Overcoming Adversity and Creating Music: The Journey of Brandon Mendenhall and The Mendenhall Experiment
In this episode of "Concerts That Made Us," Brandon Mendenhall from The Mendenhall Experiment delves into the intricate details of their upcoming EP "Chasing Ghosts" and the single "Say it." He provides an in-depth look at the band's musical evolution, discussing how their sound has matured and diversified over the years. Brandon also opens up about the recording challenges they faced, from technical issues in the studio to the creative hurdles of perfecting their sound.
Brandon candidly discusses his personal journey of overcoming cerebral palsy, shedding light on the physical and emotional obstacles he has faced. He recounts the arduous process of finding like-minded musicians who shared his vision and passion, ultimately leading to the formation of The Mendenhall Experiment. He highlights the transformative power of music, not just as a form of expression but as a means of overcoming adversity and inspiring others. Brian recommends listeners check out the documentary "Mind Over Matter," which chronicles Brandon's incredible journey and the band's rise.
Brandon also recounts some of the most impactful concerts he has attended, including unforgettable experiences with iconic bands like Korn, Nine Inch Nails, and Pantera. He describes the electrifying atmosphere of these shows and how they have influenced his own approach to live performances. Emphasizing the band's high-energy live shows, Brandon shares insights into their pre-show rituals, such as group warm-ups and mental preparation techniques. He also discusses how they handle technical difficulties on stage, ensuring that each performance is seamless and engaging for their audience.
Throughout the episode, Brandon's passion for music and his unwavering determination shine through, offering listeners a compelling and inspiring narrative of resilience, creativity, and the unifying power of music.
Find The Mendenhall Experiment here:
https://www.themendenhallexperiment.com/welcome
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THE MENDENHALL EXPERIMENT
Born with Cerebral Palsy, an incurable neurological disorder affecting movement, coordination and, balance; Brandon Mendenhall faces numerous challenges. With limited movement on his left side and zero mobility in his left hand, the odds were stacked against him from birth.
However, inspired by acts such as Korn and Pantera, Brandon taught himself how to play guitar at the age of 19, rehabilitating his left hand without surgical intervention. “Once I was able to get a guitar in my hands, it changed my life,” he says. That passion for music sparked something in his soul and a dream began to form...a dream that was thought to be impossible: Brandon wanted to play guitar and form a band. He recalls, “My grandfather told me,‘You’ll never be a guitarist. Don’t even try.’ And that crushed me. Those words lit a fire in me. I was determined that I could do this.”
The Mendenhall Experiment was born as Brandon's own personal aspiration to be in a world-famous band while working within the limitations of Cerebral Palsy, knowing full well that the cards were stacked against finding musicians willing to work with him. Possessing a fierce desire to succeed, Brandon went to visit a friend in the Rock & Roll Mecca of Los Angeles- and never left, pursuing his dream with relentless tenacity and bulldog determination. Failure was not an option.
Formed in 2008, The Mendenhall Experiment also features bass player Nathan Stockton, who overcame a disability of his own-childhood deafness-through the power of music. He and Brandon are joined by Al… Read More
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