Sia

Sia (born Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, 18.12.1975)

Sia is an Australian-born singer, known for her solo work as well as her contributions to Zero 7.

Sia: Background

Sia was born in Adelaide, Australia and was part of the acid jazz group Crisp. The band released two albums, entitled Word and the Deal and Delirium. Following her work with the band, Sia released her debut solo album, entitled OnlySee. However, it was not until she moved to the UK that she gained any notable recognition for her talents.

Sia: Solo Work

Sia signed to the DancePool record label, a subsidiary of Sony, in 2000. Her major label debut album was named Healing Is Difficult. A number of underground club hits came from the album, such as 'Drink To Get Drunk' and 'Little Man'. 'Little Man' was remixed by the UK garage artist Wookie and was a popular club hit. She also sampled Prokofiev's 'Dance of the Knights' for the song 'Taken For Granted'.

Following a dispute with her label, Sia left them and signed a new deal with Go! Beat Records, a subsidiary label of UMG.

In 2003, Sia released an EP named 'Don't Bring Me Down', the closing track of which was used on the soundtrack for the French film 36 Quai des Orfèvres. Colour the Small One, her third full-length album, was released the next year and led to her being compared to artists such as Dido and Sarah McLachlan. One track on the album, named 'The Bully', was a collaboration with the US musician Beck Hansen (who is better known simply as Beck).

Sia once again changed labels after the release of Colour the Small One. However, the single 'Breathe Me' had received a lot of international airplay and was featured in an episode of the HBO TV show Six Feet Under, as well as being used at Victoria's Secret's Fashion Show in 2006. As a result, Astralwerks picked the album up and released it in the US. The re-released album featured remixes by the established electronic artists Ulrich Schnauss and Four Tet.

The following year, Sia's fourth album was released. Entitled Lady Croissant, the album was a mixture of live tracks and one studio recording. This was followed by the 'Day Too Soon' EP which featured the tracks 'The Girl You Lost To Cocaine' and 'Buttons'.

The next solo album from Sia as a solo album was entitled Some People Have Real Problems. Sia performed live on Late Night With Conan O'Brien and on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in January 2008.

Sia: Zero 7

Sia has also sung for Zero 7 on a number occasions, including on their hit singles 'Distractions' and 'Destiny', from their debut album Simple Things. On their second album, When It Falls, Sia provided vocals on 'Speed Dial No. 2' and 'Somersault'. Additionally, she sang on 'You're My Flame' and 'Throw It All Away' on their third album, The Garden.

Sia: Cover Versions & Collaborations.

Sia's cover of Radiohead's 'Paranoid Android' was featured on the Radiohead tribute album Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads. The track was later featured on an episode of The O.C.

When The Bird and the Bee covered 'How Deep Is Your Love' by The Bee Gees, Sia sang backing vocals for them. The track was featured on the soundtrack for the Sex and the City film soundtrack.

Sia is set to feature on Christina Aguilera's next album.