Sia, born Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, is an accomplished Australian musician who wears many hats in the music industry.
Her career stretches back to the mid-1990s, where she began as a vocalist in an acid jazz band called Crisp.
After Crisp disbanded, Sia took a stab at solo work in Australia, but mainstream success remained elusive.
Undeterred, she set her sights on new horizons and relocated to London.
There, she lent her powerful vocals to the British duo Zero 7.
Sia continued to refine her craft as a solo artist, releasing several well-received albums throughout the early 2000s.
However, a significant shift was on the horizon.
Though she wasn’t yet a household name herself, Sia’s songwriting talents were starting to garner major attention.
She began collaborating with other established artists, and her contributions to songs like Titanium with David Guetta and Diamonds with Rihanna helped propel her into the songwriting spotlight.
While Sia continued to enjoy success as a songwriter, she also returned to her own music in a big way.
The years that followed saw the release of several critically acclaimed albums, including Chandelier and Cheap Thrills, which established Sia as a global pop star.
Known for her powerhouse vocals, catchy melodies.and signature oversized wigs, Sia has carved out a unique space in the music industry.
Parents
Sia’s upbringing was steeped in creativity, thanks in large part to her parents’ artistic pursuits.
Her father, Phil Colson, was a musician known as “Philby” on the Adelaide music scene, where he played the blues guitar.
Her mother, Loene Furler, worked as an art lecturer, bringing an appreciation for visual arts into the household.
This artistic environment undoubtedly influenced Sia’s own artistic path, as she was surrounded by music and visual expression from a young age.
There are even accounts of Sia attending her parents’ musical gigs as a child, absorbing the world of performance firsthand.
It’s likely this exposure to her parents’ passions helped ignite a similar spark within Sia, leading her to develop her own talents for singing and songwriting.
Early career
Sia’s musical journey began in Adelaide, Australia during the mid-1990s.
Immersing herself in the local scene, she lent her vocals to the acid jazz band Crisp, contributing to their album and EP.
Crisp’s disbandment in 1997 didn’t deter Sia, and she bravely ventured into solo territory with her debut album, OnlySee.
While commercial success remained elusive, this early effort marked a significant step in her artistic evolution.
However, a personal tragedy struck soon after, with the sudden death of her boyfriend.
This devastating event would undoubtedly influence her songwriting in the years to come.
Seeking a fresh start, Sia set her sights on London, England.
There, she found a new creative outlet by collaborating with the British duo Zero 7, providing the lead vocals for their projects.
This period proved to be a valuable learning experience, honing her songwriting and performance skills on a wider stage.
With the release of her sophomore album,.Healing Is Difficult, in 2001, Sia began to establish herself as a solo artist in her own right.
Though mainstream recognition was yet to come, these early years laid the groundwork for the future chart-topping success and artistic transformation that awaited.
Why was Sia covering her face?
Sia’s decision to shroud her face in public appearances and performances stems from a complex desire for privacy and a rejection of the traditional trappings of fame.
She has expressed discomfort with the constant scrutiny that comes with celebrity, particularly the focus on physical appearance and the relentless critiques that can proliferate online.
By hiding her face with elaborate wigs and oversized hats, Sia attempts to create a barrier between her public persona and her private life.
This allows her to maintain a sense of normalcy, going about everyday errands like buying groceries without being hounded by paparazzi or fans.
Additionally, the wigs and costumes introduce an artistic element to her performances, shifting the focus from her physical appearance to the raw emotion and power of her music.
This approach allows audiences to connect with her work on a deeper level, unclouded by preconceptions about what a pop star should look like.
Ultimately, Sia’s decision to conceal her face is a way to reclaim agency over her image and prioritize her own well-being while still sharing her remarkable talent with the world.
Awards
Sia’s talent has been recognized throughout her career with a multitude of awards and accolades.
She has been particularly successful at Australia’s ARIA Awards, where she has collected an impressive ten wins.
These awards acknowledge her excellence in various aspects of music creation, from songwriting to overall album quality.
Sia’s international acclaim is evident in her nine Grammy Award nominations.
These nominations place her among the most recognized artists in the prestigious awards ceremony, showcasing her ability to compete with the top talents in the global music industry.
Additionally, Sia has secured an MTV Video Music Award, solidifying her artistic vision and the impact of her music videos.
These awards are just a snapshot of the widespread recognition Sia has garnered throughout her career.