The concept of transitioning from screen acting to music was initially intimidating for Nell Tiger Free. Widely recognized for her roles in Game of Thrones, Servant, and the recently released The First Omen, the 25-year-old reflects on her choice to enter the music scene during a video call from her home in Parsons Green on a crisp Wednesday morning.
Nell kicked off her music career in November 2024 with her debut single, a dreamy indie-pop tune titled ‘Do I Just Keep Making Things Worse?’. Looking back on this achievement, she shares with CLASH, “I was reluctant to introduce any level of professionalism to my music because I was so afraid that people wouldn’t like it, which is a rather silly fear. For me, writing songs has always felt sacred; it was akin to setting my diary to music.” She adds, “The decision was one I made reluctantly, but I knew it was something I had to do eventually.”
Over the past twelve years, Nell’s main focus has been acting, while music has served as a more personal and therapeutic outlet for her. After long days on set, she would often return home to unwind by adding to the numerous lyrics she kept in her phone's notes app. When discussing shifting her creative focus between different art forms, she explains, “They’re entirely different entities. With acting, I’m trying to embody someone else as convincingly as possible. With music, it’s just me, so I really have to adopt a different mindset.”
Nonetheless, Nell enjoys incorporating her musical talent into her work and connecting with her fellow cast members through it. During her recent role in The First Omen, where she garnered a nomination for Best Lead Performance at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, she shared the screen with Bill Nighy, known for his refined taste in music, occasionally showcased on Radio 6 during his guest appearances. “Bill and I would stroll around singing little duets and swapping desert island discs,” she reminisces fondly. “I could listen to him discuss music endlessly; he has a beautiful singing voice, too! On my birthday, after a long day of shooting, I was playing the piano in the hotel lobby, and before I knew it, the entire cast of The Omen came up, asking if I knew a particular song, taking turns to sing various numbers.”
Ironically released on Valentine’s Day, Nell’s latest single is an emotional breakup ballad titled ‘Love Of My Life’. The feelings of vulnerability and pain are palpable from the track's opening line, “One last look, when you still looked like you, if I could have one more kiss, when you didn’t taste like someone new.” Expanding on the lyrics, Nell explains, “It’s about that moment when you know everything is going to change forever. That in-between space before and after, where you recognize not only that this is the end but that it must be the end.”
She continues: “It’s similar to waking up the day after something terrible happens, and for the first few seconds, you forget it occurred. Then it all floods back at once, and it feels like your heart is breaking all over again. It's about someone shattering something and living with the aftermath of their choice.”
All of Nell’s music to date has been co-written and produced by the esteemed Tim Bran, who has collaborated with notable artists such as The Verve, London Grammar, and KT Tunstall. This partnership marks a full-circle moment, as Nell first met Bran during a recording session she received as a birthday gift from her parents when she turned 15. Recounting their initial meeting, she recalls, “When I arrived, we recorded a song I wrote at 14 called ‘Millionth Melody’. Then he asked if I wanted to try writing something together, and I was like… absolutely!” She elaborates, “When we began writing, I lost track of time; it was so enjoyable to bounce ideas off someone and create something I could share. I loved it.” Inspired by this creative dynamic, Nell notes, “I have about a thousand songs on my phone, so when I resolved to finally do something with them, Tim felt like the only choice, and fortunately, nine years later, he was willing to work with me again.”
The new track is the first release from her forthcoming debut EP, ‘Worst Day Of Her Life (So Far)’, which features a collection of deeply personal songs. “The EP centers around recent experiences. Initially, it was going to be a completely different set of songs. They were good, and I loved them, but I was reflecting on events from two or three years ago. Now, I’m opening up about my personal life in a way I never have before. Subtlety isn't really my strength, so I felt there was no point in writing a song if it wasn’t completely genuine.” She adds with humor, “But luckily for my music
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The thought of transitioning from the screen to the studio was initially overwhelming for Nell Tiger Free. She is most recognized for her performances in Game of