THE MENDENHALL EXPERIMENT – AN IN DEPTH INTERVIEW

2022-07-29

THE MENDENHALL EXPERIMENT – AN IN DEPTH INTERVIEW

the_mendenhall_ex_2 — l r Brandon Mendenhall Alyce Hayes Justin Luebeck Nate Stockton Mike Lira Photo Stephanie Cabral

I have interviewed hundreds of recording artists and reviewed countless bands but this one is special. Brandon Mendenhall is the founder of The Mendenhall Experiment and his backstory is amazing. Not only is his life a testament to the human spirit but his band kicks ass. The Mendenhall Experiment (TMX) is a five piece juggernaut that has survived withstanding all the difficulties fate has thrown their way.

Since birth, Brandon has suffered from Cerebral Palsy. The left side of his body has been plagued by severe paralysis. Told that he would never be able to use his left hand, Brandon rehabilitated himself by learning to play the guitar. His goal was to follow in the steps of his his childhood heroes, Korn. Brandon is featured in the award winning documentary, Mind Over Matter, directed by Sébastien Paquet. The film chronicles Brandon’s struggles with both his physical and mental maladies Another inspirational aspect of TMX is the fact that their bass player, Nathan Stockton overcame another disability, childhood deafness.

Besides Mendenhall and Stockton, TMX is comprised of Mike Lira (Lead Guitar) and Justin Luebeck (Drums). Both players returning to the band after previous hiatuses. The new lead vocalist is the extraordinary Alyce Hayes. Hayes adds a new dimension to the mix with her intensely vibrant voice. TMX have just released a new single off their forthcoming E. P. entitled Against All Odds. “Pulse Of The Lost’ is a monstrous banger which features guest guitarist Chris Garza (Suicide Silence). The track delivers hard hitting guitar riffs, a pummeling backbeat and savage vocals. The song is a tidal wave of sonic ferocity.

The following is the in-depth interview Brandon Mendenhall bestowed to the AMP readers.

AMP: Throughout your personal life and musical career you’ve had some major hardships. How did you find the strength to persevere?

BRANDON: It’s really my love for playing guitar and making music that really pushes me through everything. The guitar has always been my catalyst to counteract everyone’s negative attitudes. I love the guitar and metal. Playing for people keeps me going.

AMP: You are the focal point of the documentary Mind Over Matter. What kind of affect do you feel the movie had on society?

BRANDON: I feel like whoever sees the movie is impacted in some way. There is something in the film for everyone. The only negative thing about the film is I wished it had reached a wider audience. I don’t feel enough people had the opportunity of experiencing it.

AMP: My Wife and i watched it last night and were both impacted emotionally. My wife is by far not a metalhead and yet she now understands the healing value of music even metal.

BRANDON: Metal for me is therapy. The documentary is not a metal movie. It’s a movie for everyone. It’s not only for musicians and their fans. It teaches life affirmative values. The positive responses from all types of people has been amazing.

AMP: Your band, The Mendenhall Experiment, has several new members. Do you feel like this is the winning combination?

BRANDON; Absolutely. In the film your hear us talking about the “The Golden Lineup”, pertaining to the five band members at that time. We thought we had the “end all” combination. Unfortunately, life led us in another direction. Mario, our previous lead singer, had to pull away. He has two little children and needed to be a father.

I developed a whole new philosophy. Instead of getting another male lead singer, I wanted to do a 180 and bring in a female in order to create a whole new representation of the band. Bringing in Alyce not only changed the dynamic of the group but also made us heavier. Bringing Mike (Lira) back to TMX gave us a new melodic feel. It’s the best of both worlds.

Let me just say, I know I have an interesting story but this is a band. Our music must be heard. Without these four excellent musicians, there would be no TMX. My life is a conversation starter but this band is the true story. Every member has an inspirational story. Every member has gone through their ups and downs. That is why we are such a cohesive unit. We feed off each other to make the music we love.

AMP: The new single, “Pulse Of The Lost” is a real killer. How would you categorize your music?

Brandon: We’re an alternative metal/rock band with an edge.

AMP: Is there an underlining message embedded in the new track?

BRANDON: Yah. I think the song speaks to being an anthem for those people in society that get discouraged and overwhelmed. People who have been thrown to the wayside. Society likes to put people in nice little boxes with nice little labels. Life isn’t like that. There are so many shades of gray everywhere. Don’t listen to what society has to say because 9 out of 10 times it’s trying to tear you down. To make you conform. They don’t want you to achieve your goals.

AMP: Your upcoming E.P. Against All Odds is being released soon. Do you feel it’s an evolution from your previous material?

BRANDON: Absolutely! I think the songs have more depth. Lyrically the songs connect a lot better. The tunes transport the band to a new place. The musicianship of the current lineup has an amazing tone. It’s definitely a positive evolution.

AMP: You’ve worked with Sébasien Paquet on the documentary and the new video. Do you feel he understands the band’s visual vision?

BRANDON: 100 thousand million percent. Sébasien is a vital piece of our machine. It took us a year to make the video for this song because we kept booking around his schedule and Covid, of course. I was insistent on working exclusively with Paquet. I know when it comes to him, I don’t have to explain every little thing. We are in tune with each other. He gets it!

AMP: The band is signed to Lucent Records. Is that a good fit?

BRANDON: Lucent has been absolutely great to us. They have taken us to a certain point. Do I see us moving on? I believe yes. I think it’s an aspiration of both sides. They want to see us move on to the next level. In terms of goals, that’s on the priority list.

AMP: You’re sure we are good here. I don’t want to start any trouble for the band.

BRANDON: Lucent, to us, has been excellent but both sides understand that they were kind of a stepping stone. It’s all good. They know.

AMP: Your life is something out of a Marvel or D.C. graphic novel. Who is the super hero you mostly relate to?

BRANDON: Um! Wow! That’s interesting. My favorite super hero growing up was Batman. He was human and he fought for justice. Injustice in this world is a virus. That’s why I can relate to Batman. He was a badass and an avenger for all people.

AMP: What’s next for the band?

Brandon: We are going to release the new E.P. either later this summer of early fall via Lucent Records. Upon release, you’ll probably see some touring and more video content.

I want to thank Brandon for his time and energy. I only ask one thing. Please watch the documentary Mind Over Matter. It’s an important piece of art with such an inspirational message.