First Word Records flogs most of its records to DJs. They are packaged, double-weight vinyl discs that come with a unique code. Punters buying tunes on the record label’s Digiwax format use this code to download an unprotected, 320Kbps MP3 version of the music which they can use however they like.

The advantage is that DJs and audiophiles will always want the top end of quality but want a digital file to carry around with them. Of course there is nothing to stop them making a digital copy of their LP.

Quote FWR

“Let’s get this straight – we love vinyl. We all DJ with it, collect it, spend too much money on it, and waste days in cold charity shops looking for it. The music we love comes from vinyl culture in all its beat-digging, sampling and scratching glory. However, vinyl costs a small fortune, and for most independent labels the cost is too high. If vinyl is to survive, it’s got to offer something extra – so we’ve put our heads together to come up with a unique way of keeping the format going!

Every DigiWax vinyl copy comes with a code which allows you to claim a free download of the entire album – so, proper sized artwork on beautiful vinyl, and a copy to bump on your ipod!”
Surely thats Win-Win!