The music world is buzzing with news of a new creative pairing, anchored by the rhythm section of the acclaimed band Silverchair. The drummer, Ben Gillies, has launched a project called The Kiln, promising a fresh sound guided by celebrated producer Joseph Prielozny. This collaboration is set to debut a self-titled record in 2027, generating considerable excitement among fans of alternative rock.
The announcement came via social media, coinciding with an auction designed to benefit the Australian charity Support Act. The duo, comprising Gillies and Prielozny, are forming a professional partnership that promises to blend seasoned rock experience with elite production expertise. This new venture represents a major step for Gillies following the indefinite hiatus of his previous group.
The roots of the collaboration
The pairing brings together two figures from vastly different corners of the music industry. Gillies has a deep history in the rock sphere, having co-founded Silverchair in Newcastle, New South Wales, back in 1992. During his time with the band, they achieved remarkable commercial success in the United States. The group’s early track, Frogstomp, reached number nine on the Billboard 200 in 1995, and their song “Tomorrow” topped both the Modern Rock Tracks and Album Rock Tracks charts.
The depth of Silverchair’s impact is evidenced by the fact that all five albums released by the band debuted at number one in Australia. Furthermore, the group amassed an impressive total of 21 ARIA Awards, establishing a record that surpasses any other musical act. While the band took a break in 2011, Gillies has remained creatively active, engaging in side projects such as Tambalane with Wes Carr, and contributing to his band Bento.
The expertise behind the sound
Joseph Prielozny, who is pairing with Gillies, brings a pedigree of highly decorated success to the table. He is not only a multi-instrumentalist but also a two-time Grammy-winning producer. Prielozny secured his first Grammy in 2013 for engineering Lecrae’s Gravity, which won the award for best gospel album. He further cemented his reputation in 2015, receiving a second Grammy for his songwriting contributions on tracks by Lecrae and KING & COUNTRY.
The scope of the forthcoming album, The Kiln, is focused less on genre and more on emotional exploration. According to details released about the project, the duo is concentrating heavily on the craft of storytelling and experimentation in songwriting. The stated theme for the debut record is the complex emotional landscape found in the struggle between holding onto memories and finally allowing oneself to let go.
The mechanics of the release
The debut album’s initial vinyl run will be highly exclusive, limited strictly to 250 copies. Before the official production began, four test pressings were created for the project. Gillies confirmed the rarity of these initial items when he stated, “They’re the very first copies of the record ever made.” Bidding for the auction, which includes one signed copy of the test pressing, will benefit Support Act, the charitable organisation providing mental health and crisis aid to musicians.
The project’s website further details the commitment to craft, emphasizing the core elements of songwriting and thematic exploration. The upcoming release signals a return to the spotlight for Ben Gillies, allowing him to channel his musical experience into a focused, intimate artistic vehicle. With a debut album scheduled for 2027, the anticipation for The Kiln is palpable, promising to carry the torch of rock’s enduring spirit.
