Vibes online music store is a digital platform that will allow Papua New Guinean artists to upload their music and their fans can pay to download their favorite local songs. Developer Mr. Gideon Niakra stated that this online platform will be launched tonight at the Cosmopolitan’s Crystal Bar & Lounge and will be the first ever online store made purposely to promote PNG music to the world. Artists and music producers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have always struggled from the limited amount of recognition and support that they get for the music that they produce, hence the development of this online store, which will be embedded with its own music player application. Niakra stated that this platform is not an online streaming platform but is basically an online digital music store and app. “You pay for what you want to download to your device so that you can listen to your favorite local songs.” Music uploaded to this platform will be individually encrypted with the aim to protect consumer’s rights, artist rights and will hopefully stop illegal distribution and piracy in the country. “We have developed our own encryption technology, so when artists upload a song on the platform, that file is encrypted and will be physically locked to your device when you make a purchase and download that particular song so you will not be able to share the song with others.” He said that the platform will initially charge listeners K3 per song, with K1 going to the platform and K2 to the artist. “So, if an artist gets 50 downloads that’s K100, if they get 1, 000 downloads, that’s K2, 000 and so on, so that incentive encourages them to make more great songs that people will enjoy listening to.” Gideon has spoken to a lot of different artists that are willing to come on board and be a part of the platform with hopes to be one of PNG’s first ever music millionaire achieved through the vibes online music store platform. “The reason behind this platform is for this generation and the next generations down the line, twenty-thirty years from now and hope that everyone will be able to get on the platform and make money. “Whether they make money as a passive income for themselves or become a full-time recording artist, at least I have done my part to provide them with options, in creating an alternative avenue for them because if you’re passionate about making music, then make the music and get paid for it.” Furthermore, he hopes that once artists start seeing that they are earning real money from this platform, they will be encouraged to make more music and get really competitive with each other. “So we’re just going to see hit after hit being released and the standard of PNG music will be raised to such a level never seen before in this country and we hope that it’s going to be maintained and stays like that.” He stated that he felt this was his duty and this project had been ten years in the making and he is grateful that he will be doing the launch and has appreciated the support he has been getting from the sponsors. “I’m so overwhelmed at the support that I’m getting. I just want to say big thanks and much love to Post Courier for coming in as a major sponsor for the event and PNG FM as well. You guys are amazing.” Meanwhile, he stated that you can look forward to a great time at the launch because a lot of artists will be there. Tickets are on sale at K50 at available outlets stated on the flyer. “Come by and take a picture with your favorite artists and enjoy the music as DJ Nova will also be performing on the night.”