SOPHIE, legendary producer and DJ, dies aged 34

Sophie Xeon, the infinitely influential producer and DJ better known by her stage name SOPHIE, has died aged 34. A statement from SOPHIE’s management referred to her as “an icon of liberation” after announcing the musician’s accidental death in Athens, Greece, where she was currently living.

She first started earning recognition in the electronic music world, collaborating with artists such as Charli XCX, Vince Staples and Madonna. She has production credits for Charli’s Vroom Vroom EP, Madonna’s braggadocious ‘B**ch I’m Madonna’ as well as tracks from MØ, Kim Petras, Cashmere Cat and many more.

SOPHIE’s debut album Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides was nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic album in 2018, with her incorporation of trance and industrial soundscapes having far-reaching influence on the progression of Avant-pop, creating whimsical sounds derived from pure waveforms. Instead of sampling sounds, she built her own instruments to create textures resembling latex, metal and other materials to create invigorating percussion and sound design.

Born in Glasgow, her abrasive production and spellbinding world-creation transformed the dance/electronic music scene. From a young age, her father would take her to raves, where she grew a fond connection to music. Through adolescence, she began to produce her own music after receiving a keyboard for her birthday, regularly announcing that she was going to lock herself in her room until she had made an album. Continuing her journey towards a professional electronic producer, she DJ’d and joined bands before releasing her solo material. 

When asked about the reason for her stage name ‘SOPHIE’, she replied that it “tastes good and it’s like moisturiser”

The dynamics of Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides reflects an immeasurable scale of emotion. The first song, ‘It’s Okay To Cry’, is a strikingly vulnerable reflection on emotional stability and comfort. Her whispery voice surrounded by lush synths and razor-sharp percussion is a common theme through her discography. Tracks like ‘Ponyboy’ and ‘Faceshopping’ incorporate menacing bass and robotic ferocity, paying acute attention to the marriage of bubble-gum bass and hard trance in her sound. In ‘Immaterial’, the raw elements of pop reveal themselves through catchy, high-pitched melodies and vocals. SOPHIE managed to express her deep sentiment for becoming this artificial being in the music industry, concealing herself and becoming a name associated with her music exclusively. 

Following the success of her debut album, SOPHIE made an extensive ‘NON-STOP REMIX ALBUM’ with remixes from myriad producers as well as unheard cuts from her debut project. Featuring mesmerising sound design and storytelling, a deeper insight into the world of SOPHIE is unlocked. SOPHIE’s label suggested the idea of potentially remixing her first ever collection of songs ‘PRODUCT’ to which she replied “no remixes… unless it’s Autechre”. So, in January this year, the only remix of her song ‘BIPP’ was released. It was an Autechre remix. This legendary collaboration is testament to SOPHIE’s legacy in the world of electronic music.

SOPHIE was also a true inspiration to the transgender community. Her lyrics often discussed gender identity and she was a keen advocate for trans rights. Her identity was kept illusive, wearing a mask to most live performances until she openly came out as trans with the release of her debut album. When asked about the reason for her stage name ‘SOPHIE’, she replied that it “tastes good and it’s like moisturiser”. 

Following her death, a multitude of artists have given their heartfelt sentiments towards SOPHIE and her family. French singer Christine and the Queens paid tribute to SOPHIE saying, “She rebelled against the narrow, normative society by being an absolute triumph, both as an artist and as a woman.” Other tributes include a statement from English experimental producer Iglooghost saying, “To me, SOPHIE’s legacy is up there with Delia Derbyshire, Kraftwerk, Juan Atkins, Aphex [Twin], Flylo, [Brian] Eno, etc. My heart is split in two. Rest easy.” 

Transgressive records, who released SOPHIE’s debut album, provided this statement: “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.”