Irish singer/songwriter Nell Mescal is having one hell of a magical year. Between a summer full of festival performances, opening for the likes of Dermot Kennedy and Florence and the Machine, and now with the release of her new single “Teeth,” Mescal is proving to be one of Ireland’s most powerful and poetic voices.
Following the release of “Teeth,” Schön! enlists her to compile her curated list full of musings about her fashion, what album she’d put in a time capsule, and more.
Hey Nell, what are you up to right now?
I’m on the tube on the way to a writing session in London.
If someone asked you what your origin story was, how would you describe it?
I grew up in Ireland surrounded by music and started writing songs really young…. But I started taking it seriously when I was 13! I dropped out of school in 2021 and moved to London to pursue a career in music. I have the best parents in the world who trusted me when I told them my plans and I’ve been in London ever since!
Describe your style in 3 words.
I had to ask my friend Molly who’s been styling me all summer, because without her I would wear the same outfit everyday and she says this: playful, whimsical and feminine.
What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?
I stole my dads t-shirt and it’s an oversized Beavis and Butthead t-shirt with paint all over it….and I will never own anything I love more.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mum, she’s the very best.
What was the last book you read?
I am trying to get back into reading, but the last book I read in full that I loved was Crying In H Mart by Michelle Zauner.
If you could play any venue, which one would it be?
The 02 Arena in London.
Where are you happiest?
Recently I’ve realised how happy being on stage makes me. But usually I’m the happiest when I’m with my family.
Ideal 3 course meal?
In an ideal world I would have a Callipo ice-pop to start, Christmas dinner as a main course and chocolate mousse as a dessert! [Laughs]
Who would play you in the story of your life?
Rachel Sennot. She is the best!
What’s one song that you’d like to listen to the first time again?
I will never get over hearing Fáinleog by The Gloaming for the first time. I love it so much I have a tattoo of it.
An underrated song/artist you love?
Ethel Cain, Ethel Cain, Ethel Cain.
The track that describes your coming-of-age story?
Anything from Fearless by Taylor Swift. It’s been a record that’s been with me for so long now, I always go back to it.
An album that you’d put in a time capsule?
B-Sides by Adrienne Lenker and Buck Meek. Music will never be the same because of it! [Laughs]
A lyric that you love and the song it’s from?
The entirety of Norman Fucking Rockwell by Lana Del Rey, but especially the first line “God damn man child, you fucked me so good that I almost said I love you” that’s crazy!
A track that reminds you of a happy moment?
Shut Up and Kiss Me by Mary Chapin Carpenter reminds me of singing with my mum when I was younger….or Mermaids by Florence and the Machine because I got to dance on stage with her for that one this year and it changed my life.
A song that you discovered recently that you love?
American Spirit by Keni Titus. I can’t stop listening to this one.
Best record to get you out of a funk?
Ctrl by SZA – all day everyday !
What’s the last song you searched for on Spotify?
4runner by Alix Page. I love it soooo much!
A song you wish you wrote?
Brando by Lucy Dacus. That song is perfect.
Thanks for having me….Nell x
Nell Mescal’s new song Teeth is out now.
photography. David Reiss
talent. Nell Mescal
words. Kelsey Barnes
