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Sophie (musician)

Sophie Xeon, known mononymously as Sophie and stylised as SOPHIE, was a British music producer, songwriter, singer, and DJ.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sophie Xeon (17 September 1986 – 30 January 2021), known mononymously as Sophie and stylised as SOPHIE, was a British music producer, songwriter, singer, and DJ. She was noted for experimental electronic pop production and helped pioneer hyperpop. She released the Grammy-nominated album *Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides* before her death in 2021.

Early life and identity

Sophie Xeon was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on 17 September 1986. She initially concealed her identity early in her solo career and publicly came out as transgender in 2017. She used she/her pronouns.

Music style and influence

Sophie became known for highly synthetic, experimental production that mixed pop immediacy with abrasive or futuristic sound design. Her work is often described as foundational to hyperpop and influential across contemporary pop and electronic music. She is widely credited as a pioneer of the 2010s hyperpop microgenre.

Releases and collaborations

Sophie released notable tracks including “Bipp” and “Lemonade,” followed by the compilation *Product* and the studio album *Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides*, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. She also collaborated with major pop artists, including Charli XCX and Madonna.

Death and legacy

Sophie died in Athens, Greece, on 30 January 2021 after an accidental fall. Posthumous coverage has continued to frame her as an influential figure in 21st-century pop and electronic music. Her impact is relevant to global scenes, including in Canada.

Key facts

  • Sophie Xeon was a British electronic music artist who worked as a producer, songwriter, singer, and DJ.
  • She is widely credited as a pioneer of the 2010s hyperpop microgenre.
  • She came out publicly as transgender in 2017.
  • Her debut studio album, *Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides*, was nominated for a Grammy Award.
  • She died in Athens, Greece, in January 2021 after an accidental fall.
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Canadian context

Sophie’s influence is relevant to Canadian readers through her impact on global pop and electronic music scenes, including artists and producers associated with hyperpop and experimental pop in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Sophie?
Sophie Xeon was a British music producer, songwriter, singer, and DJ known for experimental electronic pop and hyperpop.
What was Sophie’s real name?
Her birth name was Sophie Xeon.
What was Sophie best known for?
She was best known for pioneering hyperpop and for her distinctive, highly synthetic production style.
Did Sophie release a Grammy-nominated album?
Yes. *Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides* was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album.
When did Sophie die?
She died on 30 January 2021 in Athens, Greece, after an accidental fall.
Was Sophie transgender?
Yes. She publicly came out as transgender in 2017.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie_(musician)
    Supports: Birth name, dates, origin, occupations, style, transgender identity, Grammy nomination, and death details.
  2. The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/sep/20/sophie-posthumous-album-interview
    Supports: Sophie’s posthumous legacy, influence, and status as an innovative producer.
  3. NMEhttps://www.nme.com/features/sophie-obituary-tribute-2868555
    Supports: Her role in PC Music, hyperpop influence, and overall musical legacy.
  4. Apple Musichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/sophie/904687727
    Supports: Artist profile, origin, death date, and broad influence on pop music.