17 September 2024

SOPHIE’s influence remembered through art

Today, on what would have been her 38th birthday, hyperpop artist SOPHIE has been memorialised with a special Google Doodle, paying tribute to her profound influence on the music scene.

The Doodle features a short video soundtracked by “Immaterial” from her critically acclaimed 2019 album Oil Of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides. The visual draws inspiration from SOPHIE’s most iconic look and the Elektron Monomachine, a key instrument in crafting her distinctive vocal manipulation. The tribute, which you can view below, encapsulates the innovative spirit that characterised her work.

SOPHIE, born Sophie Xeon, tragically passed away in January 2021 at the age of 34 following a fall from a three-storey building in Athens, Greece.

In their tribute, Google stated: “This video Doodle celebrates the birthday of Scottish musician, producer, and DJ Sophie Xeon, who is remembered for her acclaimed experimental pop and electronic music.”

A posthumous album titled SOPHIE is set to be released on September 27. Though unfinished at the time of her passing, the album has been completed by close collaborators.

Google Doodles transform the typically mundane task of using a search engine into an opportunity for artistic expression, celebrating important figures, events, and cultural moments. By integrating whimsical, clever or thought-provoking visuals into the Google homepage, they invite millions of people to engage with art in a daily, accessible format. From simple, hand-drawn animations to elaborate interactive designs, Google Doodles highlight the evolving role of digital art in modern culture.