From classical piano training to annoying the neighbours by jamming on Metallica songs, siblings Rob and Steve Giles are bound together by a mutual love of music.
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Illawarra metal act Carbon Black - bassist Rob Giles, guitarist Damon Bishop and vocalist Jonathan Hurley - are regulars on the Illawarra live circuit and beyond.
Having performed and composed new material with other drummers during the past two years, the band has named Steve Giles as their new full-time drummer.
Barrack Heights resident Rob, 43, and Shellharbour’s Steve, 40, have been in bands together in the past.
Rob said the brothers had drifted apart somewhat in recent years, but an unexpected tragedy led to them reconnecting.
“It’s hard to believe we hadn't performed music together in nearly 15 years," Rob said.
“We grew up, we had our own families and life takes you in different directions, for better or worse. But we always shared a love of music and that's what binds us together in a lot of ways.
“The turning point for me was earlier this year. We lost a cousin unexpectedly, who was our age.
“You’re not really prepared for that sort of thing in your forties - you don't expect to start losing your contemporaries until later in life, do you? That event was definitely a catalyst in my willingness to reconnect.”
Rob said they both had classical piano training from a young age, meaning they share a musical foundation.
“We’re sounding better than ever, and I get to share the stage with my brother again. Life is good.
“I find certain musical parts that might take hours to rehearse with another drummer can fall into place with Steve within minutes. We follow each other’s lead instinctively and for a rhythm section that's an invaluable asset. I’ve played with many drummers, but I’ve only experienced that connection with Steve."
Steve said that as kids they would sit at the piano and play songs together.
“One of us would do the left hand parts and the other the right hand parts, then we'd swap.
“As we took up the bass guitar and drums as teenagers we'd jam on classic metal songs like Metallica’s For Whom The Bell Tolls or N.I.B by Black Sabbath. The timing and connection we share in music grew from here.”
Carbon Black will perform at Rad Bar, Wollongong on December 7.The gig will also feature Oh/Villain, Halcyon Reign and Aura Animi.
Carbon Black will also soon begin recording new material for a 2018 release.
“I can’t wait to share it with people,” Steve said. “We’ve got a blistering live set and we’ll be taking that energy into the studio in the new year to create a great album.”
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