10 Questions with ... Brandon James

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started on The Rock in San Angelo, TX. I made my in-town rounds for about five years ... Rock to Country to Top 40. I then made it to Greenville, SC, playing Country for WSSL until the layoff axe swung two years in. Tears were shed, office supplies were stolen ... oh the horror! Present day finds me playing Top 40 on the TX coast ... Planet 102.3 Corpus Christi.

1) What led you to a career in radio?

As a kid, the guy on the other side sounded so cool. Once I got in and gained some mileage, it became the moments, the connections with complete strangers ... one of the most powerful aspects of this that will keep me in 'til they come with torches and pitchforks to drive me from the studio.

2) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Certainly. Who isn't? Where are those jobs? My list says middays, APD/MD, website graphic design guy, night show producer. I could go on, but you've already heard this song. I enjoy being tested, having to rise to meet the multiple demands.

3) What is your favorite part of the job?

The on-air. Talkin' fast, pushing buttons, phones flying ... being the boy in the box.

4) What artists would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

I'm still kickin' it Old School with CDs, etc. Muddy Waters, Cher and Mathew McConaughey.

5) What would we be surprised to learn about you?

Besides my unconquerable love for "The Hills"? I'm a bit shy ... and I'd rather listen.

6) If you could add one full-time position to your budget, what would it be?

A hungry night guy. Give me a live, local one with big radio dreams. It's a Top 40 station ... these night phones are ringing.

7) Who is your favorite personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

Of all time ... John Records Landecker -- the charm, razor-sharp wit and savvy ness. Present day, I'm listening to Booker on AMP radio in L.A. -- he's colorful, warm, keeps it moving well, and a guy who isn't in our building, but has a great influence on me as our morning host, Kidd Kraddick.

8) Who would be a dream guest to have on your show?

Stephen Hawking. I've got some big questions.

9) What's the biggest gaffe you've made?

Hmm ... toss-up. Either kicking a hole in the studio wall or applying for my own job. They were not related.

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

I once read "aircheck 'til you're perfect." Yes ... and send your tapes to people in places you want to be. Ask permission first, then maintain that connect. I have a treasure chest of top-30 contacts because of this. They're still getting tapes. And grow a thick skin.

Anybody in particular you'd like to thank for your success?

Chase Murphy at WFBC. There have been tough times in this job where I only saw two little footprints in the sand. Thanks for ... well, I got a list, brother. Tony Travatto at KXXM ... thanks for never turning down my tapes and ALWAYS giving advice worth paying for. Steve Geoffries, the OM at CC/Greenville, for my first taste of large-market radio. And Bill Ellis and Kix Layton at WSSL for showing me how good the future can sound and look.