Nell Smith, known for her work on The Flaming Lips’ album Where the Viaduct Looms, has died at 17 years old.
A musical prodigy with an infallible ear, Smith was set to release her debut album next year.
The news of her death was first announced by Simon Raymonde of the Cocteau Twins‘, whose label, Bella Union, had signed Smith, and was due to issue her album.
Raymonde shared his shock and grief with his followers, writing:
Raymonde wrote on social media: ‘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. Nell was just 17 and was preparing for the release of her first solo record in early 2025 on Bella Union, made in Brighton with Penelope Isles’ Jack and Lily Wolter.’
It was later revealed by The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne that Smith was killed in a car accident and was in British Columbia at the time.
The musician announced Smith’s death to the audience at The Flaming Lips October 7 show in Portland, Oregon.
He said: ‘We have a very sad announcement to make tonight. We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell. We recorded an amazing album with her three years ago, an album full of songs by Nick Cave.
‘We have some very sad messages today – she was killed in a car accident last night (October 6). We are reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love.’
Smith first worked with The Flaming Lips in 2019 at just 14 years old. A huge fan of the band, Smith attended several of their gigs in a parrot costume, ultimately catching their attention and forming a relationship with them.
Smith made a Nick Cave cover album in 2021 and shared it with the band, who were so enthusiastic about her work that they added additional instrument parts to the album. Where the Viaduct Looms was released in November 2021.
Smith’s family have also confirmed her death. They wrote on social media: ‘It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night. We are reeling from the news and don’t know what to do or say.
‘She had so much more to experience and to give this world but we are grateful that she got to experience so very much in her 17 years. 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.’
Nick Cave was a massive fan of Smith’s work, heartily endorsing her covers of his songs.
When Smith released her cover of his song Girl in Amber, Cave said of the song: ‘This version of Girl in Amber is just lovely, I was going to say Nell Smith inhabits the song, but that’s wrong, rather she vacates the song, in a way that I could never do. 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.’
It remains to be seen if Smith’s debut album – which was expected to drop in early 2025 – will be released posthumously.
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