10 Questions with ... Brian Orlando

1. What was your first job in radio and early influences?

My first job was actually on air at WVLT in Vineland NJ. By luck, I befriended a veteran of Philly/South Jersey radio one night at local diner and asked him how to approach an on -air position. He handed me a pair of headphones and told me to sit down. It was a weekend disco show. To this day I will break out in hives if I hear Bimbo Jet. Ron was an early influence. So was Scott Muni from WNEW

2. What led you to a career in radio?

Being a route truck driver on Long Island. My radio was on all day and it was the DJ's that kept me sane. I thought it would be cool if I could provide that calm for someone

3. When did you start rocking the Morning Show for The Shark and how did you get the gig?

I started mornings at The Shark on 9/22/14. I had been friends with Rob Rush for a few years and would fill in for him on occasion so he always put in a good word. One day the position opened up and I never looked back

4. Who else is on the Morning Show with you?

Long Island. I'm a solo co -host who uses call ins as my co- host often. It's obvious some of our daily listeners are WAY more talented than I am.

5. Describe a typical morning show for you. a) What is the process? b) How much show prep do you do and what are some of the key benchmarks of your show?

My show is a daily carpool with the Long Island Commuter. Each morning I check a few key music news sites and search for pop culture information relevant to the Shark such as MCU, The Mandalorian and Sports. I usually take 45 minutes to get an idea of what’s available and then just go with the flow of the music and the mood of my listeners. We don't do too many benchmarks but usually have a local topic each day. For instance, today I watched a woman leave her shopping cart in the middle of a parking space while about 30 feet from the store. Tomorrow that will be 7:35a!

6. Can you tell us some of your best morning show moments?

Chaz Palminteri did an in studio appearance a few years back. As he entered the studio, he must have sensed my nerves. He looked at me, smiled, and as he was shutting the door behind him, looked me straight in the eye and said ‘Now you can't leave!’ Another was one I wish wasn't memorable, but the morning after Chris Cornell took his life. Listeners called in non -stop to check on me, share stories about concerts and what his music meant to them, joining in on special Facebook live chats and just proved how powerful one shared interest can be and bring total strangers together.

7. How active are you on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and how do you think this benefits your morning show?

I usually post 1-2 daily on each. I think it’s vital to today’s radio world. I'm on until 11:00 am but that social media handle allows us all to stay connected all day. So even if someone is just mad that I played the wrong Pearl Jam song, they have that sense that they're being heard.

8. This might be a simple question but I’m curious, of all the markets in America, what makes doing mornings on Long Island so special?

Passion. Long Island is a top twenty market that acts as a gateway in and out of market #1, New York City. Long Islanders are passionate about their own identity, their own connection with sports and music, and determined to stand out as their own section of NY. Our listeners are extremely knowledgeable and never in 15 years have I been corrected so many times than in my seven years at the Shark. I love it!!!!

9. I’m sure doing morning radio over the last year has been very challenging during a pandemic for you and the listeners. Can you tell us about the #Choosesong initiative you started last year?

Choose Song is a simple message that "With Music, You're Never Alone". We have a challenge that asks people to make 30 to 60 second videos using the hash tag where they share one song that helped lift them out of a dark place, and hope someone who needs it might find that inspiration. We have a music video I wrote the lyrics for that features Brendan B Brown Of Wheatus, Vinnie Dombroski of Sponge and Kevin Martin Of Candlebox. We have a craft beer created by the 1940's Brewery in Holbrook, Ny that has a QR Code on each can that accesses the Choose Song Music Video. It also has the National Suicide Prevention Hotline on every label and a call to take the #choosesong challenge. We have what we hope to be an annual radio telethon and the opportunity to connect with anyone, anywhere who shares a love for music. Check out the Choose Song video here.

10. Finally, you recently unveiled a second song and all-star artist collaboration for the classic Stevie Wonder song “I Just Called" as part of your ongoing mental health and suicide prevention initiative. Can you tell us about it?

During the height of the pandemic, Vinnie from Sponge told me that him singing "I Just Called" to my 96-year-old old Grandmother over the phone was one of his favorite moments. It made me realize that the need to reach out was never more important. One phone call, just to say hello can save a life. Our voices are powerful so I asked Vinnie and Brendan if they would help me. While they were putting it together, I got the guts to ask DMC if he would help. Three hours later he sent that verse. Three Hours. At the end of the video, you see my final moment with my Grandmother when I surprised her at the nursing home. We hope everyone who sees the video picks up the phone and calls someone. Check out the video here

You talk for a living but give us the lowdown on your favorite music…both artists and songs?

Candlebox, Mother Love Bone, Sponge and Chris Cornell are the musicians I could call my own. They came around when I was looking for my identity as a teenager. That music will always be with me. My first love was the Beach Boys and I have an entire tattooed arm dedicated to Bruce Springsteen and the E ST. Band. I sign off every show with a lyric to his song Bobby Jean "Until Then, Gonna Miss You Baby, Good Luck, Good Bye" Candlebox Cover Me, Sponge - Have You Seen Mary, and MLB - Chloe Dancer are on my DO NOT TOUCH THE RADIO list!