SOPHIE, Avant-Pop Star & Producer, Dead At 34
By Paris Close
January 30, 2021
SOPHIE, the beloved British producer and avant-garde pop star, has died. She was 34.
Her label, Future Classic & Transgressive, confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Twitter Saturday morning (January 30), revealing the experimental musician died in a fatal falling accident.
"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,” the message reads of SOPHIE's passing.
“She will always be here with us. The family [thanks] everyone for their love and support and request privacy at this devastating time.”
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, SOPHIE burst onto the dance and electronic music scene with her debut single “Nothing More to Say” in 2013. In the years that followed, SOPHIE collaborated as a writer and producer on several projects for many pop stars, including Charli XCX (Vroom Vroom) and Madonna (“Bitch, I’m Madonna”). It was also reported that she’d worked with Lady Gaga on an unreleased collaboration.
SOPHIE made another big break with the video for her 2017 song “It’s Okay to Cry,” in which she used her voice and likeness in her work for the first time. Following its release, SOPHIE confirmed her trans identity in a 2018 interview.
She released her debut studio album, Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides, in 2018, which garnered her a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album.
In the wake of the tragic news, SOPHIE's admirers have taken to social media to remember her legacy, regarding her as an artist well ahead of her time.
See how Sam Smith, Rina Sawayama and others are reacting to SOPHIE's passing below:
🤍 Sophie is incredible. Her music is the soundtrack to some of my fondest moments and her impact on the world is apparent. Sophie’s immense talent, influence, and existence will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything 🤍 pic.twitter.com/DAg4Rm0U4R
— Aquaria 🤌🏼 (@aquariaofficial) 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
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
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
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
RIP SOPHIE 💗 u were the sweetest - an icon and a visionary. the world and our community has lost a beautiful soul pic.twitter.com/Nxbvx3hsSU
— RINA SAWAYAMA (@rinasawayama) 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
This SOPHIE news really sucks... aside from being a literal genius she was just a genuinely caring person. Rest easy my love 🦋 pic.twitter.com/HpLEl11cE9
— Shamir (@ShamirBailey) January 30, 2021
Photo: Getty Images