Label
First Word Records was born in 2003 as a collaboration between Aly Gillani (at that time a club promoter) and deejay Andy H.
Frustrated by not seeing the music they loved get the exposure it deserved, they decided that there was a gap that needed filling. As the year came to an end a group of musicians, deejays, designers, emcees and producers had come together to cook up the fresh new sound of "Two Syllables", the debut compilation that was released in April 2004, preceded by a split 12" from Homecut Directive (ft Corinne Bailey Rae) and Tommy Evans.
Since then, the label has grown to house numerous artists, including Myele Manzanza, Children Of Zeus, Tawiah, Kaidi Tatham, Allysha Joy, Eric Lau, Darkhouse Family, Tall Black Guy, Souleance and Quiet Dawn. The sound of the output has developed as they have as individuals – but the foundation is rooted in hip hop, jazz and soul.