10 Questions with ... Mary Lynne O'Neal

NAME:Mary Lynne O'Neal TITLE:Country Editorial Assistant COMPANY:All Access Music Group BORN:Marshall, TX RAISED:Marshall, TX

Please outline your radio career so far:

jock/news reporter for Country KMHT (103.9 FM)/Marshall, TX; overnight and weekend jock/production assistant for Communications Capital Company Country KXKZ (Z-107.5)/Ruston, LA; assistant producer for Premiere Radio Networks' The Big D & Bubba Show.

1) Before you joined All Access you held a number of positions, the most recent as assistant producer for Big D and Bubba Show. Was that fun and exciting, and what did you like best about it?

Working for Big D & Bubba was great! Their show is really funny. They kept me laughing every day! One of my favorite parts about working for them was getting to meet the artists that came in and talking to some of my favorite celebrities on the phone! It was also great to learn how a syndicated show works.

2) What appealed to you about the ALL ACCESS position aside from working with some of the nicest people in the industry?

The thing that most appealed to me the most was the fact that I got to use the skills I've learned from my past jobs and bring them all together here. I get to write news and features, talk to radio stations, keep up with the charts and singles each week, etc. It really excites me to know that everything I've learned in college and from working in the music industry so far, particularly in radio, is getting put to good use here.

3) You have also done some radio, some writing- do all aspects of the industry appeal to you?

That's a funny question to ask because when people used to ask me what I wanted to do in the music industry, I could never give a specific answer. I really take interest in all aspects of the industry, from radio to A&R to publishing to promotions. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to say, "I don't know" because I want to know everything there is to know about the music business. I'm always open to learning new things, and I think eventually I'd like to dip my toes in all types of fields in the industry.

4) What drew you to the industry in the first place and did your parents try to steer you differently, maybe be a lawyer, doctor or president?

I've always loved music. I grew up listening to Country, and as I got older I grew to love music from all different genres. I've always thought it was interesting how the industry works, and I've always dreamed of living and working in Nashville. My parents never pushed me to do anything in particular, and they have really been really supportive of me working in the music industry. In fact, I think they hope I never get out of it!

5) What do you like most about living in Nashville and when do you get Tennessee plates. By the way, what's up with you Texas people that you have to leave your old plates on?

Living in Nashville is the best because, of course, there is a thriving music scene, and not just in Country. There are a lot of great restaurants and clubs here, too.

I will probably hold off on getting my Tennessee plates until early next year. Us Texas folks are just proud, I think. Texas has really pretty license plates, and for a fresh Tennessee resident like myself, I have to kind of ease into taking them off one at a time. Haha!

6) You grew up near Louisiana correct? So you a Saints fan, a Cowboys fan or do you ride the fence. This year it's probably the Cowboys right?

I am proud to say I root for both teams since I grew up near the state line. This year, though, I am rooting a little harder for the Cowboys since they are having a much better year than the Saints. I won't give up on the black and gold, though. They finally got their first W!

7) Did you play sports growing up? Which ones?

Even though I am a sports fanatic, I am actually not athletic AT ALL. (I get that trait from my dad. We are both tall and people assume we play basketball, but they are SO wrong.) If you can't join 'em, root for 'em!

8) Who are some of your favorite musical acts?

My favorite band of all time is Hanson. (Yes, they still make music - GOOD music!) I also love Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Big & Rich, Carrie Underwood, Patty Griffin, Ryan Adams, Paramore, and Goo Goo Dolls.

9) What do you like to do on your days off?

On my days off I enjoy going to the movies, hanging out with friends, shopping, eating at one of my favorite restaurants, or catching a sporting event on TV or in person.

10) What CD can you not get enough of right now?

I'm currently obsessing over A Fine Frenzy - "One Cell in the Sea" and the Across the Universe soundtrack. I love musical movies!

1. What personal item would you never part with?

It's a tie between my iPod and my new cell phone (I lost my other one recently and had to pay over three times as much for this new one!)

2. Cats or dogs?

Dogs, for sure. I have three back home in Texas that I miss dearly!

3. Do you have one of those phones that stick out of your ears?

Yes, but I only wear it when I'm actually ON the phone.

4. Favorite junk food?

Little Debbie snack cakes and warm, fresh Krispy Kreme donuts.

5. What are you dressing as on Halloween as we know everyone in your office gets decked out on that big day?

We're going to be dressed as the Flintsones this year so come by and see us. I am going to be Betty Rubble.