Look out Sub Pop – Seattle Symphony launches its own record label

Seattle is getting a new record label, but the likes of Sub Pop probably don’t need to worry about the competition.

The Seattle Symphony announced Wednesday the launch of its own in house record label “Seattle Symphony Media,” with the first of its three recordings scheduled for release in April.

“We’re going to be issuing probably three to five CD’s a year for the next few years,” says Simon Woods, Executive Director of the Symphony and Benaroya Hall. “It’s really giving the opportunity for people all over the world to hear the incredible quality of this orchestra.”

Many of the CDs will be live concert recordings. The Seattle Symphony has an extensive catalog of over 140 recordings, garnering 12 Grammy nominations during its history, Woods says.

“Every concert you come at Benaroya Hall is recorded, so we’re able to capture that excitement of the orchestra playing on stage,” Woods says. “Over the past three years, this orchestra has developed a highly sophisticated sound under Ludovic Morlot’s leadership, producing night after night of inspired music making. Our new label will not only introduce this partnership to a global audience, but also reflect the creative and imaginative programming that we have become known for at home.”

While some might scoff at the notion of the Symphony trying to sell CD’s, Woods says classical music CD’s continue to sell well.

“And of course we’re issuing them for downloads on all the usual places like iTunes and Amazon,” he says.