Nell Smith, the talented young musician who tragically passed away at the age of 17, is set to be commemorated through the posthumous release of her debut album titled Anxious, scheduled for April 11 via Bella Union. Despite the heartbreak surrounding her untimely death due to a car accident last October, her family and the music community are rallying to honor her legacy and support future artists.
Smith, who hailed from Fernie, British Columbia, made waves with her collaborations, most prominently with the Grammy Award-winning band The Flaming Lips. She worked with them on their 2021 collection of Nick Cave covers, Where the Viaduct Looms, displaying her budding talent at just 13 years old.
“It is still very painful when I realize Nell is gone,” said Wayne Coyne, the lead singer of The Flaming Lips, expressing his grief and fond memories of the young artist. “I keep thinking I’ll check my text messages from her — I’m sure she has a new drawing or new piece of a song or a new photo of her cat… and then I realize she is gone.” Coyne's reflections underline the emotional depth captured within the album, as he voices the dual feelings of joy and sorrow evoked by listening to her music.
The first track, also named Anxious, encapsulates the essence of Smith's teenage struggles, featuring melodies paired with acoustic guitar and DIY production vibes. Notably, this song speaks to her experiences and emotions as she navigated anxiety and the challenges of adolescence during the pandemic.
Nell’s family is concurrently launching the Nell Smith Memorial Fund, aiming to raise $100,000 to support aspiring musicians over the next decade. “Our objective is to give away $10,000 per year for 10 years,” said Jude Smith, Nell's father. Proceeds from album sales will go directly to this fund, ensuring her passion for music continues to inspire others.
Jack and Lily Wolter from the band Penelope Isles played pivotal roles in shaping Smith’s music on this album, guiding her ideas and helping realize her creative visions. The duo transformed material Smith had been developing since she was just 12 years old and assisted her with the emotional weight of her experiences, drawing on both her lighthearted whimsy and darker moments.
Among the ten tracks on Anxious are lively selections like “Daisy Fields,” “Bubba,” and the introspective “The Worst Best Drug.” Songs like “Boy in a Bubble” pay homage to her musical roots and the Bluegrass influences she cherished. The album reflects Nell's youthful optimism alongside poignant narratives influenced by her experiences with loss and inspiration.
The anticipation surrounding the album is underscored by the eagerness of both the Smith family and her fans. Rachel Cline, Nell's mother, reflects on the mixed emotions involved with listening to the album soon after Nell's passing. “I think the joy will come. It’s really difficult,” she shared, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of their experience.
Flaming Lips’ collaboration with Nell also turned serendipitous when, during one of their concerts, she handed Wayne Coyne a letter expressing her admiration—a moment likened to something out of “a Steven Spielberg movie,” as Coyne later remarked. This connection flourished, paving the way for creative exchanges and mentorship.
“There were nine songs we recorded, and Wayne said we should put this out after it started to really take shape,” said Jude Smith, reflecting on the origins of Nell’s musical pursuits. The heartwarming memories of her early exposure to music resonate throughout the family’s narrative, enriching their collective grieving process.
Nell’s story is not just one of tragedy but also resilience and hope. The launch of the memorial fund coincides with the album's release, allowing her legacy to live on through new talent seeking guidance and support. For inspirational purpose, the fund is intended to empower young musicians who share the dedication Nell had for songwriting and performance.
The album Anxious is set to serve as both tribute and encouragement for future generations, sparking joy and nurturing artistic dreams. Anticipation builds for its release, as music lovers eagerly await the opportunity to experience Nell’s heartfelt melodies and to support the mission of the Nell Smith Memorial Fund.