Third Man Records Subscription Service

White’s record label, Third Man Records – which in addition to White’s bands includes artists such as Mildred and the Mice, Rachelle Garniez and the Dex Romweber Duo – recently announced the launch of The Vault’s two-tiered membership system.

“Friends, fans, and family, as we here at Third Man look at the current state of the record business we are disappointed, nay sickened, at the lack of imagination, ambition, and dare I say democracy offered to the people that really matter. The fans are the people that keep labels and bands alive and it’s high time somebody out there took a hard look at the way records are being sold and distributed and changed it. People, Third Man Records is all about the future,” the label wrote in a statement about the new subscription service.

In exchange for $7 a month (three months minimum), the premium membership will get you the first crack at pre-sale concert tickets, exclusive streaming video content and video broadcasts from all Third Man artists. There’s also access to official chat rooms, exclusive photos, writings and messages from Third Man artists and pay per view live concerts of Dead Weather, Raconteurs, White Stripes and more.

If you need even more Jack White in your life, you’ll receive all of the above plus more for $20 a month (three months minimum) through the platinum membership. Extra perks include one Third Man 12” LP, one 7” record and one T-shirt every quarter (every three months). These will only be available through The Vault Subscription service and will not be distributed to shops or available through the label’s online mail order service.

The label is taking sign ups for the platinum service through July 21. At the end of the registration period Third Man will press the exact amount of vinyl needed to fill orders. Every three months The Vault will offer fans the chance to become platinum members and existing platinum members will automatically continue their memberships.

Third Man Records’ website has a FAQ page set up for The Vault, answering questions such as “$20 a month for three months? That’s $60! Don’t you guys know we’re in a recession? Why should I spend my hard-earned money with you?”

Here’s what the label had to say:

“Good question. In 2001, the White Stripes were featured in the Sub Pop singles club. It was a subscription-only service where the lucky subscriber received a 7” every month for a very reasonable price. A six-month subscription in 2001 would have cost you $35. The White Stripes’ Sub Pop single on Sub Pop now consistently sells for $250 on reputable online auction sites.

“We hope you want to subscribe to our service because you’re a die-hard fan of the music coming out of Third Man. Even if you are not, it would at least be an investment plan far more reliable than Wall Street.”

White is currently touring with his latest band, Dead Weather with shows through October.

Click here for the Third Man Records’ website.