The phrase in question refers to the act of acquiring digital audio collections, specifically those attributed to a particular artist, in a compressed audio file format. These files, typically encoded using the MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 standard, allow for relatively small file sizes while retaining acceptable audio quality, facilitating efficient storage and transfer. For example, an individual might seek to obtain a complete set of tracks from a well-known recording, such as one by a celebrated vocalist, in this digital format.
Accessing music in this manner offers several advantages, including portability, ease of storage on various devices, and the ability to create customized playlists. Historically, the rise of digital distribution platforms has made this method of acquiring music increasingly prevalent, impacting traditional physical media sales. The convenience of obtaining desired songs and albums digitally has shaped consumer behavior within the music industry significantly.
