Bella Union has released “Boy in a Bubble,” the second single from Nell Smith’s posthumous debut solo album “Anxious,” scheduled for April 11. The track—a psychedelic exploration featuring synth riffs and layered production—serves as both homage and farewell to Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, who mentored the young musician before her untimely death at 17.
“It is still very painful when I realize Nell is gone,” reflects Coyne. “I keep thinking I’ll check my text messages from her. Now when I’m listening to her singing these songs there is a brief fantastical joy… but as it flies it also flies to her death… there is something holy that happens now.”
The accompanying video, produced by creative agency Firmative, interweaves footage of Smith with The Flaming Lips’ live performances, documenting their artistic relationship that began with “Where The Viaduct Looms,” Smith’s debut collaboration interpreting Nick Cave compositions.
Watch the video below:
Behind the record lies the Nell Smith Memorial Fund, established by her family to support emerging musicians. The initiative has raised $16,000 toward a $100,000 goal, with proceeds from “Anxious” directly benefiting the fund’s mission to provide $10,000 grants annually for a decade.
“Anxious” represents a collection shaped by Jack and Lily Wolter of Penelope Isles, who helped develop compositions Smith had been crafting since age twelve. The album navigates adolescent emotional terrain—from apprehension and love to ambition and grief—through arrangements that find light within even the most sombre material.
The posthumous release stands as both culmination and beginning, revealing an artistic voice silenced too soon. What distinguishes Smith’s work is its remarkable self-possession—these aren’t merely promising sketches from a developing talent but fully-realized expressions suggesting what might have followed had circumstance allowed.
Photo Credit: Alex Hanson at Hipgnosis Media
Share this :
