Funk the Planet: Your Online Funk, Soul & Hip-Hop Radio Station
Funk the Planet was created for one simple reason: incredible music deserves to be heard. After decades of discovering and sharing funk, soul, jazz, and hip-hop, I realized too many extraordinary artists remain underexposed — especially here in the United States. Rather than returning to traditional radio, I decided to build something new: a radio station for my long-time listeners in Southern California that doubles as an expanded online station, bringing timeless grooves and forward-thinking artists directly to tuned-in listeners.It All Begins Here
Some of my friends may know me from my days as a hip-hop and funk DJ on KCSB-FM 91.9 in Santa Barbara, back in the late 1980s through the 1990s. Those years remain some of my fondest memories — the music, the energy, and the connection with listeners. In 2000, I decided to step away. The weekly show required too much time and effort, and I wanted to focus on other personal and professional goals. I even avoided returning to the station for years, fearing I’d get pulled back in and end up overwhelmed again.
Fast forward 25 years to July of this year: I attended a rare American performance by British soul singer Omar Lyefook at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles. The show was incredible — Omar is a true musical genius. I’ve been a fan for over 30 years, and I used to play a track from him every week on my funk radio show, FunkiKlektiKaos in the LoosEndZone.
The Lodge Room is an intimate venue, with a maximum of 500 people, standing room only. Thanks to my amazing wife, Sara, I was able to stand right at the stage, singing along to many of my all-time favorite songs. After the show, I even got to meet Omar — an unforgettable experience.
While the memory is wonderful, something gnawed at me: a musician with such talent and influence could still be relatively unknown in the United States, even after decades of amazing music. This inspired me to share amazing funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop artists to Santa Barbara, perhaps through a return to KCSB.
But I had to be realistic. I couldn’t commit to a regular radio show in person anymore — with family, distance, and other obligations, it just wasn’t possible. So I asked myself: Could I run a radio show from home, targeting the listeners in Santa Barbara? And in this age of the internet, could I also reach listeners beyond the Central Coast of California?
After some research, I realized I could go even further — I could create my own online radio station. One that broadcasts the music I love and gives talented funk, soul, jazz, and hip-hop artists a platform to reach listeners beyond social media. And with the power of the internet, I could reach audiences all over the country - or Canada, or the UK.
And that’s how Funk the Planet Radio was born: a 24/7 online funk, soul, jazz, and hip-hop radio station dedicated to showcasing music that deserves to be heard.
Promoting the station is a challenge — I probably face as much of an uphill battle finding listeners as the artists I play face getting discovered. But a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. This is that first step: sharing Funk the Planet with friends, family, and anyone who loves great funk and soul music.
The station has been live for only a few months, but I have implemented major changes, including specialty shows dedicated to specific styles or eras of funk music.
🎶 Listen online: http://funkthepla.net
📱 Available in streaming apps: Live365 (official), TuneIn, iOS & Android radio apps, and most internet radio players
👍 Follow on Facebook: Funk the Planet Radio and on Instagram
Join us, tune in, and discover the world of funk, soul, and hip-hop — broadcast from my studio to listeners in their homes, cars, and anyplace they can stream from the internet.
Vince on the mic working on a promo.
Small Steps Create Big Shifts
It All Begins Here
Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.
Turn Intention Into Action
It All Begins Here
Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.
Make Room for Growth
It All Begins Here
Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.