At the end of 2014 I caught up with inspirational rock band, The Mendenhall Experiment from California to discuss what it's like to be a positive influence, their current EP, "Return To Chaos", the highlights of 2014 and of course what the future holds the band!..
Firstly can I just say it’s fantastic that you are raising awareness and inspiring musicians with disabilities, how does this make you feel to have such a positive impact?
TMX: Thank you very much for having us! Brandon, our founder and rhythm guitarist has cerebral palsy and Nate, our bass player, is hearing impaired and night-blind, so we're proof that disabilities are nothing more than an obstacle, so for people to recognize that and draw inspiration is why we do what we do.
What would you say to fans who are struggling to overcome their disabilities?
TMX: Don't let your disabilities keep you from doing anything you want to do. If you want it enough, and you stick with the plan and work hard enough, anything can happen.
To those who may not have heard your music, how would you describe your sound?
TMX: We are a hard rock band with a bit of alternative metal overtones with inspirational, uplifting lyrics. Anyone can enjoy listening to us, and the diverse crowds we've performed in front of reflect that.
You have currently only released your 2011 EP, ‘Return To Chaos’, are you working on a full length release? If so, how is this going so far?
Right now, we are currently in the studio working on a follow up EP to "Return to Chaos" that will be released worldwide via Lucent Records and distributed worldwide through Universal Music Group in early spring. It's going very well! The creative juices are flowing like a river and people are going to enjoy it!
What was the recording and writing process like for your EP?
TMX: "Return To Chaos" was written and recorded in 4 different studios in and around Los Angeles from 2009 - 2011 and like most of the TMX material started from original demos written by Brandon.
The songs usually start with demo drums and Brandon's rhythm guitars and then the rest of the band adds more layers to complete the TMX cake.
Following on from that, what would you say your main influences are both creatively and musically?
TMX: Anything with soul!
You have supported and played amongst some big acts, such as POD, Korn, and Megadeth, how does that feel?
TMX- Brandon: it was surreal to support those acts... Some of the greatest moments of our career, getting to stand as peers next the guys that influenced me to start playing guitar and music in the first place.
What can attending fans expect from your live shows?
TMX: Energy. Pure energy. We love being on stage, and we want our fans to have as much fun as we do, so we try to play our best show ever every time!
As we are coming towards the end of the year, what would you say have been the biggest highlights for you as a band?
TMX: 2014 was a huge year for us! We won the Inland Empire Battle of the Bands sponsored by Guitar Center San Bernardino, played at House of Blues Anaheim, , played in front of Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, home of the Ontario Reign for Be The Match Night, and signed a record deal with Lucent Records. There are a lot more, but those were especially cool!
Is there anything you would like to add?
TMX: Just thanks for having us and keep your eyes and ears open for us! Tell your fans anything is possible, you just to go get it!
What else can we expect from The Mendenhall Experiment in 2015?
TMX: Our upcoming EP release should be exciting, and we are really happy for the release of "Mind Over Matter," a documentary on Brandon and his life written, filmed, and directed by the amazing Sebastien Paquet, tour videographer, photographer, and director of media of Korn.com. We'll be on the road as well to support our EP.
www.themendenhallexperiment.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheMendenhallExperiment
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