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10 Questions with ... Brandon Green aka Brandon Broox
January 21, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I studied Broadcast Communications at San Francisco State University. I began interning at Wine Country Radio five years ago. I worked as a part-time promotions staff, became the Production Assistant, all the while learning how to program, and was eventually promoted to Assistant Program Director and Music Director of 96X when we launched in August of 2013. I've been an on-air for three different stations over the years and now exclusively for 96X.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
A friend of mine was taking college radio (KSUN) at Sonoma State University. He invited me to sit in with him a few times and I fell in love with being a goof, playing music, and talking to people, not necessarily in a face to face situation. I remember liking the anonymous feeling of radio. I decided to put off my studies of Criminal Justice and pick up radio studies. I've always been a talkative person, so radio just felt like a good fit.
2. What do you love most about working at 96X?
I always look forward to coming to work. I can't say that about the majority of jobs I've worked in the past. The novelty of being new is really exciting, but I foresee this station and format designed to have great staying power. My co-workers are great and I care a great deal about the music that goes out over our airwaves. I feel a professional and personal connection with alternative music. Interacting with listeners is always exciting too!
3. How would you describe the music and imaging on the station?
I'd like to think that we are a time capsule for alternative music. I hope listeners feel like we are balanced between past, present and the future sounds of alternative music. I love when listeners identify a song they haven't heard in "forever." For me personally, I connected with alternative music the most in the early to mid-90's, with acts like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins... all of whom we pay respect to in terms of spins. The imaging is a blend between subtle and humorous. We're not trying to hit people over the head, but we don't want to be perceived as mellow either.
4. Tell us about "What's Cooking" at 96X?
Chef Gray is the personal cook and friend to Linkin Park. He's been on tour with them, and several other rock bands, many times. Now he is cooking and partnering at a new eatery called "Belly Left Coast Kitchen and Taproom." What's Cooking is a weekly program (Friday afternoons at 4:45pm), in which he updates us with meals and recipes, which he cooks for Linkin Park and others, while on the road, and a good amount of these items can be found at "Belly". Throughout, he shares some cool stories about his time and travels on tour. The best part is when he comes in to the studio; he usually brings what he's featuring for the week, for us to munch on. My favorite so far has been the chili verde pork tamales and and the pork tacos. I'm partial to Mexican food. He's big into cooking with pork.
5. What other sort of things make 96X unique?
Well, I'm not big on morning shows. We launched without a morning show, because we feel that there are enough in this area already and that our listeners tune in for music not more talking. Also, I feel like you will hear songs on our station that you're not likely to hear on a lot of other stations. That's not to say all the songs we play are exclusive to us, but I feel like our playlist is distinctive and full of variety.
6. How does the station use social media to interact with listeners?
At the moment, we're on Facebook, which has 1,100 likers at the moment! As time goes on, I can see us expanding into other outlets. Who wouldn't want a Tweet from 96X? Humbly I submit, I am the least social media literate person. Fortunately, we have a great staff who knows far more than I do.
7. How would you describe Alternative Afternoons With Brandon?
I am always really encouraged to be a presence weekdays from 2-6p. My time on the air is likely to include any or all of the following: playing music, sharing little bits and pieces of me, joking around, updating listeners to music news and shows going on in the scene (both locally and the greater Bay Area), giveaways, and covering for my mistakes. (If you didn't notice... then it's working).
8. What do you like best about living in Santa Rosa?
Well, I've always liked the weather, plus it is quite central to my family and interests. I was just Skyping with my in-laws (in Michigan) on New Year's Day and they were house bound because the snow was so severe, while I'm in my shorts and a t-shirt. It's great to be able to drive to a San Francisco Giants game in less than 90 minutes, but even cooler to know that I'm only 30 minutes, away in the opposite direction, to the beach. Plus, there are dog parks everywhere in Santa Rosa. I have a dog who likes to run.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
- Prayer
- Caffeine
- Laughter
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I used to weigh 110 lbs. more than I do right now. That I am a dad (I give off the impression to some people that I can barely take care of myself, as it is). I like listening to Skrillex (hey, it pumps me up for a workout)!!!
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Video games. Writing jokes / standup comedy. Working out. Washing dishes.
Last non-industry job?
I currently do Personal Training, on the side.
First record ever purchased?
Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl" on tape, from Tower Records in San Francisco. I was 6. I loved the song "Straight Up."
First concert?
My mom dragged me to Bonnie Raitt and the Doobie Brothers. The first concert I choose was Reel Big Fish
Favorite band of all-time?
I've always been proud to say... METALLICA!
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