Tributes for the groundbreaking artist have poured in from friends and collaborators following a ‘sudden accident’
SOPHIE, the pioneering musician who’s shaped the course of contemporary pop and underground music, has died aged 34 following a “sudden accident”.
“It is with profound sadness that I have to inform you that musician and producer SOPHIE passed away this morning around 4am in Athens, where the artist had been living,” reads a statement from the artist’s team. Friends and collaborators have also taken to social media to pay tribute to the Glasgow-born musician.
“Sophie was a stellar producer, a visionary, a reference,” said Christine and the Queens. “She rebelled against the narrow, normative society by being an absolute triumph, both as an artist and as a woman. I can’t believe she is gone. We need to honor and respect her memory and legacy. Cherish the pioneers.”
— Transgressive (@transgressiveHQ) January 30, 2021
Following the 2013 singles “BIPP” and “ELLE”, SOPHIE consistently spearheaded experimental pop, producing for the likes of Charli XCX, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Kim Petras. Shygirl – whose recent track “SLIME” was produced by SOPHIE – seemingly referenced the news in a tweet reading: “Tell people you love them when you can.”
In 2018, SOPHIE released the epic, sprawling debut album Oil Of Every Pearl's Un-Insides. Veering between chaotic, euphoric songs such as “PONYBOY” and the sparkling, transcendent sound of “Is It Cold In The Water?”, the record was as emotionally resonant as it was innovative, bringing much-deserved worldwide acclaim.
The video for the album’s single “It’s Okay To Cry” also marked SOPHIE’s first step into the limelight, simultaneously revealing the artist’s identity as a trans woman. Since then, performances, boundary-pushing music videos, and stunning visuals have continued to explore themes of queer identity and body image.
“Our community has lost an icon, a pioneer and a visionary bright light,” Munroe Bergdorf said. “Heartbroken.”
Our community has lost an icon, a pioneer and a visionary bright light.
— Protect Trans Kids / BLM ✊🏾 (@MunroeBergdorf) January 30, 2021
Heartbroken.
SOPHIE you will be missed. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I hope we get to meet again one day. Rest in peace sister ✨ pic.twitter.com/ATZONIGgMY
to have been a part of each others’ journey, to have made music with you remains a formative experience that I will always cherish. your genius, playfulness, boldness, and vision continue to shine brightly through the expanse of your art.
— Arca (@arca1000000) January 30, 2021
Sophie was a stellar producer, a visionary, a reference. She rebelled against the narrow, normative society by being an absolute triumph, both as an artist and as a woman. I can’t believe she is gone. We need to honor and respect her memory and legacy. Cherish the pioneers. pic.twitter.com/3kyRl1KabY
— Chris (@QueensChristine) January 30, 2021
what a privilege it was to share moments with u backstage at Pop 2 London 😔 thank u SOPHIE for everything pic.twitter.com/wZ5aNIwtlL
— RINA SAWAYAMA (@rinasawayama) January 30, 2021
I was devastated when I heard of SOPHIE’s death. Her music was the soundtrack to so many important parts of my recent life. She was a visionary and this world is just a bit less spectacular without her creativity in it. Rest in peace, sister. pic.twitter.com/oQqXfsQdqx
— shon faye. (@shonfaye) January 30, 2021
Thinking about the last time I saw Sophie in France. I remember her getting off stage as I was going on. She was wearing patent leather. I never remember what anyone was wearing but I remember that and how beautiful she was in every way.
— THE BLESSED MADONNA (@Blessed_Madonna) January 30, 2021
tell people you love them when you can.
— SHYGIRL (@0800shygirl) January 30, 2021
sophie xeon... thank you for living your life as authentically, as beautifully and with as much as talent you had. you truly changed the world & made people feel stronger in being themselves through your art. you have brought joy & excitement to so many lives. we thank you sophie
— aaron philip (@aaronphilipxo) January 30, 2021
everything she touched was exciting, fearless and beyond innovative - you could really feel her soul in the music so beautiful, raw & fearless. i’m so thankful to have existed in a time where i could be inspired by sophie in real time. god bless
— TKAY ⚡️ (@TKAYMAIDZA) January 30, 2021
The clubs would be playing SOPHIE all night long tonight. 💕
— Travis (@travisalabanza) January 30, 2021
Rest In Peace to SOPHIE. I found myself so consistently inspired by her and in awe of her production. Heartbroken to hear this
— FINNEAS (@finneas) January 30, 2021
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
She was so much of the soundtrack to the first years of my transition, an incredible and innovative musician. Can’t believe she’s gone. RIP pic.twitter.com/hKYQ23fDq7
— Natalie Wynn (@ContraPoints) January 30, 2021
she invented a new style and sound and her influence will live forever in music. she inspired me so much. rest in peace sophie. pic.twitter.com/FxrCww9Bap
— slayyyter (@slayyyter) January 30, 2021