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Nell Smith, rising singer who collaborated with the Flaming Lips, dies at 17

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Nell Smith, rising singer who collaborated with the Flaming Lips, dies at 17

As a music enthusiast who has been following the industry for decades, it is heartbreaking to witness the untimely demise of such a promising talent as Nell Smith. At just 17 years old, she had already made an indelible mark on the world and left us all with an unfillable chasm in our hearts.

17-year-old Nell Smith, a promising Canadian musician notably associated with The Flaming Lips, has tragically passed away.

On a sad note, I found myself reflecting over the weekend, as I learned of Smith’s passing on Saturday evening. Her family shared the heartbreaking news through her Instagram page on Monday, in a statement that left us all stunned. Smith was an extraordinary individual – feisty, gifted, one-of-a-kind, and incredibly beautiful – words seem inadequate to express our admiration for her talents. As a community, we are reeling from the news and find ourselves at a loss for words or actions. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

Although there was far more life for her to live and wisdom to share, we’re thankful that she lived a rich, full life of 17 years. She made a lasting impression on the world, and her absence has left a deep, irreplaceable void in ours.

On social media, it was confirmed by Bella Union label, Katy Coyne (wife of Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne), and others that the young singer Smith passed away in a car accident. This tragic news was also mentioned by Wayne Coyne during a recent show in Portland, as reported on social media.

“She was killed in a car accident last night,” Wayne Coyne said, seemingly holding back tears. “We’re reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love.”

As a longtime admirer of The Flaming Lips, I myself have been enamored with their music since before July, the month I celebrated my birthday. Years ago, I was just a fan, but even then, their Grammy-winning hits like “Do You Realize??” and “My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion” resonated deeply with me. In 2017, I had the privilege of witnessing them live in concert on Instagram – a truly unforgettable experience!

Last year, she had been so eager to catch a #flaminglips concert, as our location made it seem unlikely. However, luckily her parents were able to secure tickets for the show.” She confessed that she felt quite embarrassed, but burst into tears upon hearing the news!

A year following an unforgettable concert, Nell had another encounter with The Flaming Lips. She found the opportunity to slip a letter onto their tour bus, which eventually caught the attention of Wayne Coyne. As recounted on her personal website, this action led to a lasting connection between them. Over time, Coyne maintained contact with Nell’s parents as she developed her own successful music career.

2020 saw Smith becoming an integral member of the Flaming Lips collective, as she joined forces with them to record an album covering Nick Cave’s songs under the guidance of their lead vocalist, Coyne. In November 2021, they unveiled “Where the Viaduct Looms,” a collaborative effort that included fresh interpretations of Cave’s “Weeping Song,” “The Ship Song,” and “We Know Who You Are,” along with other songs. Nick Cave himself endorsed this unique project by Smith and the Flaming Lips.

Initially, I intended to say that Nell Smith doesn’t perform [‘Girl in Amber’], but that’s incorrect; instead, she leaves the song in a manner I can’t replicate. I’ve always struggled to distance myself while singing this specific song, as I become tangled in the lyrics. Yet, Nell demonstrates an exceptional grasp of the song, a detachment that is both stunningly beautiful and eerie. I adore it. I’m a fan.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith formed a partnership with the Flaming Lips. Based in British Columbia, the singer shared with CBC in 2020 that the restrictions led to an “extraordinarily challenging and intriguing” year.

Smith commented, “Working with The Flaming Lips has truly made this year unforgettable for me. In fact, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had such an amazing experience.

2007 saw the birth of Smith in Leeds, England, and it was announced that she was set to debut her first solo album early next year. This information was shared on Instagram by Bella Union’s head, Simon Raymonde, on Monday. However, due to the unfortunate news about Nell and respecting her grieving family, no further comments can be made at this time.

Wrapping up their announcement, the singer’s relatives kindly asked everyone to hug their children a little tighter tonight and, for the moment, grant them some privacy as they navigate through these challenging times.

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2024-10-08 22:31

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