Nell Smith

Nell Smith (July 17, 2007 – October 6, 2024) was a Canadian-based musician best known for her collaboration with the Flaming Lips on the 2021 Nick Cave covers album Where the Viaduct Looms. Signed to Bella Union, she was working on her debut solo album, Anxious, at the time of her death, which was released posthumously in 2025.

Early life Smith was born in Leeds, England, and moved to Canada with her family when she was five years old. She grew up in Fernie, British Columbia.

Smith attended music festivals and concerts with her parents and developed an early interest in music. As a child and early teenager, she frequently attended shows by the Flaming Lips, often standing at the front of the stage and singing along.

Career

Collaboration with the Flaming Lips Smith’s musical career began following a chance encounter with Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne at a concert in Calgary in 2018. After recognizing Smith from previous shows, Coyne stayed in contact with her and encouraged her to develop her songwriting and guitar skills.

Death Smith died in October 2024 at the age of 17 after being killed in a car accident in Alberta. Tributes were paid by Wayne Coyne during Flaming Lips concerts shortly after her death.

Discography

Albums Where the Viaduct Looms (with the Flaming Lips, 2021) Anxious (2025)