Sophie, Grammy-nominated singer and trans trailblazer, dies aged 34

Trailblazing Scottish musician Sophie Xeon, known mononymously as Sophie, has died aged 34 following a “sudden accident”.

A representative for the Grammy-nominated singer said in a statement: “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, following a sudden accident.

“At this time respect and privacy for the family is our priority. We would also ask for respect for her fanbase, and to treat the private nature of this news with sensitivity.”

The statement added that Sophie was “a pioneer of a new sound, one of the most influential artists in the last decade. Not only for ingenious production and creativity but also for the message and visibility that was achieved. An icon of liberation.”

Born in Glasgow in 1986, Sophie began her music career as a DJ and producer, releasing debut single ‘Nothing More to Say’ in 2013 before going on to work with stars like Charli XCX, Camila Cabello and MØ.

Her 2017 single and music video ‘It’s Okay to Cry’ saw her using her own vocals and image in her work for the first time, and was widely seen as her coming out as transgender publicly – something she later confirmed in interviews.

Sophie went on the release her debut album, 2018’s Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides, the following year. The record was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album.

Tributes have been flooding in for the singer since news of her death broke on Saturday (30 January).

Model and trans activist Munroe Berdorf tweeted: “Our community has lost an icon, a pioneer and a visionary bright light. Heartbroken.

“SOPHIE you will be missed. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I hope we get to meet again one day. Rest in peace sister.”

Our community has lost an icon, a pioneer and a visionary bright light.

Heartbroken.

SOPHIE you will be missed. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I hope we get to meet again one day. Rest in peace sister ✨ pic.twitter.com/ATZONIGgMY

— Protect Trans Kids / BLM ✊🏾 (@MunroeBergdorf) January 30, 2021

RIP SOPHIE 💗 u were the sweetest – an icon and a visionary. the world and our community has lost a beautiful soul pic.twitter.com/Nxbvx3hsSU

— RINA SAWAYAMA (@rinasawayama) January 30, 2021

Pop star Rina Sawayama tweeted: “RIP SOPHIE Growing heart u were the sweetest – an icon and a visionary. the world and our community has lost a beautiful soul.”