Dominic Mena from Strange Lot chats with Off Record after opening Day One of Levitation, reflecting on a decade of music, collaborating with The Black Angels, and touring with Boogarins.
ORB: Could you tell me about yourself and your band?
Dominic: Yeah, so I was born in El Paso, but I moved to Phoenix early on. I started the band from bedroom recordings, just making full-on songs in my room, and then playing shows with a drummer I was working with.
ORB: That’s cool. When did you start the band? What year?
Dominic: Almost 10 years ago.
ORB: Nice! Talking about Levitation since we’re here—how did it feel to be the first band to open Levitation and for The Black Angels?
Dominic: Grateful. Yeah, it was super incredible. It’s been a dream since we started the band to be anywhere near Levitation. Yeah, it was amazing.
ORB: That’s awesome. The Black Angels are legends in Austin, so I’m sure it felt amazing to do that.
Dominic: It was awesome.
ORB: I know Strange Lot is coming back from a Texas run with the Boogarins. How was that? Could you tell me about your run and any highlights from the tour?
Dominic: Yeah, I mean, the whole thing was great because I look up to those guys a lot. Super solid band, really sweet people, and just seeing them every night was a treat. It was cool to interact with them and hear stories.
ORB:That’s awesome. Did you have a favorite city that you played in?
Dominic: I can’t say that; no, they were all great.
ORB: You know, I feel like your band pulls from a lot of influences. I wouldn’t just consider you guys just a psychedelic band. Could you share some of your favorite influences?
Dominic: This is interesting because I talked about this last night. You know, I’m pulling from Kendrick Lamar, Elliott Smith, and Radiohead. Having that kind of musical breath allows me to make the musicI want. Kendrick Lamar is huge for me. Elliott Smith’s guitar work is really great. And, you know, there are the obvious ones like that too.
ORB: That’s amazing. I mean, I’m a big Kendrick fan. Elliott Smith is a legend as well.
Dominic: Yeah, totally.
ORB: What are your plans after finishing the Texas tour? Are you planning on any new music?
Dominic: Yeah, so this whole tour has been about playing songs that we finished recording earlier this year. I did them with Alex Maas from The Black Angels. I worked on the record one-on-one with him, and it was a really great experience. Next is just releasing the record, hopefully next year.
ORB: Awesome, cool. We’re looking forward to hearing the new release here at Off Record Blog, and we’re excited for it.
Dominic: Thanks, man. I really appreciate your time.
I am a Houston-based photographer who has been attending concerts since MP3 players were a thing. I graduated from the University of Houston in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in advertising. In my free time, you can find me headbanging at hardcore/rock shows, collecting movies, and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu!
