Sophie Marcella Cates[1] (born August 25, 1999), formerly known as Silver Sphere, is an American singer-songwriter. She independently released her debut album Yikes! in October 2019, and was subsequently signed to RCA Records. In September 2020, she released her first EP, All My Boyfriends, through RCA. She released her second EP, Basement Party, in November 2022. In March 2024, she released her second studio album, SUPERNOVA.
Career
In 2018, Cates independently released her debut single, "Drinking Games", using the stage name Silver Sphere. She wrote and produced the song herself at the age of 18 while studying at Columbia College.[2] This was followed by other singles including "Boys In Bands"[3] and "Sucks 4 U".[4] On October 2, 2019, she independently released her debut album, Yikes!.[5] Abby Wright of The Central Trend described the album as "a vibrant treasure map of pockets" and stated that she "really, really liked" the project.[5]
The release of Yikes! led to Cates being signed by RCA Records, and on July 22, 2020, she released her debut major label single, "Crowd".[6] On the day of its release, she announced that her second extended play, All My Boyfriends, would be released on September 23, 2020.[7][8] Prior to the EP's release, she released "Handle Me" as a single on August 12, 2020.[9] After the EP's release, Sienna Estrada of Earmilk praised Cates for demonstrating artistic growth, noting the contrast in sound between Yikes! and All My Boyfriends, noting her "bright pop melodies and attitude".[10] On November 25, 2020, she released the single "Football Game".[11] In July 2021, Cates announced via social media that she would be using her birth name as her professional artist name.[12] In 2022 she self-released "Nasty" and "Cardigan" as singles from extended play Basement Party. She released the extended play in April 2022.
On March 29, 2024, Cates released SUPERNOVA, her second studio album. The album is thematically focused around her breakup with fellow singer-songwriter Lauv. The album's genres have been described as electronic pop and indie sleaze.
On August 16, 2024, Cates released the single rotation. The video for the single was directed and edited by Cates' longtime friend, Maximilian Kelly.
Personal life
In 2020, she entered into a relationship with fellow singer-songwriter Lauv.[13] They have since broken up.[14]
