Everything you need to know about singer-songwriter Nell Mescal
She's taking the indie-pop world by storm!
Last updated 14th Nov 2024
Irish singer-songwriter Nell Mescal is truly making waves in the indie pop and folk scene right now. Sister of the wonderful Paul Mescal (who you may recognise from hit show Normal People and upcoming movie Gladiator II) she's certainly making a name for herself — with a new EP and having recently supported Shania Twain at BST Hyde Park.
Quitting school at 18 to pursue her dreams, Nell's journey in the music scene can be heard through her powerful lyrics, in tracks such as 'Homesick' and 'Graduating'. As we prepare for big things from Nell, including festival performances in 2025, get to know the indie-pop singer a bit better — with everything you need to know about her right here.
Who is Nell Mescal?
Nell is an Irish singer-songwriter, originally from Maynooth, Ireland. She moved to London at just 18-years-old, after spending a Summer in the big city before her final year of school. In pursuit of chasing her dreams, Nell quit school, moved out of her family home and returned to London to continue making music.
Nell has released multiple tracks since then, including songs such as 'In My Head', 'Orange Juice' and 'Killing Time', and gone on to support the likes of 'Something to Someone' star Dermot Kennedy and Florence and The Machine on tour. In July 2024, you can even catch her performing as a special guest at country superstar Shania Twain's BST Hyde Park headline show.
WATCH: Nell Mescal 'In My Head' official music video:
How old is Nell?
At the time of writing, Nell Mescal is 21-year-old, having been born on 28th April 2003.
Is she related to Paul Mescal?
She sure is! Nell is the younger sister of Normal People and Gladiators 2 actor Paul Mescal, with her being eight years younger than him.
Nell is often praised for her hilarious 'younger sister energy', with her taking to X (formerly Twitter) to poke fun at her big bro, joking he spends his time: 'Watching TikTok edits of himself, probably'.
Nell's journey to fame
Nell moved to London when she was just 18-years-old, following her dream of being a musician. Speaking to The Line of Best Fit, the singer explainer that it took her some time to get into the swing of things, with her track 'Homesick' documenting some of the struggles she felt as began her journey.
She told the publication: "The song’s about being homesick and not wanting to tell anyone because they’ll just be like, ‘Oh, come on, there’s no shame in coming home'", continuing: "I think for me, personally, I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to be like, ‘No, I can do it.’ And thank God I stuck it out."
The track was released in January 2023, three years after her debut single, 'Crash'.
WATCH: Nell Mescal 'Homesick' official music video:
What is Nell Mescal's sound?
Nell's tracks are of the indie-pop genre, with her citing 'Skinny Love' singer Birdy as a huge musical influence. Speaking to The Line of Best Fit, she told them: "It really hit me that (music) was something I definitely needed to do when I started listening to Birdy and when I started finding my own music taste away from what my family would listen to in the car."
Growing up, Nell listened to music her parents would play, enjoying the likes of Mary Chapin Carpenter and Fleetwood Mac. Other musical inspirations Nell has named are Taylor Swift, Bon Iver, the 1975, Finneas O'Connell, Lennon Stella, Jensen McRae and Orla Gartland.
Nell has been described as the 'new voice of Gen-Z pop', with her honest and relatable lyrics resonating with fans. Nell has said: "I genuinely just don’t know how to write any other way", also adding: "I don’t know how to put a facade on. I love bands that have a whole aesthetic, but that’s difficult to hone when it’s just you. I’m not an aesthetic, I’m just a human."
Is Nell going on tour?
Although she doesn't have a full tour lined-up, Nell has been busy performing throughout 2024, including at a show at the Big Feastival in The Cotswolds on 23rd August.
Nell also performed as a special guest for country legend Shania Twain, as she took to the stage for her BTS Hyde Park headline show. Nell joined a list of special guests including The Corrs, Anne-Marie and Natalie Imbruglia.
Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Nell wrote: 'little me would not believe this let’s go girls 😭'. (sic)
Nell will also be performing at the Come Together Festival in 2025, taking place in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Taking place from Wednesday 4th June 2025, the festival will be taking over Newcastle's Town Moor, in what will be the largest outdoor music event the North East of England has ever seen.
Nell is performing on Wednesday 4th June, before incredible acts including Robbie Williams and Kaiser Chiefs.
Has she released an album?
Nell has not yet released an entire album, however on 3rd May 2024 she did release her debut EP - titled 'Can I Miss it for a Minute?', which features five tracks.
'Can I Miss it for a Minute?' tracklist:
1) 'Warm Body'
2) 'Yellow Dresser'
3) 'Killing Time'
4) 'Electric Picnic'
5) 'July'
What are her most popular songs?
