This is the beginning of the end for the big labels. Physical distribution of recordings is dead and dying and that was the cornerstone of recording industry's control. Highly popular artists no longer need the labels when the means of distribution is easily within their reach.
Also, the cost of high quality production has dropped to a fraction of what it once cost. Artists no longer have to sell their souls to get a commercial quality recording made. I predict a range of a la carte services will pop up that will take care of promotion, electronic distribution, and merchandising for artists.
Because there will be competition and multiple providers, the artists will be in control. The recording industry is making it's last effort to claw as much money as possible from the system before it collapses, but it's like gorging yourself in the dining room of the Titanic before it slips under the waves.
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