Some people (as in Sia) are REAL artists.

Haven't heard of Sia?

Maybe you have but you just don't know it. Her song Breathe Me was played on the season finale of the TV show Six Feet Under. Previously, she had been an underground success. Now, she is selling out venues, much like she did last night at Chicago's Park West, and garnering legions of dedicated fans.

I am most certainly among these adoring fans, and have been so for a couple of years now. After a friend played Breathe Me while we were doing our homework together, I've been hooked. Her voice is hypnotic and can go from a delicate whisper to a powerful, vibrato belt.

She just released her third album, Some People Have REAL Problems, and is currently supporting it on tour. I was lucky enough to catch her on tour this past fall and was overjoyed to have the chance to see her again not one night, but two nights in a row.

The first night of Sia's Chicago adventure was a performance and signing at Borders on Michigan Avenue. I was joined by my friends Clare and Jacob. We kept each other entertained during the wait, having good laughs over a photographer who was wearing a shirt three times LESS his size, as well as just talking about random things going on at school.

Finally, at 7pm, Sia entered the stage preceeded by her band. She played six songs to a packed third level of the store and signed CDs for fans afterwards. I got my CD signed, and also snagged a somewhat decent picture.

Last night, Sia played to a full house at Park West. The energy was infectious; Sia commanded the stage not only with her amazing band and her almost alien voice, but also her sense of humor. She continually addressed the audience, even accepting gifts from people near the stage. She played her more well-known songs like the current single, Day Too Soon, the breakthrough hit Breathe Me, the Zero 7 collaborations Destiny and Somersault, and also played a brand new song. The highlight was a performance of an older, rare song called Broken Biscuit which she dedicated to a fan. The power in her voice sent chills up and down my arms through the song's duration. The thing that amazes me the most about Sia is her effortlessness. She hits every note and does it like it takes nothing. To witness that kind of natural talent is truly awe-inspiring.

If you'd like to experience the amazing artistry of Sia, check her myspace at www.myspace.com/siamusic or her official website www.siamusic.net

Or, buy the album! You won't regret it.

Comments

[Waileen]

One of my friends recently just introduced me to her music. She had me watch the music video to "Buttons", I think, and that video is just absolutly nuts! I am a new fan.