B.C. Teen Who Collaborated with The Flaming Lips Honored with Posthumous Album Release

Four months after the tragic passing of Nell Smith, a 17-year-old B.C. musician who gained international recognition for her collaboration with The Flaming Lips, her first solo album has been announced for release.

Titled Anxious, the album is set to launch on April 11 through the U.K.-based label Bella Union. According to the label, proceeds from the album sales will go toward the Nell Smith Memorial Fund, which has been created to support young, emerging artists.

A Heartfelt Yet Painful Release

For Nell’s parents, Jude and Rachel Smith, the album’s release is bittersweet. The couple, who live in Fernie, B.C., recently received a test pressing of the record but found it difficult to listen to so soon after their daughter’s passing.

"We got kind of excited to get them, but then we opened it up, and we just left them,” said Rachel Smith. “It suddenly brought up too much for us. We just couldn't listen to them."

Their 13-year-old son eventually convinced them to play the album, but the experience was overwhelming.

"It was really tough. I haven't listened to it again," she admitted. "It's a lot right now."

Nell’s Journey with The Flaming Lips

Nell first gained attention in the music world at just 13 years old, when she recorded nine tracks with the Grammy-winning rock band The Flaming Lips during the COVID-19 pandemic. The album, Where the Viaduct Looms, consisted entirely of Nick Cave covers and was released in 2021.

Her collaboration with the band began years earlier, when she attended Flaming Lips concerts with her father and was noticed by lead singer Wayne Coyne. Coyne later suggested the collaboration, selecting Nick Cave songs for Nell to cover. She recorded her vocal tracks and sent them to the band, who completed the arrangements in Oklahoma.

The project gained international recognition, with Nick Cave himself praising the album and Nell making a musical appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Anxious: A Reflection of Teenage Struggles

Unlike her work with The Flaming Lips, Nell’s solo album was deeply personal. Her mother shared that Nell struggled with anxiety as a teenager, particularly during the pandemic, and her emotions are reflected in the music.

"There are lots of songs on the album about relationships, teenage life—you know, the title track of the album is Anxious,” she said.

She also revealed that Nell was nervous about releasing the album, fearing how it would be received.

“She was really worried about people judging her, about the album not being liked, and a feeling of failure. The saddest thing is she’s not going to get to see the positive reaction when this album actually comes out."

Honoring Nell’s Legacy: The Nell Smith Memorial Fund

In an effort to honor Nell’s memory, her parents have launched the Nell Smith Memorial Fund, which aims to raise $100,000 to support emerging young artists.

Their goal is to distribute $10,000 per year to help musicians like Nell access the resources they need to pursue their careers.

The inspiration for the fund came from their own experience helping Nell apply for grants to further her music. Now, they hope to make that process easier for other young artists.

With the upcoming release of Anxious, Nell’s voice and talent will continue to resonate—offering both a lasting tribute to her artistry and a source of inspiration for others following in her footsteps.