10 Questions with ... Brandon O'Brien

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Brandon O'Brien grew up in Lockport, NY just outside of Buffalo. His radio career began when he was in just 8th grade. "I used to read the Saturday morning sports on our local AM station 1340 WLVL, and after that, I was hooked!"

Brandon went to college at Louisiana Tech University and has his first paying on-air gig at age 17. "Oh yes, Friday and Saturday nights, Midnight to 6am. I thought it was the BEST time to be on the radio because I thought most people were out on the town listening to me!"

Since then Brandon has dabbled in television and film. Brandon has been seen in numerous national TV commercials with such people as Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth and body doubled for former Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme. Brandon was also a fireman in the movie "Leatherheads" starring George Clooney and Renee Zellweger.

Brandon has been on the air over 20 years on stations WKSE/Buffalo, NY, WYKS/Gainesville, FL, WKKT & WSOC/Charlotte, NC, ZFZZ/Grand Cayman Islands, and now at WUSH/Norfolk, VA where he serves as the station's Music Director and afternoon drive time personality.

1) Your radio career began when you were in the 8th grade. How did you land your first on air gig so early?

I was invited down to WLVL-AM/Lockport, NY to do the Saturday morning sports. YES, it was LIVE! ("We'll do it LIVE!!" - Bill O'Reilly) I never got a paycheck but the experience of doing it made it all worth while!

2) What do you remember most from your first years in radio? Was anything a big surprise to you and what kinds of things have stayed with you through the years?

My 1st "internship" began in 1990 at WKSE with Mike McGowan and Beth Ann McBride. I basically learned how to stack carts and mail out CDs. Seriously though, Mike taught me how to be a "personality" and taught me his techniques that I have carried with me throughout my career.

3) Who are 3 people that have been mentors to you, inside or outside of the industry? What has been their best advice?

Mike Terry at Sunny 98.3 in Monroe, La, who is formerly of KJLO. Mike told me to never be a quitter. Quitting gig after gig will eventually catch up to you. Max Wulf, formerly of WKAZ/Charleston, WV, took me under his wing when I was in my 5th year of radio and helped me achieve my first PD position with WKWS. Bruce Logan at WKKT/Charlotte paid attention to my work ethic and always helped me grow stronger as an on air personality. To this day, I respect the work he does.

4) What are you the most proud of since joining WUSH?

We built a new tower, added more power and became a reporting station in about two years time! Not bad, huh?

5) You have said that working in Country radio is the perfect job for you. What about you is so perfect for Country music? And what do you find it be the hardest part of your job?

I love working in country music because whether you're an artist or on air, we are all just regular people trying to make a living at the end of the day. The hardest part of my job is trying to make everyone happy and keeping the sound of the station consistent day to day.

6) Out of all of the radio contests and promotions you have gotten to be a part of over the years, what one has really stood out to you as a favorite?

I think it's HUGE when you tell a listener we are going to fly you and a friend in a private plane for the night to a concert and then back. We did this at KMYY/Monroe, LA and we called it FLIGHT 106. This promotion happened once a month. HUGE!

7) If someone made a stop in your market in Norfolk/Virginia Beach, what is one thing they you would say they must see?

The beach! Bring plenty of sunscreen!

8) As a self-diagnosed Price Is Right addict who has been to the show seven times, have you ever won anything? What do you think about the show since Drew Carey took over as host?

Hahahaha! That's a good question. I have never won! I am not giving up though! Drew to me is blue collar type and he does a great job! I also appeared on "The Singing Bee" on CMT and even as a guest on the Tyra Banks Show.

9) You have also been a karaoke host. What is your go to karaoke song and what have you seen to be the most performed Country karaoke hit?

I love karaoke. I sing Toby Keith or Clint Black. Lately it's been Love & Theft's "Runaway" too. The song that is performed the MOST is "Before He Cheats." It's done usually twice a night.

10) You have been in some national TV commercials and some small movie parts. What has been your favorite and what actor/actress would you most want to call you to co-star with them?

I had a small part in "Leatherheads" with George Clooney and Renee Zellweger. I was in the scene with both of them, not just some random scene. I would love to work with Tobey McGuire or Reese Witherspoon.

1) What was the first album you ever bought?

Michael Jackson "THRILLER"

2) Who would you most like to have dinner with (living or dead)?

Jim Carrey

3) Who do you think is the most underrated singer in country music?

John Michael Montgomery