Music

MARVIN Exclusive: Sophie Powers on klepto, Y2K Pop Chaos, and Why This Is Just the Calm Before the Storm

Sophie Powers has never been particularly interested in playing it safe. With “klepto,” the pop provocateur leans further into the high-gloss chaos she’s been steadily perfecting — a track that feels equal parts Y2K runway strut and digital meltdown. Built on glittering synths, razor-sharp hooks, and a devilish sense of control, “klepto” arrives as a bold new chapter in Powers’ ever-expanding world. Featuring Chinese pop disruptor Lexie Liu, the single captures two artists who thrive in the gray area between attitude and artifice, confidence and chaos. In this MARVIN Exclusive, Sophie Powers breaks down the energy behind “klepto,” the influence of early-2000s pop maximalism, and why this era might just be the calm before an even louder storm.

MARVIN: “klepto” doesn’t knock — it kicks the door in. It’s glossy, chaotic, and just a little dangerous. What was the first impulse behind this track, and when did it click that this was the next evolution of your world?

SOPHIE: Lexi was the missing piece to this song’s puzzle. While originally completed in 2023, the song still felt unfinished. It was Lexi’s and my shared love for Y2K pop music that brought us together while sharing demos. The fierceness of both of us made me confident that this song was the next best step for me not only on a brand level, but on a spiritual level.

MARVIN: There’s a fearless, almost bratty confidence running through “klepto.” Are you stepping into a character here, or is this just you with the volume all the way up?

SOPHIE: Honestly, I think both. I have a quiet confidence always, but this song is me in my truest form. It’s unapologetically me, which is why I have so much fun blasting it at full volume. Call me a narcissist but I’m proud of my work and thankful for the people around me. 

MARVIN: Linking with Lexie Liu feels intentional — two genre-benders who don’t exactly ask for permission. What made her the right energy for this record, and how did that cross-continental collision sharpen the final cut?

SOPHIE: It all started on a friendship level. I’m a Lexi Liu stan, so my intentions were, well honestly, just to hang out with her. The pre-established relationship made this song feel so natural to me. Of course I can’t speak for Lexi, but I love collaborating with my friends on a work level. And boy can that girl work the camera. I’m so happy with the song, video, and friendship that Lexi and I have made together. Wow I sound like a crazy ex  boyfriend or something but the Powerpuffs and Lexi stans will understand. 

MARVIN: The production feels like it’s glitching in couture — hyperpop edges, razor-wire hooks, zero interest in playing it safe. What were you sonically obsessed with while building this track?

SOPHIE: Lexi and I both bonded over our shared love for The Fame by Lady Gaga, SLAYYTER, Nelly Furtado, Britney Spears, and the it girls of the early 2000s. I think that’s super apparent when listening to this track. The melody, autotune, and arpeggiated, glittery synths really helped us lean into that y2k sound. Also the subject matter was something so popular in that era and I think it’s coming back. Truly it’s all coming back. I’m here for it. 

MARVIN: “klepto” plays with control — who takes it, who loses it, who fakes it. Were you writing from a place of power, chaos, or somewhere in that gray area?

SOPHIE: I’m Sophie Powers, so place of power haha. Not being afraid of attention, or of being called a “pick me,” felt refreshing. I think chaos is great, but nothing beats being in control of your own narrative and storyline. 

MARVIN: Your aesthetic has always felt like fashion-week-meets-digital-breakdown. Visually, what does “klepto” look like in your head? 

SOPHIE: Klepto is the calm before the storm. It’s an attention grabbing, polished, and powerful song, but I have many more messy, and raw videos / songs coming this year. I’m excited to push the narrative even further from here. Klepto is just the tip of the iceberg, and it deserves to shine on top.  

MARVIN: Every era needs a thesis. If “klepto” is the opening statement for what’s next, what are you declaring — and who are you daring to keep up?

SOPHIE: Klepto is the calm before the storm. It’s only getting messier and uglier from here. My next EP will be a glow up in sound and visual execution, and a glow down in visuals. I want to be unfiltered and shed any remaining fears of imperfection with this next album. Expect it to be gross.

If “klepto” is the opening move, Sophie Powers is already several steps ahead of the board. The track pulses with the kind of self-aware bravado that defines her aesthetic — playful, stylish, and unafraid of a little destruction along the way. But as she makes clear, this is only the surface. With new music and visuals on the horizon promising something messier, louder, and more unfiltered, Powers is setting the stage for an era that pushes past polish into pure expression. Consider “klepto” the warning shot: the storm isn’t coming — it’s already building.