Early Life and Background
Sia Kate Isobelle Furler was born on December 18, 1975, in Adelaide, South Australia. Her upbringing was steeped in creativity; her father, Phil Colson, was a musician, and her mother, Loene Furler, was an art lecturer. This artistic environment fostered Sia’s early interest in music. She attended Adelaide High School, where she began to nurture her musical talents. ​
Profile Summary
Full Name | Sia Kate Isobelle Furler |
---|---|
Age | 49 years old |
Birthday | December 18, 1975 |
Nationality | Australian |
Hometown | Adelaide, South Australia |
Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Director |
Known For | “Chandelier,” “Cheap Thrills,” “Elastic Heart” |
Net Worth | Approximately $30 million |
Career Trajectory
Early Beginnings and Move to London
In the mid-1990s, Sia began her career as a singer in the local acid jazz band Crisp. Following the band’s disbandment in 1997, she released her debut solo album, “OnlySee,” in Australia. Seeking broader horizons, Sia moved to London, where she provided vocals for the British duo Zero 7. Her second studio album, “Healing Is Difficult,” was released in 2001, followed by “Colour the Small One” in 2004. ​
Relocation to New York and Continued Success
In 2005, Sia relocated to New York City and toured the United States. Her fourth and fifth studio albums, “Some People Have Real Problems” (2008) and “We Are Born” (2010), were both certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association and attracted wider notice than her earlier albums.
Songwriting for Other Artists
Uncomfortable with her growing fame, Sia took a hiatus from performing and focused on songwriting for other artists. She produced successful collaborations such as “Titanium” with David Guetta, “Diamonds” for Rihanna, “Wild Ones” with Flo Rida, and “Pretty Hurts” for Beyoncé.
Return to Solo Career
In 2014, Sia broke through as a solo recording artist when her sixth studio album, “1000 Forms of Fear,” debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album featured the top-ten single “Chandelier” and a trilogy of music videos she co-directed, starring child dancer Maddie Ziegler. To protect her privacy, Sia began wearing wigs that obscured her face during performances. ​
Recent Projects
Sia’s seventh studio album, “This Is Acting” (2016), spawned her first Billboard Hot 100 number one single, “Cheap Thrills.” She also began her “Nostalgic for the Present Tour,” which incorporated dancing by Ziegler and others, and other performance art elements. Her eighth studio album, “Everyday Is Christmas,” was released in 2017. In 2019, she collaborated with Labrinth and Diplo to release an album as the supergroup LSD. Sia released her feature film directorial debut, “Music,” in 2021, alongside an album, “Music – Songs from and Inspired by the Motion Picture.” Her tenth album, “Reasonable Woman,” was released in May 2024. ​
Personal Life and Advocacy
Sia is an advocate for animal rights. Among her accolades are nearly a dozen ARIA Awards, nine Grammy Award nominations, and an MTV Video Music Award. In March 2021, a laneway in Adelaide city centre was renamed Sia Furler Lane, and a mural titled “She Imagined Buttons” was painted on a wall nearby to commemorate Sia’s 2011 performance in Adelaide. As of October 2022, Sia has 15 entries on the APRA billion streams list, the most of any artist. ​
Recent Developments
In January 2025, Sia collaborated with the Humane Society of the United States, now rebranded as Humane World for Animals, to promote the charity’s global mission to end animal cruelty. She recorded a cover of Peter Gabriel’s 1977 song “Solsbury Hill,” which features in the organization’s new campaign. All proceeds from the song are being donated to Humane World for Animals. ​
Conclusion
Sia’s journey from Adelaide to international stardom is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unique artistry. Her ability to reinvent herself, both as a performer and a songwriter, has solidified her place in the global music industry.