BEN GILLIES
THIS MUSO’S MOVING FROM SILVERCHAIR TO SOLO STARDOM, As if he didn’t already have his hands full as a new dad to twin sons, drummer and artist Ben Gillies is also back at work releasing new music.
The star, who co-wrote many of Silverchair’s early hits – he was the band’s drummer throughout their 19-year lifespan – has just released his solo single ‘On the Stereo’. The feel-good, catchy tune is a passion project for Gillies, 42. ”There’s no right time to come back with music; it’s ready when it’s ready,” he tells WHO. “When something’s ready, that’s when I like to share it.”
Gillies adds that the tune was inspired by “wanting to rediscover that childlike spark we all have for music when we rst discover our favourite band, artist or song”. As for what he’s listening to at home with his The Real Housewives of Melbourne star wife Jackie Gillies and their sons Bonham and Rocco, who were born in November, Gillies says he has a “mixed bag” on his playlists. “But recently RÜFÜS DU SOL and the Foo Fighters have been on high rotation.”
As for life at home with his babies, Gillies says “our sleep is improving, but it was a very loose concept for the rst six weeks!” Not, he adds, that he would change a thing. “I’m loving being a dad. The boys make my heart melt. It’s a love like no other and the greatest experience ever.”
But if fans hope that Gillies, who’s made cameo appearances in RHOM, might consider a reality show with Jackie and the boys, the answer is a rm no! Instead, he’s focusing on more music. “I want to top 2022 with an EP and then an album in 2023.” Bring it on!
(‘On the Stereo’ is out now)