Sia

Over 28.9M+ followers on spotify, Popular for pop music genre.

Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, known mononymously as Sia, is an illustrious singer-songwriter born on December 18, 1975, in Adelaide, South Australia. Growing up in a creative and musically inclined environment, she was immersed in the arts from a young age. Both her parents were involved in the entertainment and music industry, which greatly influenced her. Sia's early years were marked by her passion for music, fueled by musical influences ranging from Aretha Franklin's powerful soul to the unique stylings of Sting and Stevie Wonder. Her journey into music began in the 1990s when she joined Crisp, an acid jazz band active in Adelaide, where she began hone her enigmatic voice and songwriting skills. Her life took a pivotal turn when she moved to England, where she signed a record deal and released her first solo album, 'OnlySee', in 1997. Despite achieving only modest commercial success, this album was instrumental in shaping Sia's musical path, marking the beginning of her transition from a local singer to an international music sensation.

Sia's musical career is characterized by constant evolution and reinvention. After her debut album, she moved to the UK, joining the electronic duo Zero 7 as their vocalist. Her work with Zero 7 showcased her distinctive, soulful voice and gained her international recognition. This period marked Sia's shift towards more mainstream audiences while allowing her to hone her unique style. Her breakthrough came with the release of the album 'Colour the Small One' in 2004, featuring the hauntingly beautiful single 'Breathe Me'. This song became widely recognized after being featured in the finale of the HBO series 'Six Feet Under'. Following this success, Sia relocated to New York, where she continued defining her style with a series of albums that balanced introspective lyricism with dynamic production. It was the release of her sixth studio album, '1000 Forms of Fear', in 2014 that catapulted Sia to superstar status, fueled by the global phenomenon hit single 'Chandelier'. Her evolution is marked by a transition from subdued indie electronica to bold, stadium-ready anthems while maintaining her signature emotive performances and introspective songwriting.

Sia's discography is a testament to her prolific talent and continual artistic growth. Her debut album 'OnlySee' (1997) introduced her unique voice to the world. This was followed by 'Healing is Difficult' (2001), showcasing an explorative mixture of R&B and jazz influences. The 2004 release 'Colour the Small One' featured more personal and profound themes, establishing her as a force in the music industry. 'Some People Have Real Problems' (2008) and 'We Are Born' (2010) solidified her reputation for crafting emotive pop with indie depth. The turning point in her career came with '1000 Forms of Fear' (2014), which topped charts worldwide. 'This Is Acting' (2016) followed, originally written for other artists, demonstrating Sia's unparalleled ability to pen hits. Her seventh studio album, 'Everyday Is Christmas' (2017), showed her versatility with a foray into holiday music. Known for her powerful and sometimes avant-garde visual and musical storytelling, each album reflects different phases of her life and artistry, marking her evolution from a local Australian favorite to a global pop icon.

Sia's career has been punctuated by numerous hit songs that have topped charts globally. Her 2014 single 'Chandelier' became a runaway hit, reaching the top five in over 20 countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's stunning vocal performance and poignant lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, amassing over 2 billion views on YouTube. Other notable hits include 'Elastic Heart', which peaked within the top 10 in multiple countries, and 'Cheap Thrills', which became her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist. This track highlighted Sia's ability to combine infectious dance rhythms with her signature emotive vocals. 'The Greatest', another international hit, featured a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar and further demonstrated her versatility across genres. Sia's distinctive style and powerful voice continue to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as one of the top-selling artists of her time, with millions of records sold worldwide.

Sia is renowned not only for her solo work but also for her rich collaborations and featured projects that showcase her versatile talent. Throughout her career, she has consistently collaborated with some of the music industry's biggest names. As a prolific songwriter, Sia has penned tunes for an array of artists such as Rihanna, with the global hit 'Diamonds', and contributed to Beyoncé's album with the track 'Pretty Hurts'. Her songwriting prowess extends to artists like Britney Spears with 'Perfume' and Katy Perry with 'Double Rainbow'. Beyond her writing contributions, Sia has worked alongside David Guetta on tracks like 'Titanium' and 'She Wolf (Falling to Pieces)', both achieving massive commercial success. Her collaborations extend to notable appearances, such as on Eminem's 'Beautiful Pain' and collaborating with Labrinth and Diplo as part of the supergroup LSD, which produced hits like 'Thunderclouds'. These partnerships have further bolstered Sia's status as a dynamic and influential force in the music industry.

Throughout her illustrious career, Sia has received extensive recognition from the music industry, reflected in multiple awards and nominations. She is a nine-time Grammy Award nominee, with nominations that include Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, attributable to her high-caliber releases such as '1000 Forms of Fear'. Sia's substantial talent has also been recognized through wins at the ARIA Music Awards, receiving accolades for Best Female Artist and Best Pop Release, among others. Her innovative visual and musical style has been celebrated with numerous MTV Video Music Award nominations, including for 'Chandelier', which received critical acclaim for its striking choreography and direction. Beyond competitive accolades, Sia's albums have frequently achieved commercial success, certified multi-platinum across various countries, further evidencing her impact and popularity. Her consistent ability to captivate both audiences and critics alike secures her status as a celebrated and respected figure in contemporary music.

Sia's musical style is a blend of the introspective and the exuberant, characterized by a potent combination of emotive lyricism, soaring vocal deliveries, and a penchant for avant-garde visual representations. Her early influences include the rich, soulful sounds of Aretha Franklin and the intuitive musical storytelling of artists like Stevie Wonder. Throughout her career, Sia has deftly navigated across genres, from the jazzy, R&B-infused sounds of her early work to the pop and electronic anthems that now define her mainstream success. Her style is further distinguished by her remarkable vocal ability, often characterized by raw power and emotional timbre that conveys vulnerability and strength. Sia's music often explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, delivered through a unique lens that resonates with her global audience. Her ability to craft compelling narratives both through song and visual aesthetics has made her a standout performer in the music world, influencing a new generation of artists.

Sia's impact on the music industry transcends her chart-topping hits and platinum-certified albums. Her legacy is one of authenticity and artistic bravery, inspiring countless artists to prioritize genuine expression over commercial trends. With her decision to keep her face hidden under a wig and focus attention on her music, Sia challenged the status quo of celebrity culture, advocating for artistic privacy and mental health awareness. This bold stance has inspired an industry-wide conversation about fame and identity, contributing to her reputation as a uniquely enigmatic artist. Her songwriting has left an indelible mark, often crafting hits for pop royalty, influencing the sound and success of numerous contemporary artists. Sia's distinctive blend of commercial success, critical acclaim, and personal authenticity makes her a transformative figure in modern music. Her influence continues to resonate in the artistic choices of emerging artists who cite her as a key influence. Sia's ability to connect deeply through her art ensures her enduring legacy in the pantheon of music greats.