10 Questions with ... Brandon Paul

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I always wanted to work in the music industry in some kind of way. I started at Ocean 98 nearly eight years ago as an intern, earning credits for college at Delaware Tech. My passion is music, and I look forward to my new position as PD.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Growing up, I was close with Mark Levin’s son (The Mark Levin Show), so I used to hang out and talk to Mr. Levin regularly. He really helped boost my interest in radio.

2. Who were/are your mentors?

Matt Walsh (The Daily Wire), Tyler Horton, Brendan Kashuba, Doug Grimes, David “Bulldog” Rothner

3. Before becoming PD, you have worn a lot of hats at Ocean 98. Tell us about that.

I started as an intern. Then was hired as a part time production assistant. I then went to full time production assistant as well as have my own show. Now I hold the titles of: Program Director/ News & Social Media Director/ Production/ Traffic & Billing Director/ Night Show Host

4. How would you describe the music on the station?

We are a Triple A station focusing on many sub-genres of rock and reggae.

5. What newer acts are you most excited about?

There is a local unsigned band from Berlin, MD that I believe has huge potential making it big. They are called the Swell Fellas. A psych-rock trio that has fantastic musicianship.

6. How did you come up with Magellan persona?

I was given the name when I became an intern because the station compared me to Magellan the explorer, due to me growing up overseas in Germany and Thailand.

7. Tell us about the Ocean City market.

Ocean City is unique because we are a resort town. We are located on a beach inside of a Jamaican themed nightclub, called Seacrets. People love listening to us while they are on their boat, fishing, relaxing on the beach, or just cruising around. We appeal to everyone because we are real live DJs who dine at the same restaurants and drive on the same roads as our listeners. We are very relatable.

8. How has the station been dealing the COVID-19 pandemic and what services have you offering your listeners?

We have been offering two very cool services to our listeners during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the services is our “Carry Out Connection.” Every hour of the day we have a recorded liner that mentions all our recent restaurant advertisers that are open for carry out/ delivery.

We have also been putting on the Ocean 98 “Casa Concert Series” where bands and artists take over the Ocean 98 Facebook page and play live for our followers/listeners. It has been a very cool and exciting experience. Artists are encouraged to play for tips, which helps make up a very tiny portion of lost funds from cancelled gigs. It is also a lot of fun for the followers to watch and interact with the performers!

9. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself in the same seat I am now, living my dream, working at the coolest radio station in the world, Ocean 98.1 in Ocean City, MD.

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without …

… making someone smile

First record ever purchased:

I honestly have no idea. Probably a Blink-182 album?

First concert:

Lynyrd Skynyrd in Frankfurt, Germany

Favorite band of all-time:

Blink-182

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work

I enjoy DJing, spending time with my son and girlfriend, playing Xbox, hanging out with friends, traveling, and of course going to concerts!