Funk the Planet: Your Online Funk, Soul & Hip-Hop Radio Station
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.
