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Sophie (1986–2021), Grammy-nominated musician and producer

by Linnea Crowther

Sophie Xeon, known professionally as Sophie, was a Scottish Grammy-nominated musician and producer known for her electronic hyperpop music.

Hyperpop

Sophie released her debut single, “Nothing More to Say,” in 2013, and a few months later, she received critical acclaim for her follow-up single, “Bipp.”  Her 2014 single “Lemonade” was widely considered one of the best singles of the year and was later used in a McDonald’s commercial. Her bright, kinetic music became an early example of the hyperpop genre. Sophie received more notice with the release of the 2018 album “Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides.” Previously performing anonymously, she came out as a trans woman with the release of the album’s lead single, It’s Okay to Cry.” The album received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album. Also a producer, Sophie produced Madonna’s 2015 single “Bitch, I’m Madonna” and the 2-16 Charli XCX EP “Vroom Vroom.”

Notable quote

“It would be extremely exciting if music could take you on the same sort of high-thrill three-minute ride as a theme park roller coaster. Where it spins you upside down, dips you in water, flashes strobe lights at you, takes you on a slow incline to the peak, and then drops you vertically down a smokey tunnel, then stops with a jerk, and your hair is all messed up, and some people feel sick, and others are laughing — then you buy a key ring.” —from a 2012 interview with Bomb

Tributes to Sophie

Full obituary: The New York Times

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