SOPHIE

Sophie Xeon (17 September 1986 – 30 January 2021), known professionally as SOPHIE, was an English music producer, songwriter, and DJ recognized for her innovative and influential contributions to electronic and pop music. Her work is characterized by experimental sound design, synthesized textures, and the incorporation of underground dance styles, playing a pivotal role in pioneering the hyperpop microgenre.

Born in Northampton, England, Sophie developed an early interest in electronic music, influenced by her father's rave tapes and events. She began creating music at a young age, receiving a keyboard as a birthday gift, which fueled her passion for music production. Despite expressing a desire to leave school to pursue music, she continued her education while honing her craft.

Sophie first gained attention with a series of singles starting with "Nothing More to Say" in 2013, followed by "Bipp," which received critical acclaim and was ranked 17th in Pitchfork's year-end tracks. She collaborated with artists from the PC Music label, including A.G. Cook and GFOTY, contributing to the experimental pop scene.

Her debut compilation album, "Product," was released in 2015, featuring tracks like "Bipp" and "Lemonade," the latter of which was used in a McDonald's commercial. During this period, she maintained a low public profile, often obscuring her identity and allowing her music to speak for itself.

In October 2017, Sophie released "It's Okay to Cry," marking a significant shift by using her own vocals and image in the accompanying music video. This release was followed by her public coming out as a transgender woman. Her debut studio album, "Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides," was released in June 2018, receiving widespread critical acclaim and earning a nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

Throughout her career, Sophie collaborated with various artists, including Madonna, for whom she co-produced the single "Bitch I'm Madonna" in 2015, and Charli XCX, producing tracks like "Vroom Vroom" and contributing to her 2016 EP of the same name. She also worked with Vince Staples, Kim Petras, and Let's Eat Grandma, among others, influencing a new wave of experimental pop and electronic music.

Tragically, Sophie passed away on 30 January 2021 at the age of 34 in Athens, Greece, following an accidental fall. Her death was widely mourned in the music community, with many artists and fans paying tribute to her groundbreaking work and the impact she had on modern music.

Posthumously, Sophie's influence continues to be recognized. In June 2021, the International Astronomical Union named a minor planet, 1980 RE1, as "Sophiexeon" in her honor. Her legacy as a visionary artist who challenged and expanded the boundaries of pop and electronic music remains significant, inspiring a new generation of musicians and producers.