Nell Smith, a musical prodigy who collaborated with The Flaming Lips, has died aged 17.
The young musician’s death was confirmed by Simon Raymonde, whose record label Bella Union was due to release Smith’s debut solo album.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Smith collaborated with Wayne Coyne’s The Flaming Lips on the 2021 release Where The Viaduct Looms, an album of Nick Cave covers.
The tribute was accompanied by a series of pictures of Smith, courtesy of her family.
Coyne addressed Smith’s death while on stage in Portland, Oregon on Sunday night as he paid tribute and said Smith died in a car crash.
He said (via Billboard): “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.”
“We are reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love,” he added.
Smith’s family have also shared a moving tribute to the “feisty, talented, unique, beautiful” musician.
“We are reeling from the news and don’t know what to do or say,” they wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Smith’s debut album was slated for a 2025 release, having been funded by a Kickstarter campaign.
