Brandon Mendenhall, an exceptionally talented American rhythm guitarist, was born with cerebral palsy, a debilitating neurological disorder that significantly impeded his physical abilities, yet his unwavering determination and unrelenting passion for music propelled him to defy the limitations imposed by his condition.
As a young adult, Brandon's creative spark was ignited by the influential sounds of iconic bands such as Korn and Pantera, whose powerful and emotive music resonated deeply with him. At the tender age of 19, Brandon embarked on a remarkable journey, teaching himself to play the guitar, a feat that would ultimately prove to be a testament to his unwavering dedication and perseverance.
Without the benefit of formal training or surgical intervention, Brandon painstakingly rehabilitated his left hand, gradually developing the necessary dexterity and coordination to master the instrument. This extraordinary achievement, a true marvel of human resilience and adaptability, stands as a testament to Brandon's unyielding spirit and unshakeable commitment to his craft.
Brandon's ambitious goal, which was initially deemed an insurmountable challenge, was to establish a band and master the art of playing the guitar, all while navigating the complexities of his cerebral palsy diagnosis, which presented a multitude of obstacles that seemed destined to hinder his progress. Undeterred by the skepticism of others, Brandon's unwavering determination to form a band and pursue his passion for music ultimately gave rise to the creation of The Mendenhall Experiment, a testament to his unrelenting spirit and refusal to accept the limitations imposed upon him by his condition.
Nathan Stockton, the driven and talented bassist, formed The Mendenhall Experiment in 2008, a remarkable achievement considering his childhood struggles with deafness, which he triumphantly overcame through his passion for music. Alongside him, Alyce Hayes brought her captivating vocals to the table, while Mike Lira's skilled guitar work and Justin Lubeck's pounding drums rounded out the quintet's sound. Based in the vibrant music scene of Southern California, the group has consistently performed on the iconic Sunset Strip, as well as at various venues throughout the region, earning them a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Their impressive resume boasts opening slots for some of the biggest names in metal, including John 5, POD, Alien Ant Farm, Kill Devil Hill, Fear Factory, Prong, Flaw, Metal Allegiance, Smile Empty Soul, Cold, and many more.
In the year 2013, The Mendenhall Experiment made a significant appearance at the Monster Energy Aftershock Festival, which took place in the vibrant city of Sacramento, California. This esteemed event brought together a diverse range of talented artists, including the renowned bands Korn, Megadeth, and Five Finger Death Punch.
A major milestone occurred on June 17, 2014, when The Mendenhall Experiment reached the final round of The Battle of the Bands competition for Warped Tour. The band's electrifying performance left the audience in a state of frenzy, with the crowd enthusiastically screaming for more. This remarkable display of musical prowess did not go unnoticed, and the subsequent buzz surrounding the event eventually reached the ears of the esteemed team at Liquid Bit Music Productions.
In the month of August, during the year 2014, a significant event took place, marking a notable milestone in the journey of TMX, as the company sealed a publishing deal with a prominent entity, a mere six years after the inaugural performance of the initial incarnation of The Mendenhall Experiment, which took place in the hometown of Brandon, a key member of the quintet, located in the city of Kankakee, situated in the state of Illinois.
Following this pivotal moment, the quintet, consisting of five talented individuals, went on to secure their first development deal with Lucent Records, a move that had far-reaching implications, as it included national digital distribution through the renowned Universal Music Group, a global leader in the music industry.
The Mendenhall Experiment embarked on a creative journey, commencing the recording process for their current EP in various esteemed studios scattered throughout the vibrant city of Los Angeles, with the esteemed assistance of several notable guests. The illustrious James "Munky" Shaffer, renowned guitarist of the iconic band Korn, lent his exceptional skills to the endeavor, while Danny Lohner, a multi-talented musician with a storied history in the realms of Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle, also contributed his unique perspective to the project.
As a result of their tireless efforts, the EP is now available for widespread consumption and streaming on various online platforms. The debut single, "Seize the Day", has garnered an impressive thirty-thousand views on the popular video-sharing websites Vevo and YouTube, a testament to the band's growing popularity and the captivating nature of their music.
The music video in question garnered widespread acclaim, ultimately taking home the prestigious title of Video of the Year at the 2015 LRT Music Video Awards, a renowned event held in the iconic city of Hollywood, California, which annually honors and celebrates outstanding achievements in the realm of independent music.
Meanwhile, Brandon, a talented individual, was honored with the esteemed distinction of Trailblazer of the Year at the 2015 United Cerebral Palsy Los Angeles Art of Care annual event, a prestigious gathering that recognizes and rewards outstanding contributions to the community and beyond.
Brandon and the band's remarkable journey is meticulously chronicled in the feature documentary film "Mind Over Matter", which premiered in 2019 under the skilled direction of acclaimed French filmmaker Sébastien Paquet, whose impressive credits include notable projects such as documentaries about Korn and the Wounded Warriors.
Throughout their illustrious career, the band has embarked on an astonishing six tours, consisting of three headlining tours and three national tours, each one a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft and their passionate fan base.
Brandon and the band's remarkable journey is meticulously chronicled in the feature documentary film "Mind Over Matter", which premiered in 2019 under the skilled direction of acclaimed French filmmaker Sébastien Paquet, whose impressive credits include notable projects such as documentaries about Korn and the Wounded Warriors.
The band's impressive touring schedule has taken them to numerous stages, with their headlining tours showcasing their versatility and ability to captivate audiences of all sizes, while their national tours have allowed them to connect with fans across the country, further solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Throughout their illustrious career, the band has embarked on an astonishing six tours, consisting of three headlining tours and three national tours, each one a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft and their passionate fan base.
Brandon and the band's remarkable journey is meticulously chronicled in the feature documentary film "Mind Over Matter", which premiered in 2019 under the skilled direction of acclaimed French filmmaker Sébastien Paquet, whose impressive credits include notable projects such as documentaries about Korn and the Wounded Warriors.
As their story continues to unfold, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this talented group, knowing that their unwavering commitment to their craft and their connection with their audience will undoubtedly lead to many more thrilling performances and unforgettable experiences.
