By: Amber Schadewald
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Sia - Photo from myspace.com/siamusic
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The stage at the Fine Line looked like a daycare facility set for the Teddy Bear Band. The backdrop was a traditional Sia drawing, bright pink with children’s drawings, while the stage itself was littered with stuffed animals, which were propped in-between amps, speakers and the garden of person-sized fluorescent flowers. The child-like fun hit a high when Sia and the band came out in full-on costumes, playing “Buttons” in black jumpsuits and glowing tape, making each member look like a living, smiling stick figure. It was quite adorable.
Then the truth came out. Apparently, Sia had eaten Taco Bell a day before and now she was suffering from what she called, “Uh-Oh Bum.” She had been in bed, or the bathroom, for the last 24 hours, only able to swallow down some applesauce and a “corn biscuit.” She promised to go on with the show, but warned that at some point she may need to exit in a timely fashion.
Sick or not, Sia gave the sold-out crowd every last morsel of her energy, delivering a voice full of passion and emotion. Her five-piece band of men were dressed in white t-shirts and jeans and included a cello and piano, which blended into a sunset of suspended harmonies.
There was no holding back; the highest notes rang, Sia’s vibrato, scaling riffs and pure tones of all colors sounded flawless. Only at the close of each song did you see her weak body grasp onto the mic stand as she smiled nervously.
With here blonde bob, tiny nose and a toothy smile, Sia looked innocent as can be in her pink t-shirt and pink jeans, only adding to her kid-friendly theme, but Sia’s music was far from adolescent. It was strange to watch her sing such vast lyrics of love and grief amid such a cheery setting. Regardless, her eyes closed and her complete surrender to performance didn’t allow me to be distracted by the Raggedy Ann and Elmo in view. I have to admit I got a little emotional during “Lentil” and well, multiple others.
Just through the intro of “Day Too Soon,” Sia yelled for security, due to a fight in the first row. Her and the band joked that that particular song seems to have such effect on crowds quite often. “It’s a powerful metal ballad,” Sia said with a serious face. “People want to mosh,” the guitarist added.
Unfortunately mid-set Sia did have to excuse herself, and the band covered for her by aggressively playing out the last note of the “Soon We’ll Be Found.” While the crowd was urged to the shout and scream, the drummer growled monster sounds into the mic. When Sia came back out, the band wrapped up the last chord and it was as if she hadn’t left at all. With blushing cheeks, she made a few more jokes, promised to play an extra long set next time and then sang more melodies, which could have melted snowmen across town.
She is so great. I think I love her.
Buttons
Little Black Sandals
Lentil
Day Too Soon
The Co-Dependent
Death By Chocolate
Sunday
Soon We’ll Be Found
Academia
The Girl You Lost To Cocaine
You Have Been Loved
Destiny
Breathe Me
Location Info:
Fine Line Music Café
Artist Info: Sia
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