Temple Step Interview: Benjamin Last Discusses His Music and Career

While the name Temple Step Project may suggest an elaborate, several-piece band, there’s only one man behind this musical adventure. Temple Step Project is the name used by musician Benjamin Last in service to the music industry. We say in service because he is so much more than just a traditional musician who releases singles and records. Originating out of Melbourne, Australia, Last has been a songwriter, performer, producer and disc jockey for 30 years. He has a certain expertise in the field where people know to go to him for help with their musical endeavours. He is now recognized by his peers as being someone who is able to push the boundaries, creating music rooted in expansive themes such as oneness, healing, and transformation.

Although Last has been hard at work since 1993, Temple Step Project didn’t begin until 2014. Between 1999 and 2007, he went by the name Mantrix. Transitioning to Temple Step Project, Last made it his goal to take listeners on a transformative journey through music. He would achieve this through merging different musical cultures from around the world. Beats, percussion, ethnic melodic instruments, synthesizers, bass, and vocals all come together to produce a musical conquest like no other.

Joining us today is Last, who fielded for us several questions about his background, his music, playing live, and a bunch of other random questions. Discover the artist here.

How would you describe your own music?

Benjamin Last: “My music is multicultural bass music journey around the globe that brings a spirit and passion to all that hear it.”

What is the story behind the Temple Step name?

“A temple is a place worship, A step is to move and and elaborate your beingness.”

How would you describe your creative process?

“I collaborate with musicians and producers around the globe, creating music using a computer with virtual instruments, creative audio engineering, and dance music compositions.”

Who are your biggest influences?

“Orenda, Morrillo, Rusha and Blizza, Clozee, An-Ten-Nae, Atyya, and Tro Boi.”

Temple Step ‘Tribe’ album artwork

Tell us about your most recent release: what was your experience of making it? What went on behind the scenes? Any notable moments that stand out?

“My latest release was a remix of the Nalini Blossom and Charlie Roscoe track, ‘Unity Prayer.’ The original track parts where given to me and then the first thing I did was decide which parts I wanted to use in the remix. Then I created beats, bass, synth and percussion parts and composted the remix arrangement. I then went through and audio engineered each sound to fuse together and create a completely new track.”

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

“Producers such as Clozee and Tro Boi, as well as musicians like Azam Ali.”

Which act would you want to tour with?

“The Polish Ambassador.”

If you could change anything about the music industry what would it be?

“The amount of money we get paid from Spotify.”

What do you like most about playing music?

“The ability to lead a crowd in to total communal union. A celebration of connection and connectivity.”

What’s the best show you’ve ever played?

“Headline the Bali Spirit Festival in 2022.”

What’s your favourite city or venue to play?

“Nevada City, USA.”

Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?

“Performing! It is amazing to be the central figure in the event and share the love I have of the music that I create.”

Temple Step @ Earth Frequency Festival

What’s the highlight of your recent live performances?

“The Texas Eclipse Festival.”

What was the highlight of the last tour you went on?

“Headlining the Embodiment Festival at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. A drug and alcohol free event that focus on embodiment and communal connection through dance and workshops.”

Who would you be most amazed to see front row at one your shows?

“Clozee!”

Do you ever get stage fright? What’s your solution for it?

“Yes I did. Focusing on my breath and calming my mind with meditation helps.”

What are you still trying to figure out?

“How to use some of the synthesizers I use to create bass lines from.”

Do you have anything you’d like to tell any fans reading right now?

“That I am working about five new tracks that have a range of African and Eastern influencers and that they are my best tracks yet!”

What’s next for you?

“Performing in New Zealand for Resolution Festival, an East Coast Tour including Elements Festival, and a USA tour in April, May, and June 2024 that includes The Texas Eclipse Festival and High Vibe Festival.”

For those not familiar with you as a musician. can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

“I am a producer and percussionist that is an experienced Ecstatic dance DJ and freelance music producer.”

What is your writing process like?

“It starts by creating the main ‘drops’ of the track, where the beats, bass, and lead parts hit the strongest. Then I create the intro, breakdown, and outro. Then audio engineer and you’re done!”

Is there anywhere you would like to go that you have not been?

“I would love to tour Canada and Africa one day.”

Temple Step & Hang Massive “Warmth of the Sun’s Rays” single artwork

What are some of the newer producers that you are listening to or enjoy?

“Orenda, Morrillo, Rusha and Blizza, Clozee, An-Ten-Nae, Atyya, Tro Boi,”

What is the music scene like where you’re based?

“Good, but not so big in the genres that I write. That’s why I like to tour Australia.”

Do you receive a lot of support from your local scene and fans in general?

“Not really as the scene just isn’t that big.”

Do you have any rituals before you hit the stage? If so, what are they?

“Putting my hands on my gear and imagining my energetic body becoming one with all the gear and then the sound system and the entire venue.”

Do you have any touring plans in support of your new music?

“Yes, in the new year along the east coast of Australia and the U.S. in April, May, and June.”

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

“Having the crowd sing my song ‘We Are a Tribe’ when I headlined the Bali Spirit Festival.”

Do you use the same gear when recording as you do when playing live?

“No, my performance gear involves using a DJ controller, a permission sampler, and effects units.”

If you had an unlimited budget, where and with whom would you record your record? What about Production and Mastering? And why?

“I would travel the world working with the best world musicians to create original music in collaboration with them. As I produce and audio engineer I would do that work myself.”

What record labels are you receiving support from?

“I am already signed to three labels in the USA, High Vibe Records, Gravitas, and Desert Trax.”

Tell us about your experience going it alone as an artist. How hard is it to get your music distributed, promoted, shared, etc?

“It’s not that hard when you have a good following already which I do. But I still like releasing through labels as the professional association provides a better position for the artist to gain international recognition.”

What are some of the lesser-known fun facts about you that people might be surprised to hear?

“I am father of a 20-year-old man.”