Nell Smith: What we know about teenage musician who collaborated with Flaming Lips and died in fatal car crash
NELL Smith was best known for her collaboration with The Flaming Lips on the album Where The Viaduct Looms.
The musical prodigy was tragically killed in a car crash at the age of 17.
Who was Nell Smith?
Nell Smith was born in Leeds, England, on July 18, 2007 — but moved to Canada during her childhood.
She was a remarkable young musician who tragically passed away in a car accident on October 5, 2024.
Her exposure to music started before she was even born — her mother played music to Nell while she was still in the womb.
Nell’s untimely death has left the music community in shock, mourning for a unique talent that was just beginning to blossom.
Musical prodigy
Nell first gained attention in the music world through her collaboration with the psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips.
Her connection with the band began in 2018 when she was just 12 years old.
She attended their headline show at the Sled Island Festival in Calgary, in Alberta, Canada.
Already a devoted fan, the prodigy regularly attended the band’s concerts, positioning herself at the front of the stage.
She often dressed in a distinctive parrot costume while enthusiastically singing along to their songs.
This dedication caught the eye of Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne.
During the show, Wayne sang a David Bowie cover directly to Nell, who sang every word back to him.
This moment marked the beginning of a unique musical bond between the young fan and the established rock band.
Collaboration
Following their initial encounter, Wayne stayed in touch with Nell and her father as she learned to play guitar and began writing her own songs.
Their creative relationship flourished, leading to an unexpected collaboration when Nell was just 13 years old.
She had so much more to experience and to give to this world but we are grateful that she got to experience so very much in her 17 years
Family statement
In 2020, Covid-19 restrictions prevented a planned recording session in Oklahoma.
However, Coyne suggested that Nell record covers of Nick Cave songs and email them to the band to be backed instrumentally.
This project resulted in the album Where The Viaduct Looms, released in 2021 when Nell was 14.
The album featured nine Nick Cave cover songs, including the lead single Girl In Amber and The Ship Song.
Critical acclaim
Nell and The Flaming Lips’ collaboration was praised by music critics — and even by Cave himself.
The music legend commented on her cover of Girl in Amber, saying: “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.”
Speaking at a show in Poland on October 7, 2024, Coyne paid tribute to his friend and collaborator.
Choking back tears, 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 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.”
Promising talent
At the time of her death, Nell was on the cusp of launching her solo career.
She had been preparing to release her debut solo album in early 2025 on the Bella Union label.
The highly anticipated album was recorded in Brighton, England, with Jack and Lily Wolter from Penelope Isles.
Nell successfully raised over $17,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to fund her solo project, surpassing her initial goal of $10,000.
Tragic loss
Nell’s devastated family released a statement paying tribute to the young star.
It read: “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 to 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 world 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.”