A new scholarship fund honoring the trailblazing Scottish artist SOPHIE has been launched by We Are Moving The Needle, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing gender equity in the recording industry. The scholarship aims to provide financial support and access to resources for emerging female, trans, and non-binary college students pursuing careers in audio engineering and electronic music production.
The initiative, which was announced earlier this month, is part of the organization’s broader mission to dismantle barriers faced by underrepresented voices in music, particularly in male-dominated fields such as production and engineering. The scholarship fund is designed to honor SOPHIE’s legacy by nurturing a new generation of boundary-breaking creatives. “SOPHIE’s legacy is a beacon of inspiration to countless creators,” said We Are Moving The Needle in a public statement. “Her innovations continue to shape the future of music. We are thrilled to celebrate her indelible mark as it lives on in the next generation of trailblazers.”
Successful applicants will receive between $5,000 and $10,000 in financial aid, which can be used toward tuition and other education-related expenses. The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and residents, with applications accepted through April 27, 2025.
A Legacy of Sonic Innovation
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, SOPHIE (1986–2021) was a pioneering force in the experimental pop and electronic music scenes. Known for her work as a producer, singer, and songwriter, she helped define the “hyperpop” sound with her futuristic, genre-defying approach to music. SOPHIE’s influence stretched far beyond her discography, which includes the critically acclaimed 2018 debut album Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides and a posthumous self-titled release in 2024.
Tragically, SOPHIE died in January 2021 at the age of 34 after an accidental fall from a rooftop in Athens, Greece, while trying to get a better view of the full moon. Her passing was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, collaborators, and the global music community, who hailed her as a visionary and an icon of LGBTQ+ liberation.
A posthumous induction into the Resonator Hall of Fame further cemented her status as a transformative figure in the music industry. Now, this new scholarship fund seeks to extend SOPHIE’s impact by uplifting a new wave of creatives who, like her, aim to challenge convention and redefine the soundscape.
Continuing the Mission of Inclusivity
We Are Moving The Needle was founded to address the gender imbalance in music production and engineering. Since its inception, the organization has awarded over $600,000 in scholarships to women and non-binary individuals, helping them attend workshops, educational programs, and networking opportunities in the music industry.
This new fund in SOPHIE’s name is a natural extension of the nonprofit’s commitment to building a more inclusive future in music.
“We created this fund to honor SOPHIE’s unique contributions and to help others like her forge paths in an industry that too often overlooks non-traditional and marginalized voices,” said a spokesperson for the organization.
Applicants for the scholarship must be enrolled in an accredited college program and demonstrate a focus on audio engineering, music production, or electronic music. The selection committee will consider financial need, artistic vision, and a commitment to advancing diversity in music.
Charli XCX and the Power of Tribute
SOPHIE’s legacy continues to resonate with artists around the world, including long-time collaborator Charli XCX. During her speech at the 2025 BRIT Awards, where she accepted the award for Best Dance Act, Charli paid tribute to SOPHIE alongside other influential artists like Daft Punk, Aphex Twin, and Robyn.
“Someone who none of us would be here without, SOPHIE,” Charli said, highlighting the producer’s profound influence on today’s music scene.
Charli also honored SOPHIE in her latest album Brat, which features the emotionally charged track “So I.” In a recent interview with NME, she described the song as her way of processing grief and reflecting on their friendship. “There is a song on the record which talks about my relationship with SOPHIE,” Charli said. “Essentially, dealing with grief is what the song is about. It’s very real. All the lyrics are things I would text my friends.”
Their creative partnership began in 2015 with the release of Charli’s Vroom Vroom EP, produced entirely by SOPHIE. The two went on to collaborate on several tracks, including “After the Afterparty,” “No Angel,” “Girls Night Out,” “Roll With Me,” “Lipgloss,” and “Out of My Head.”
Charli’s tributes and the establishment of the scholarship fund highlight SOPHIE’s lasting influence on the industry and her role in uplifting the voices of those often left out of mainstream music narratives.
How to Apply
Eligible students interested in applying for the SOPHIE scholarship can do so through the official We Are Moving The Needle website. Applications must be submitted by April 27, 2025. In addition to financial support, recipients will join a growing network of mentees, educators, and industry professionals committed to reshaping the music world.
For more information or to apply, visit wearemovingtheneedle.org.
