Sophie’s Oil Of Every Pearl’s Un-InsidesArtwork by Charlotte Wales

SOPHIE, pioneering producer and DJ, has died aged 34

MusicNews

Tributes for the groundbreaking artist have poured in from friends and collaborators following a ‘sudden accident’

TextThom Waite

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.”

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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.”

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