Hey, orchestras can be indie artists, too! And the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is launching its own e-label to distribute live recordings of its events. This is an innovative move, because the tight union contracts at most orchestras have made it hard for smaller companies to launch their own record labels. Under this agreement, the musicians participate in a revenue sharing agreement, so any sales that happen on iTunes get split up among the performers of the work in addition to helping the MSO open up a new revenue stream. Any recording engineer can tell you how relatively easy it is to record a classical concert if you have two good microphones and a good concert hall -- look for many other orchestras to explore this idea to extend their relationships with audiences.

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