Sophie Auster
A singer-songwriter with a smoky, cinematic voice who has carved her own artistic identity distinct from her famous literary family.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American singer/songwriter and actress·Birthday: July 6·Millennials
Biography
Sophie Auster grew up in a world of words, the daughter of novelists Paul Auster and Siri Hustvedt in Brooklyn. Yet, her medium of expression became melody and rhythm. She stepped out of the formidable shadow of her parents not through prose, but through a soulful, jazz-inflected pop sound and a magnetic stage presence. Her musical journey began in her teens, with early collaborations and a self-titled debut album that introduced her warm, evocative contralto. Auster’s work often feels like a short story set to music, drawing on folk, blues, and classic American songcraft. She has built a steady, respected career on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly finding an audience in Europe where she has toured extensively. Alongside her music, she has also ventured into acting, appearing in independent films. Rather than trading on her lineage, Auster has used the narrative sensibility inherent in her upbringing to inform her own distinct craft as a performer and songwriter.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Sophie was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Sophie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Sophie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released her debut self-titled album in 2006, featuring a collaboration with musician Michael Hearst.
- Performed at major venues and festivals across Europe, including the Berlin Philharmonic.
- Co-wrote songs with artists like David Baron and Thomas Dybdahl for her albums.
Did You Know?
She is fluent in French and has performed songs in both English and French.
She made her acting debut in the film 'The Inner Life of Martin Frost', written by her father, Paul Auster.
She is married to musician and composer James Iha, the former guitarist of the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.
“I'm not trying to be a writer; I'm trying to be a singer.”
