Nell Mescal, the rising star from Maynooth, Ireland, has recently opened up about her experiences in the music industry and the challenges that come with being the younger sister of a famous actor. In a candid interview, she expressed her discomfort with the rumors surrounding her brother, Paul Mescal, and how they affect her.
Growing up, Nell had dreams of attending boarding school, inspired by the enchanting world depicted in Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers series. However, her reality was marred by bullying at her local school, leading her to drop out before completing her exams. During this tumultuous time, her brother Paul was gaining international fame for his role in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People. Now, Paul is an Oscar-nominated actor, set to star in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel.
At just 21, Nell is carving her own path in the music world. She recently released her debut EP, Can I Miss It for a Minute?, and performed alongside Shania Twain at the BST Hyde Park festival. Her journey to success has not been without its struggles. After moving to London to pursue her music career, she faced loneliness and uncertainty in a new city. Yet, she found her footing by channeling her emotions into her music, resulting in singles like “Homesick” and “Warm Body.”
Nell’s sound is influenced by indie-folk artists such as Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, and her songs reflect a dreamy, romantic quality. Despite her growing success, she grapples with the emotional weight of her past experiences, including her mother’s battle with cancer. While she acknowledges the challenges of writing about such personal topics, she remains committed to her craft.
In the interview, Nell addressed the jealousy and scrutiny she faces as Paul’s sister. She has encountered allegations of nepotism, which she finds frustrating. “I was already a musician when [Paul got famous],” she asserts, emphasizing her dedication to building her career independently. She hopes that her music will speak for itself and dispel any misconceptions about her journey.
Nell also shared her thoughts on the rumors surrounding her brother, which often make her skin crawl. She expressed her frustration at not being able to defend him against false narratives. “To not be able to go, ‘F*** you guys, it’s not true,’ I find that pretty hard,” she admitted. This desire to protect her family is a recurring theme in her life, as she values the close-knit bond they share.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of fame and family, Nell remains focused on her music. She dreams of a long-lasting career, stating, “I want to be doing this when I’m 70 until I actually can’t do it anymore.” Her passion for music is evident, and she hopes to inspire others to see beyond the surface of celebrity culture.
In a lighter moment during the interview, Nell shared some fun facts about herself, revealing her love for Nando’s Perinaise sauce and her childhood obsession with Annie: The Musical. These glimpses into her personality showcase her down-to-earth nature amidst the whirlwind of her rising fame.
Nell Mescal’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. As she continues to make her mark in the music industry, she remains grounded by her family and her experiences. With her debut EP out now, fans can look forward to more heartfelt music from this talented artist.
Source: Various
