Electronic Pop Innovator SOPHIE Passes Away at 34
Even if you didn’t listen to her solo works, your ears have likely been touched by the creative energy of the late Sophie Xeon, stylized as SOPHIE, who suddenly died this past Saturday, January 30th–she worked on albums for such prominent figures as Charli XCX, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Kim Petras, and more. She was best known for her innovations in electronic pop and is considered by many to have revolutionized the genre and music in general, with artists like Jack Antonoff remarking on her impact:
the loss of sophie is huge. she’s been at the forefront for a long time and we see her influence in every corner of music. if you’re not aware of what she has done then today is the day to listen to all her brilliant work. you’ll hear an artist who arrived before everyone else.
— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) January 30, 2021
Sophie was nominated for a Grammy just two years ago for her Dance/Electronic album, “Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides,” along with a 2018 nomination for Independent Album of the Year at the Independent Music Awards. Some of her other solo works include the singles “Bipp,” “Lemonade,” “MSMSMSM,” “L.O.V.E.,” and “It’s Okay To Cry.” While her solo discography only has one album, her work extends beyond her SOPHIE moniker, having worked on such notorious albums as Lady Gaga’s “Chromatica.”
A notorious name in the realm of indie music, she has been honored by artists in all genres and forms of music in the wake of her passing:
still can’t believe this. Rest Peacefully Sophie. 💔 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/OsYGdCKgkz
— Rihanna (@rihanna) February 1, 2021
Heartbreaking news. The world has lost an angel. A true visionary and icon of our generation. Your light will continue to inspire so many for generations to come. Thinking of Sophie’s family and friends at this hard time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7qr4aI0DDi
— samsmith (@samsmith) January 30, 2021
According to a statement from her label, Transgressive, Sophie passed away in a tragic accident in Athens, Greece while doing something she loved:
“Tragically our beautiful Sophie passed away this morning after a terrible accident. True to her spirituality she had climbed up to watch the full moon and accidentally slipped and fell. She will always be here with us. The family thank everyone for their love and support and request privacy at this devastating time.”
As is outlined in their statement, the family has requested privacy beyond the announcement of her cause of death.
It’s clear Sophie was a well-respected figure in the music world, and while her presence is missed by her peers, family, fans, and many more, her impact remains.
