Ben Kweller Honors Two Young Spirits In “Killer Bee” Feat. The Flaming Lips

Written By: Big C

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Grief can isolate us, but community brings us back to life. Ben Kweller returns with Killer Bee, a moving new collaboration with The Flaming Lips. The single’s cover art is a hand-drawn self-portrait by the late Nell Smith, a 17-year-old artist and Lips collaborator who tragically passed in a car accident, as a tender and permanent reminder of her presence. Kweller’s connection to Nell’s family was forged through The Flaming Lips, who facilitated conversations between grieving parents seeking light in the dark. The song’s meditative pace and ambient layering carry the emotional weight of those connections which are raw, quiet, and sincere. Kweller shares:

‘Killer Bee’ is in memory of Nell, who like Dorian, was a light in this world — gone too soon. Grief makes us feel isolated... community is one of the only reasons Liz and I are still standing today.

The introspective track serves as the fourth release from his upcoming album Cover The Mirrors, and is dedicated to With dreamy, surreal textures provided by Wayne Coyne and company, the song doubles as a heartfelt tribute not just to Nell, but also to Kweller’s son, Dorian Zev, who passed in a similar accident in 2023. "Cover The Mirrors," Kweller’s first album since that loss, will arrive on May 30, what would have been Dorian’s 19th birthday. The album will feature collaborations with Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman, Coconut Records, The Flaming Lips and others. It’s an album built on pain, reflection, and ultimately healing. Let us know your thoughts below and connect with Ben Kweller on X, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, FACEBOOK, and YOUTUBE.

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