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

Urban One Flips WPRS-FM in Washington DC to Tropical
Urban One
Urban One
Urban One has made significant format changes in the Washington, DC, market, shifting its long-running "Praise" Gospel format off of WPRS-FM (104.1) and introducing a new Tropical music format on the signal. As of Thursday, WPRS-FM began airing a Spanish-language Tropical offering More

Kim Komando to Host 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Ceremony
Kim Komando
Kim Komando
The Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced that Kim Komando, a 2021 Radio Hall of Fame inductee and one of America's most successful self-syndicated radio hosts, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The event will take place Thursday, October 30 at More

iHeartMedia to Syndicate Black Information Network
Black Information Network (BIN)
Black Information Network (BIN)
iHeartMedia will begin syndicating its Black Information Network (BIN) to stations outside its ownership group starting November 1, expanding the 24/7 news service beyond the 34 markets where it currently airs on iHeart-owned outlets. The new distribution, handled through Premiere Networks, will be offered More
Advertisement

CRB Opens 2026 Rusty Walker Scholarship Applications
CRS 26
CRS 26
The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) have opened the application window for the 2026 Rusty Walker Scholarship Program, honoring the legacy of the late Country Radio Hall of Famer, programmer, and mentor Rusty Walker. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Three scholarship More

Atsinger to Take Salem 2025 Pay in Restricted Stock
Edward G. Atsinger III
Edward G. Atsinger III
Salem Media Group announced Thursday that Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Edward G. Atsinger III will receive the remainder of his 2025 compensation in the form of Restricted Class A Common Stock rather than cash. The stock award totals 218,067 shares, representing $168,500 in compensation for the period More

Robert Barba Named Accountability Editor at WNYC
Robert Barba
Robert Barba
WNYC-AM & FM/New York and Gothamist have appointed veteran journalist Robert Barba as Accountability Editor, overseeing state issues and politics coverage. Barba, who has served on WNYC's day-of team, is recognized for his strong news judgment and sharp editing. In his new role, he will lead Albany-based 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