl in Amber" garnered praise from Nick Cave himself, who described it as "lovely" and noted her unique interpretation of the song. Following this success, Nell Smith began working on her debut solo album, Anxious, recorded in Brighton with siblings Jack Wolter and Lily Wolter of Penelope Isles. The album, blending elements of psychedelic and indie pop, was slated for release in April 2025 through Bella Union. Tragically, Nell Smith passed away in a car accident on 6 October 2024, at the age of 17, just weeks before the album's release.