Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

WWSK Host Brian Orlando Unveils Mental Health Initiative


Brian Orlando
Brian Orlando

WWSK (94.3 FM The Shark)/Long Island morning host Brian Orlando has dedicated his life to music and amplifying the importance of mental health. Through his #Choosesong initiative, which he launched last year at the height of the pandemic and social isolation, he is successfully combining both of his passions by encouraging others to seek solace in the power of song.

Reminding listeners that "with music you are never alone," Orlando has recently unveiled his second all-star artist collaboration with Vinnie Dombroski and Andy Patalan (Sponge), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Long Island favorites Black Suit Youth and a special appearance and message from the legendary "King Of Rock" DMC for their rendition of the iconic Stevie Wonder hit "I Just Called." A quarantine-style video was also released here.

"I got the idea for the quarantine video message when Vinnie from Sponge told me one of his favorite memories was singing the song with Brendan (Wheatus) over the phone to my Grandmother for her birthday," said Orlando. "When I asked Darryl (McDaniels "DMC") to be a part of it and explained the mission statement of reminding people that their voice can be a healing factor to others, he responded 'no problem, it's our obligation' and he had the verse done three hours later."

"I Just Called" is the second musical project that Orlando has coordinated featuring some of the industry's heaviest hitters. The first was an original song released last year aptly titled "Choose Song," which he started writing in 2017 as a way to make sense of Chris Cornell's untimely death. With the help of such artists as Kevin Martin (Candlebox), Brendan B. Brown (Wheatus), Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge), Andy and Tim Patalan (Sponge), and Josh Devine (Session Musician/Live Drummer For One Direction), he finished the song, released a video and ultimately launched what is now the #ChooseSong initiative. View video Serendipitously, while filming portions of the "Choose Song" video at the 1940's Brewing Co. in Holbrook, NY, Orlando met Head Brewer and Owner Jon Brengel and the two partnered to create the Never Alone beer, which Orlando says was inspired by Dombroski and the "entire Sponge camp." Known for their passion for craft beer, the band held weekly "Beer Sessions" live stream performances every Saturday at as a way to keep people together during the Pandemic.

Available at the 1940's Brewing Co. and select regional locations, for every sale of the Never Alone beer, proceeds will go toward suicide prevention. A QR code is also on the label, which brings customers to the "Choose Song" music video and provides mental health information.

"Since the pandemic started, more and more people have fallen into depression and anxiety," said 94.3 The Shark Program Director Rob Rush. "I feel it's important to let people know that we care and you're never alone with music. There's always an outlet for you to talk to someone and please find and use that outlet to express yourself."

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

CPB to Issue Final Community Service Grant Payments
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will distribute $7.1 million in remaining Community Service Grant (CSG) funds to eligible local public radio and television stations, marking what could be the last round of federal support for public media. Without new appropriations, More

Hulvey and Oliviero Join Broadcasters Foundation Board
Mike Hulvey and Chris Oliviero
Mike Hulvey and Chris Oliviero
The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has elected Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) President and CEO Mike Hulvey (far left) and Audacy Chief Business Officer Chris Oliviero to its Board of Directors. The BFOA is the only national charity dedicated exclusively to providing More

Plante to Be Inducted into Colorado Broadcasters HoF
Denise Plante
Denise Plante
iHeartMedia midday host Denise Plante of KWBL (106.7 The Bull)/Denver, who also hosts KWGN's Great Day Colorado and Fox 31's Weekend Vibe, will be inducted into the Colorado Broadcasters Hall of Fame on Friday, October 24. The ceremony will take place at The Dome at AMG in Greenwood Village, where Plante More
Advertisement

Skyview Networks Ups Ethan Aragon, Heather Baumanis
Ethan Aragon & Heather Baumanis
Ethan Aragon & Heather Baumanis
Skyview Networks has announced two senior promotions across its Finance and Business Development/Communications departments, recognizing the contributions of longtime team members Ethan Aragon and Heather Baumanis. Ethan Aragon has been promoted to Senior More

Coleman, Pantheon Tackle Music Licensing in Podcasts
Coleman Insights & Pantheon Media
Coleman Insights & Pantheon Media
Coleman Insights and Pantheon Media have released a 32-minute roundtable examining how podcasters can legally incorporate copyrighted music-one of the medium's most persistent hurdles. The conversation, featured in Coleman Insights' "Tuesdays With Coleman" blog, brings together Coleman Insights Vice More

BIA Advisory Services, MFM Form Strategic Partnership
BIA Advisory Services & MFM
BIA Advisory Services & MFM
BIA Advisory Services has entered into a new strategic partnership with the Media Financial Management Association (MFM) to provide members with expanded professional development opportunities, exclusive resources, and in-depth analyses of the changing media landscape. "This alliance with BIA is More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement