A Mantra is a form of sacred chant, throw in a scientific term such as Matrix and you have Mantrix one of Melbourne’s best live electronic bands that fit inside the world of trance.
Ben Last and Richard Hinkson met in the last two years of high school and started a Thrash metal band. Once high school was over they split ways to explore the world, themselves and music. In 1999 they became Mantrix and had their first gig at Earthcore New Years Eve 2000.
Since playing Thrash metal in high school all member of Mantrix have been exploring all sounds and styles of music but they seem to go back to trance. “Our Music develops as we explore, always learning new things. These days, I find it hard to define our musical style, as we incorporate so many styles into the Trance platform.”
Mantrix love performing outdoors because it gives them a feeling of being free and also bringing their love for music into the nice open environments. Some of their finest gigs have been outdoors including the Rainbow Serpent Festival, Outback Eclipse and of course Earthdance.
Mantrix have been present at most Earthdance Festivals for the past five years and enjoy putting their hearts into this event. Last year Mantrix collaborated with a drumming workshop and put on an amazing performance that consisted of African and Arabian dancers, 15 drummers, fire dancers and of course Live Trance. Mantrix member Richard also produced an Earthdance Melbourne CD that featured last years performing acts.
Together the group play a plethora of instruments including the drum kit, sythn, sitar Indian Tabla, Arabic Durumbuka, African Djembe, and Electronic Drums.This year Mantrix will be performing material from their upcoming album. As part of the closing ceremony Mantrix will be collaborating with the Dambi Dancers, this involves live tribal trance, live percussion and as many dancers as they can fit on the stage.
Mantrix will be playing the closing ceremony at Earthdance September 20th at Federation Square, 11am until 8pm
