Teen from British Columbia receives album release by The Flaming Lips after passing away

After her tragic passing in a car accident, the late Nell Smith, the talented teenager from British Columbia who had previously collaborated with the Grammy Award-winning rock group The Flaming Lips, is now being remembered through the upcoming release of her debut solo album titled “Anxious.” Scheduled to be available on April 11, the album will be distributed by Bella Union, a record label based out of Brighton, U.K., with proceeds contributing to a memorial fund established to support budding artists.

Reflecting on the album, Nell’s parents, Jude and Rachel Smith, shared the emotional journey of receiving the test pressings of “Anxious.” Although initially hesitant to listen to the tracks due to the overwhelming emotions tied to their daughter’s recent passing, they eventually played the album at the urging of their younger son. The experience proved to be very challenging for Rachel Smith, who found it difficult to revisit the music after the initial listen.

The roots of Nell’s musical journey trace back to when she was just 10 years old, attending concerts of The Flaming Lips with her father. It was during one of these shows that she captured the attention of the band’s lead singer, Wayne Coyne, leading to an eventual collaboration. At the age of 13, Nell recorded a collection of Nick Cave covers with The Flaming Lips during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the album “Where the Viaduct Looms.” This musical collaboration, released in 2021, garnered acclaim from Cave himself and included a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Nell’s solo album “Anxious” appears to be a departure from her earlier Flaming Lips project, showcasing a more introspective and personal side of the young artist. As Rachel Smith revealed, the title track of the album delves into themes of anxiety and the challenges of navigating teenage life. The production process for this solo endeavor was lengthy, with Nell expressing concerns over potential criticism and a fear of failure.

In honor of Nell’s memory, her parents have recently launched the Nell Smith Memorial Fund, aiming to raise $100,000 to provide support to emerging musicians annually. As they embark on this initiative, the Smiths hope to preserve their daughter’s legacy and offer a platform for young artists to pursue their dreams. Through this fund, Nell’s spirit and passion for music will continue to resonate with future generations within the music community.