SoCal Sound Fights to sustain Music Programming After Federal Funding Cuts
Northridge, CA – SoCal Sound (KCSN), a Los Angeles-area public radio station known for its Triple A (Adult Album Option) format, is actively fundraising to offset recent federal funding cuts that threaten its ability to maintain current programming levels. The station, a vital platform for emerging and established artists outside the mainstream, launched a fundraising drive after learning it woudl receive $25,000 less in federal funding than anticipated.
The cuts represent a meaningful challenge for KCSN, which relies on a mix of individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants to operate. The station’s unique position within the Los Angeles music ecosystem – serving as a key outlet for artists who don’t fit neatly into Top 40 radio – is now at risk. Industry professionals emphasize KCSN’s importance in breaking new music and supporting artists, particularly as the media landscape shifts and traditional promotional avenues diminish.
“The labels and the music industry love this format, and they love this radio station as we’re Triple A and we’re in Los Angeles,” explained KCSN General Manager Paul Kaczor. “The industry needs us to survive and be there to break new artists and to break new music by existing artists. They really don’t want to see us go away.”
the impact of KCSN’s programming is felt directly by artists like Paul Janeway, frontman of the neo-soul band St. Paul & the Broken Bones. The band recently released their sixth studio album, a self-titled effort on their self-reliant label, Oasis Pizza. Their lead single, “Sushi and Coca-cola,” recently topped KCSN’s weekly playlist, providing a crucial boost for a band that garnered significant attention a decade ago with performances at Coachella and appearances on late-night television.
“For us, it’s been a long journey, but we’ve always kind of lived in that world of KCSN and the public radio sphere,” Janeway said. “We’re not Top 40 artists. It’s a platform and a place for us to live. We have no other place to go.”
While the recent fundraising drive fell slightly short of its goal to fully cover the $25,000 funding gap, Kaczor remains optimistic. “Although we didn’t hit our goal, we consider the last drive to be a success. We actually had fun doing it,” he said. “We’ll be doing our best to raise even more money moving forward. We may have to get creative with it.” The station is continuing to solicit donations and explore alternative funding strategies to ensure the continued broadcast of its distinctive music programming.
