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10 Questions with ... Brian Farrell
November 7, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I've been working in professional radio for three years now. In college I was a play-by-play broadcaster for Quinnipiac University hockey, and I assumed I would work in sports for the rest of my life. After graduation I realized that would be a lot harder than expected and after applying to more than 100 jobs across the continent, I landed as a News Anchor at WGAN-A in Portland, ME. After a year, I made the switch to music and have loved every second with WCLZ.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I always loved the idea of entertaining people but in college I quickly realized I hated being in front of a camera. After that I realized radio would be the best fit -- plus no one here tells me I need a haircut!
2. What duties do you fulfill at WCLZ?
I am the midday host during the week and I spend a good chunk of my time building our Studio Z Archive, which houses the station's in-studio performances with artists.
3. How would you describe the music on the station?
We are like most Triple As, playing the music that no one else is willing to play along with plenty of classics. I'd say we lean more towards a folk-based sound, especially when it comes to some of our classic selections. We also dedicate a lot of time to the local music scene.
4. What are music meetings like at your station?
Randi Kirshbaum and I keep our meetings pretty informal. We both listen to everything that comes our way and then we try to find what is right for our listeners.
5. How do you feel about the current climate of music?
I absolutely love the current climate, at least on the Triple A side. I've always believed that the live music scene is most important; it seems like so many of the artists that are having success are the artists that have a memorable live show. A lot of bands are tired of hiding behind a pro-tools-based album and want to bring it back to the roots a bit more.
6. What would surprise people most about the station?
The amount of unique performances we have from a huge list of artists that have stopped by the station or that we have recorded at venues in town.
7. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
The biggest challenge is believing in our identity. I don't think radio should use that as an excuse to not change if it has the opportunity, but I also think it's most important right now to fill our expectation from our listeners. I know our listeners can listen to a podcast or a streaming service, but I also know they won't hear the mix we give and they won't hear what's going on in their community and they won't hear our personalities. Those three pieces are vital to keep radio more than just relevant.
8. What is your biggest challenge at the station?
Keeping up with all the music! No matter how hard I try I can't seem to get this stack of CD's on my desk to shrink. As soon as I listen to one album, another three appear!
9. What do you like best about your job?
Being a part of people's lives. It's simple, but it's not something that a lot of other people get to do. There is nothing better than hearing someone say that they loved the song you played or the story you told. I also haven't found another job that pays me to play The Grateful Dead.
10. What is your typical day like?
It's usually nonstop like everyone else in radio! There is always something to stay up to date on or something to prepare for. I'm either planning out a show, adding music, getting logistics on a Studio Z or putting together promos. You just never know!
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Janitor
First record ever purchased:
Journey - Greatest Hits
First concert:
Journey and Def Leppard
Favorite band of all-time:
The Grateful Dead
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
I fell in love with surfing a few years ago and now I surf all year long no matter the air or water temps. And of course, listening to The Grateful Dead.
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