Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, known professionally as Sia, is a prominent Australian singer and songwriter whose career spans over two decades. Known for her distinctive voice, creative music videos, and unconventional approach to fame, Sia has established herself as a significant figure in the music industry.
Sia was born on December 18, 1975, in Adelaide, South Australia. Her father, Phil Colson, was a musician, and her mother, Loene Furler, was an art lecturer. Sia’s early exposure to music came from her family, and she often imitated the styles of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Sting, who were early influences on her. She attended Adelaide High School, where she began honing her musical talents.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Sia Kate Isobelle Furler |
| Popular As | Sia |
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1975 |
| Age | 48 years (as of 2024) |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Place of Birth | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5’6″ (167 cm) |
| Weight | 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black (often dyed) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, and record producer |
| Net Worth | $30 million |
| @siamusic |
Early Career
In the mid-1990s, Sia’s musical journey began with the acid jazz band Crisp. She contributed vocals to their album Word and the Deal (1996) and EP Delirium (1997).
Her creative persona began to develop during her rather unusual childhood, where she was surrounded by circus performers, actors, and famous band members. Growing up with the arts at center stage, 10-year-old Sia concluded that if she could succeed in something artistic, her parents would love her more. So she turned her sights on becoming an actress.
When Crisp disbanded in 1997, Sia released her debut studio album, OnlySee, in Australia. Despite limited commercial success, it marked the beginning of her solo career. Sia’s transition from Crisp to a solo artist saw her relocating to London, where she provided vocals for the British duo Zero 7. Her involvement with Zero 7, especially on their album Simple Things, helped raise her profile.
Sia released her second studio album, Healing Is Difficult, in 2001. The album, which blended retro jazz and soul music, dealt with personal themes such as grief. Following dissatisfaction with the album’s promotion, Sia left Sony Music and signed with Go! Beat, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Her third studio album, Colour the Small One (2004), featured a mix of acoustic instruments and electronic backing but struggled with mainstream appeal.
Dissatisfied with the marketing of Colour the Small One, Sia relocated to New York City in 2005. Her relocation and the subsequent exposure from the TV series Six Feet Under helped her gain a foothold in the American market.
Breakthrough and Mainstream Success
Sia’s breakthrough came with the release of Some People Have Real Problems in 2008 and We Are Born in 2010. Both albums were certified gold in Australia and received critical acclaim. However, Sia, uncomfortable with her growing fame, chose to take a hiatus from performing and focused on songwriting. This period saw her writing for major artists such as David Guetta (“Titanium”), Rihanna (“Diamonds”), and Beyoncé (“Pretty Hurts”).
In 2014, Sia released her sixth studio album, 1000 Forms of Fear, which debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album’s lead single, “Chandelier,” became a massive hit, and its music video, featuring dancer Maddie Ziegler, brought Sia widespread recognition. Sia’s choice to wear a wig to obscure her face was a deliberate attempt to maintain her privacy and avoid the trappings of celebrity.
Realationship
Grammy-nominated singer Sia has filed for divorce from her husband of two years.
The “Chandelier” singer cited irreconcilable differences in her petition to end her marriage to filmmaker Erik Anders Lang, which was filed Dec. 20 in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The two have no children together and have a prenuptial agreement. They were married in August 2014 and separated on Dec. 7, the same day Sia’s publicist announced they had separated but were “dedicated to remaining friends.”
However, rumors are that singer Sia is in a current relationship with, Maddie Ziegler
Personal Life and Family
Sia’s mother was an art lecturer, while her father, Phil Colson, was a blues guitarist known locally as ‘Philby.’
Although Sia’s early family life was filled with music and positivity, her father’s late-night gigs and increasing drug use cast a shadow over the household. His changing demeanor and mood swings eventually led to the family’s disintegration, and his wife filed for divorce.
After her father moved to Sydney, Sia found solace in the silence of her home by immersing herself in pop music from the radio. Over the next few years, her initial desire to become an actor shifted towards a deep passion for music.
The pressures of fame soon overwhelmed Sia, plunging her into a severe depression and leading her to rely heavily on drugs and alcohol. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with addiction to her medication. Sia felt increasingly trapped by the public eye and contemplated leaving her career altogether.
At 35, while living in New York, Sia reached a breaking point. She ordered a variety of drugs, except meth and heroin, planning to end her life privately in a motel. She left instructions for her dog walker and the motel manager to call for help, not wanting anyone to discover her lifeless body.
Just before she could carry out her plan, a friend’s unexpected call interrupted her. Seeing this as a sign, Sia discarded the drugs, entered a 12-step recovery program, and replaced her demanding manager with someone who respected her desire for privacy. Her new manager suggested she explore songwriting for other artists, a concept Sia initially doubted due to her quirky persona.
However, she quickly discovered her talent for crafting lyrics and building songs from her personal experiences. Embracing this new path allowed her to find contentment and purpose. Sia retired from performing her own music, focusing instead on writing songs from home while walking her dogs.
