Forming in 2008, So Cal rockers The Mendenhall Experiment (TMX) have an inspiring background of perseverance and remaining headstrong, despite facing personal limitations—founder, guitarist Brandon Mendenhall was born with cerebral palsy and bassist Nathan Stockton is legally deaf and blind.
In 2022, they received an award from Daniel’s Music Foundation recognizing their continuing efforts to raise disability awareness in the music industry, and they performed to a sold-out audience at the award ceremony, which took place at the Symphony Space Performing Arts Center on Broadway in New York City.
The band received another Danny Award from Daniel’s Music Foundation for the 6th Annual Danny Awards in NYC on October 25, 2025.
Mind Over Matter—a 90-minute documentary filmed by Sébastien Paquet and released in 2019–shares Brandon’s story and features Korn band members.
The quartet recently released their seven-song third EP, titled Chasing Ghosts (Lucent Records, distributed by Tuff Gong International)—produced by Chris Collier (Korn, Prong, Metal Church), executive produced by Brandon Mendenhall and The Mendenhall Experiment.
The EP, which is a collection of singles from their first two EPs (self-titled and Against All Odds), includes unreleased songs, deep cuts and fan favorites.
Brandon Mendenhall took time for this OOTB Interview to discuss the new EP release, facing disabilities, industry challenges, band member hobbies and more.
Regarding your new phenomenal singles-collection EP Chasing Ghosts, what song stands out to you as your favorite and why that track?
“Seize The Day” is my favorite song in the collection, for a couple reasons:
1. It’s one of the strongest anthems representing Disability Awareness, our main mission and cause.
2. It was one of the first songs I put together musically for The Mendenhall Experiment and over the years it’s become “the gift that keeps on giving.” It’s continued commercial success has given us a career at this point.
How do you persevere and overcome things, despite facing personal life challenges, including disabilities?
We take our disabilities like we take life; with a grain of salt, life is too short to take yourself too seriously, and we find ways to laugh through our afflictions.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the music industry as a whole, since forming in 2008 and how did you overcome that?
Getting noticed and staying relevant in the industry while getting the industry to respect us and the longevity we’ve put in.
We just remain humble, driven and focused on delivering high-energy, high-impact music and performances, the rest takes care of itself.
What’s been the greatest achievements or accomplishments that comes to mind as a band?
Being recognized as a leader in the disability communities for continuing to raise awareness with our music and being a force to inspire others.
Outside of music, how do you spend your time—any hobbies or interests?
I’m a big LA Kings’ hockey fan, as is our bassist Nathan, also, we both are avid bowlers. Camron, our drummer, is a big gammer and Mario, our vocalist, spends most his downtime with his kids being Super Dad, it’s awesome to see.
What are your plans, goals, ambitions looking ahead to 2026?
2026 will see the completion of our all new full length album, and tons of touring for Chasing Ghosts.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you, and check out our documentary ”Mind Over Matter,” available on YouTube.
Watch Documentary Trailer
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mXWKkhX5E3I
Get Album
The Mendenhall Experiment is:
Brandon Mendenhall - Rhythm Guitarist
Mario Valadez - Vocalist
Nathan Stockton - Bassist
Cameron B. Casey - Percussionist
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