Since her debut track 'Crash' in 2020, Nell has released a number of popular tracks, sharing snippets of many of her songs on her TikTok account.
Some of her most popular tracks include 'Homesick', which has accumulated over 37k views on YouTube, 'In My Head', which has accumulated over 47k views on YouTube, 'Graduating', which has accumulated over 19k views on YouTube, and 'Punchline', which has also accumulated over 19k views on YouTube.
WATCH: Nell Mescal 'Graduating' official music video:
Is she on social media?
She sure is! You can follow Nell on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, with the handle nellmescal.
Take a look through some upcoming tours to look forward to:
Zayn
Former One Direction star Zayn Malik is embarking on his first solo tour in 2024, playing dates in the UK in November and early December on his 'Stairway To The Sky' tour.
Jax Jones
Jax Jones announced several UK tour dates in October and November 2024. The DJ shared the exciting news with a defiant message saying how he wanted to prove show promoters wrong, because they wouldn't book him.
The Script
The Script have now sold out the first UK leg of their 'Satellites World Tour', which takes place in November 2024, they have now announced several more dates for June and July 2025 taking place at several festivals and outdoor venues.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX has announced four extra dates for her 'BRAT' UK tour, with special guest Shygirl. The singer, known for hits such as 'Boom Clap', and 'Speed Drive' from the Barbie movie, will be performing in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow throughout November - December.
Myles Smith
Myles Smith has announced his biggest solo tour due to take place in February 2025. His tour, called the 'We Were Never Strangers' tour, will start on 15th February in Leeds, before finishing in London on 26th February.
Craig David
Craig David will be going on tour in February 2025, with special guest Lemar. The singer has announced a series of dates across the UK, including Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle and many more.
Sabrina Carpenter
'Espresso' icon Sabrina Carpenter will be gracing the UK & Ireland with dates on her 'Short N' Sweet Tour' in March 2025. The tour is in support of her sixth studio album of the same name, and will also see her perform across North America and Europe.
Olly Murs
Olly Murs has announced a huge 16 date UK and Ireland tour for April and May 2025. The tour is to celebrate 15 years in music, and he will be joined by special guests Blue.
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue has announced her latest tour will be called 'The Tension Tour' and will take place in the UK throughout May 2025. Speaking about her tour, Kylie said: "I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can't wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It's been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!"
Scissor Sisters
The Scissors Sisters are returning for a UK tour, performing in Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Leeds, Birmingham and more in May 2025. The last time the band were on tour was back in 2012 with their 'Let's Have A Kiki Tour', named after a song on their fourth album 'Magic Hour'. This new tour will feature Jake Shears, Babydaddy and Del Marquis and celebrate the release of their debut album.
Sam Fender
Sam Fender has announced two dates in his home town of Newcastle in June 2025, which will follow his tour of the UK and Ireland in the run up to Christmas 2024. He'll to St James' Park on Thursday 12th and Saturday 14th June.
Dua Lipa
Not only did Dua Lipa delight fans when she announced a new UK date for her 'Radical Optimism' tour - performing at Wembley Stadium in London - but she upped the excitement as she added another date, due to popular demand. She will be performing at the world-famous venue on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June 2025.
She later announced a date in Liverpool on 24th June 2025.
Olivia Rodrigo
Despite only recently finishing her 'Guts World Tour', 'Vampire' singer Olivia Rodrigo has announced more UK tour dates for 2025. She'll be heading to London's Hyde Park for American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday 27th June. She'll also be heading to Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena for her rescheduled set on Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July, after problems with the venue forced cancellation at the eleventh hour in May 2024.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' tour will be coming to the UK in July 2025 after visiting the US, Australia and wider Europe. The 'Bad Guy' singer will be performing 12 dates in the UK, including in Manchester and London. It follows the release of her third album of the same name in May 2024.
Coldplay
Coldplay announced eight-date UK stadium tour in September 2024. The tour will take place in London and Hull, with two dates at Hull's Craven Park Stadium, and six at London's Wembley Stadium, in August 2025.
One Republic
One Republic will be heading out on tour in September 2025. The band behind huge hit 'Counting Stars' will be joined by special guest, Ella Henderson as they head to London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham for the 'Escape to Europe 2025 Tour'.
Busted Vs McFly
Busted and McFly are teaming up for an ultimate battle of the bands tour in 2025, playing dates across the UK in September and October 2025. The tour is called Busted Vs McFly.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is never afraid to put on a show, and she'll be doing just that in London, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Glasgow in October 2025. She revealed in November 2024 that she'll be bringing 'The Lifetimes Tour' to the UK.
We can't wait to see what Nell does next! 🎶
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