Her songwriting success soon led to hits performed by Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and others, solidifying her as a sought-after lyricist. In 2014, Sia returned to the spotlight with her own music, finding a new sense of fulfillment and creativity.
Sia’s Net worth
Sia’s net worth is estimated at $30 million. The Australian singer-songwriter primarily earns from her music career, including album sales and live performances. Her albums 1000 Forms of Fear and This Is Acting were major successes, topping charts worldwide. Additionally, Sia has significantly boosted her earnings through songwriting for major artists like Rihanna and Beyoncé.
In real estate, Sia demonstrated her savvy investment skills by purchasing a bungalow for $660,000 in 2014 with her then-husband, Erik Anderson. The property was listed for $849,000 in 2018 and ultimately sold for $980,000, yielding a 33% profit in just four years.
Sia also benefits from royalties through streaming platforms, with her hit single “Chandelier” featured in popular shows like Stranger Things.
Sia’s most viewed songs
| Song Title | Album | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| “Chandelier” | 1000 Forms of Fear | 2014 |
| “Elastic Heart” | 1000 Forms of Fear | 2014 |
| “Titanium” (with David Guetta) | Nothing But the Beat | 2011 |
| “Diamonds” (written for Rihanna) | Unapologetic | 2012 |
| “Cheap Thrills” | This Is Acting | 2016 |
| “The Greatest” | This Is Acting | 2016 |
| “Move Your Body” | This Is Acting | 2016 |
| “Never Give Up” | Lion (soundtrack) | 2016 |
| “Santa’s Coming for Us” | Everyday Is Christmas | 2017 |
| “Together” | Music (soundtrack) | 2021 |
| “Alive” | This Is Acting | 2016 |
| “Breathe Me” | Colour the Small One | 2004 |
| “Soon We’ll Be Found” | Some People Have Real Problems | 2008 |
| “Day Too Soon” | Some People Have Real Problems | 2008 |
| “Buttons” | Healing Is Difficult | 2001 |
| “Taken for Granted” | Healing Is Difficult | 2001 |
| “Guts Over Fear” (with Eminem) | The Marshall Mathers LP 2 | 2013 |
| “Bird Set Free” | This Is Acting | 2016 |
| “Fire Meet Gasoline” | This Is Acting | 2016 |
| “Reaper” | This Is Acting | 2016 |
| “Under the Milky Way” | Everyday Is Christmas | 2017 |
| “Ho Ho Ho” | Everyday Is Christmas | 2017 |
| “Never Give Up” | Lion (soundtrack) | 2016 |
| “Space Between” | Everyday Is Christmas | 2017 |
| “Elastic Heart” | 1000 Forms of Fear | 2014 |
Let me know if you’d like even more additions or details!
Achievements and Innovations
Sia’s seventh studio album, This Is Acting (2016), produced the chart-topping single “Cheap Thrills” and continued her collaboration with dancer Maddie Ziegler. The album, which featured songs intended for other artists, cemented Sia’s place in the mainstream music scene. Her subsequent album, Everyday Is Christmas (2017), added a holiday flair to her discography.
In 2018, Sia formed the supergroup LSD with Labrinth and Diplo, releasing a self-titled debut album. Her feature film directorial debut, Music (2021), received mixed reviews but showcased her versatility as an artist.
Sia’s tenth studio album, Reasonable Woman, was released in May 2024, continuing her evolution as a musical artist.
Musical Style and Influences
Sia’s music is characterized by its emotional depth and eclectic mix of genres. Her style often combines elements of pop, electronic, and jazz, creating a distinctive sound. Influenced by artists like Aretha Franklin and Sting, Sia’s songwriting often explores personal and introspective themes.
Sia’s songwriting skills have made her a sought-after collaborator. Her work with artists like David Guetta, Rihanna, Flo Rida, and Beyoncé has produced some of the biggest hits of the past decade. Her ability to craft compelling melodies and lyrics has solidified her reputation as one of the industry’s top songwriters.
Awards and Recognition
Sia’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including nearly a dozen ARIA Awards, nine Grammy nominations, and an MTV Video Music Award. Her innovative music videos and powerful performances have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
FAQs
- What is Sia’s real name?
- Sia’s full name is Sia Kate Isobelle Furler.
- When and where was Sia born?
- Sia was born on December 18, 1975, in Adelaide, South Australia.
- What was Sia’s first album?
- Sia’s debut studio album was OnlySee, released in 1997.
- Which song made Sia famous?
- Sia gained widespread fame with her single “Chandelier” from her album 1000 Forms of Fear.
- Why does Sia wear wigs?
- Sia wears wigs to maintain her privacy and avoid the pressures of celebrity.
- What is Sia’s involvement with animal rights?
- Sia is an advocate for animal rights and supports various charitable causes related to animal welfare.
- Has Sia worked with other major artists?
- Yes, Sia has written songs for artists like David Guetta, Rihanna, Flo Rida, and Beyoncé.
- What is Sia’s latest album?
- Sia’s most recent album is Reasonable Woman, released in May 2024.
