After a whirlwind few days supporting her brother at the Oscars, Nell Mescal had returned to her native Ireland when we spoke. “It’s very Gilmore Girls ,” she says of her hometown of Maynooth. Although Mescal now lives in London, she enjoys her time at home, playing with the family dog Bob, an older Bichon Frize. Looking back on her Oscar journey, Mescal said: "I just love spending time with my family, and any opportunity to do that is the best. Michelle Yeoh ended up sitting in front of my mom. It was a really fun experience."
Mescal went viral earlier this year when she enthusiastically celebrated Paul Mescal's surprise Oscar nomination for Afterglow . Thousands of new fans flocked to her social media accounts eager for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Paul washing dishes, only to discover there was another talented sibling. Mezcal was a little unsure of how to react at first. "Okay guys. Stop following me on Twitter. This is my app to talk about Gilmore Girls ," she wrote in response.
In addition to being a Stars Hollow scholar, Mescal is an aspiring singer who has been releasing music since 2020’s plaintive piano ballad “Missing U.” As time went on, her music became more acerbic, with songs like "Homesick" earning comparisons to Olivia Rodrigo. Coincidentally, she also has a hint of Phoebe Bridgers in her voice. Mescal met the American singer-songwriter through her brother. The two were previously in a relationship. However, Mescal now has his own history with Bridgers. She appeared at the hitmaker's London concert in 2022, singing "Georgia" duet with her and opening for her at a small show in Soho. “It was a pinching-yourself moment,” Mescal said, “but also very scary.”
Growing up, Mescal juggled her love of singing and musical theater with a busy athletic schedule, and she eventually had to choose between the two. “I played tennis, Gaelic football, camogie (the Irish baseball team sport) and so on,” she laughs, saying that choosing between sports and her chosen play was a classic High School Musical conundrum. Mezcal relatives have always been creative, she said, and revealed their family history. Dad Paul Sr. "played all kinds of instruments" and enjoyed performing on the side, while mom Dilbra "had a really crazy and beautiful way with words." Mescal agrees that they are a bit like Maynooth's own von Trapp family. “Paul was the last one to join our family in acting and singing,” she said.
Mezcal has a slew of festival dates and opening slots coming up with some of her musical heroes. She will support Hampshire-born singer Birdy at her Dublin show next month. It was such a complete moment that the Irish musician remembers "crying" the first time she heard Birdy's song "Word As Weapons" and how the song inspired her to write her own music.
Meanwhile, Mescal is currently focused on her new single "In My Head" following the release of her song "Homesick." The emotionally raw song, which will be released on March 24, explores how to get stuck in "a bad cycle in a relationship and feeling like it's your fault," with the second half of the song ending on a vaguely hopeful note. "There's no point in a tragic song without redemption. Maybe it's revenge. You have to have it!" she insists.
Learn more about Nell Mescal in the Bustle Booth questionnaire below.
in a noisy stall
What was your coffee order?
On the rare occasion I have coffee, it's an iced oatmeal latte with hazelnut syrup.
What weather locations are saved on your phone?
Really the big three: London, Maynooth, Los Angeles.
What is your logo?
I am a Taurus sun, Aries moon, Leo rising. Get what you want from it!
Favorite overused movie line?
This isn't a movie line, but in every Disney Channel show someone says "He's right behind me, isn't he?" It makes me laugh every time.
What was your favorite cartoon as a child?
The Simpsons . I watch that every night. But if we're talking about very young people, I'd say Fifi and the Flowers or Strawberry Shortcake .
What’s a movie or TV show that you’re currently obsessed with?
I'm a TV series re-watcher, and I've watched Succession several times. The Last of Us is also incredible. Episode three killed me. Strawberry scene is my current screensaver.
Who is your celebrity idol?
Probably Billie Eilish. I think she's really cool.
If you had to be on a reality show, what would you choose?
My dad and I have always said The Hunt would be the funniest reality show ever. Or maybe The Great British Bake Off.
Karaoke songs you often listen to?
You will never catch me singing karaoke. However, if I were forced to choose, the obvious choice would be "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift.
What has inspired you recently?
my best friend. They are very talented and work hard.
How would you like people to describe you?
I'm friendly, but if they don't say that, I hope they at least say I'm funny sometimes.
