A new radio app was launched on Friday evening by the newly established EyeSpy Radio Station.

The locally owned, three-month old radio station, launched their app with the hopes of gaining an edge over its more established competitors. 

EyeSpy Radio is owned and managed by Ulugia Jay Schuster, and operated from Matautu Tai, at Y-Not bar.

"In the last two months, for a small radio station we've done quite a lot," said Ulugia

He explained that having an app for the radio overcomes the limitation that comes with having a frequency.

"When you have a radio station, you are sort of limited to your frequency range but if you have an app, it is world wide," said Ulugia.

"For all our people in Samoa and they're trying to promote Samoa, it can be heard from all around the world, as long as there is internet."

For the last two months, EyeSpy has been able to set up their live broadcasting from wherever there is access to an internet connection. This means EyeSpy is able to broadcast live from local community programmes and events happening around the island.

Asked what sets EyeSpy radio different from other already existing radio stations, he said it's the radio's engagement in the community, especially with upcoming artists.

"We're not doing to make sure we're getting ahead of everybody but we want to make sure we are doing something different to them," he said. 

"I know a lot of other stations out there [which] I've been listening to for years and we're just offering something different."

Ulugia admits that getting into the radio station market has not been easy, and having expertise on island for the radio station has definitely been a challenge.

EyeSpy radio was initially launched as Island Base FM earlier this year, in March, by Jasmin Ziedan, the Managing director of Base FM from Auckland, New Zealand. 

"We all have the same goals but unfortunately we do not have the same content," Ulugia said explaining the decision to part ways.

"They are an independent radio station in New Zealand and they play great music but unfortunately it's not the same music that is suited for Samoa.

"And then there are words that are not really for our airways and I think that's the reason why now we've gone on to EyeSpy which is now locally owned and locally run."

EyeSpy radio is also said to be opening up opportunities for young people interested in promoting their own new music. 

"So with the station it gives them the opportunity and platform to actually get their music heard and get it out there, not only nationally but also internationally now with the app."

The app, EyeSpy Radio, can be downloaded on Google Play for free, with an iOS version soon to be available.

Amended. This story was corrected on November 4 to reflect that the EyeSpy radio's app was not Samoa's first.