World reacts to DJ and producer SOPHIE's untimely death

Scottish DJ and producer SOPHIE passed away this weekend after a tragic accident on January 30th. She was 34 years old.

“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,” said the artist's team in an official statement.

“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 continues. "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.”

The trans rights activist and avant-pop producer was revered worldwide for her groundbreaking style. Born in Glasgow, SOPHIE's debut album ‘OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S UN-INSIDES’ was released via Transgressive in 2018, and subsequently nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 2019 Grammys.

She was also a prominent part of the PC Music label, worked with Madonna, Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Vince Staples, Kim Petras, Arca and many more.

BBC 6 music host Huw Stephens said: "Sorry to hear about the passing of SOPHIE. A phenomenal artist I loved playing."

Sorry to hear about the passing of Sophie. A phenomenal artist I loved playing. I was lucky to meet her at the Aim Awards when she won the Innovator awardin 2018 and got to tell her how much I loved her productions. My thoughts are with her friends and family. RIP. https://t.co/aPQECw79Su

— Huw Stephens (@huwstephens) January 30, 2021

Chris of Christine and The Queens said: "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."

Sophie was a stellar producer, a visionary, a reference. 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. pic.twitter.com/3kyRl1KabY

— Chris (@QueensChristine) January 30, 2021

Rising artist Declan McKenna tweeted: "So saddening to hear about SOPHIE. She will be so missed but her influence will last and grow."

so saddening to hear about SOPHIE. she will be so missed but her influence will last and grow.

— Declan McKenna (@DeclanMcKenna) January 30, 2021

Dublin-based pop artist CMAT also shared a thread, saying: "where would we be without her? this is the most crushing news ever. RIP."

its just so sad. this is just the worst news . last time i got sacked from a job i walked out of the gaff and listened to this like 5 times in a row to deal with the shame and just bop through it lol https://t.co/CgQBzrpBjD

— cmat (@cmatbaby) January 30, 2021

Laura Snapes, deputy music editor at The Guardian added: "SOPHIE makes me so grateful for the popstars who live at the edge, barely a membrane between their vision and its expression for the rest of us. Listening to the compilation playlists today reminded me of the Bowie exhibition: no rooms or artefacts, but every song a key."

SOPHIE makes me so grateful for the popstars who live at the edge, barely a membrane between their vision and its expression for the rest of us. Listening to the compilation playlists today reminded me of the Bowie exhibition: no rooms or artefacts, but every song a key 🗝

— Laura Snapes (@laurasnapes) January 30, 2021