The general policy for all MGN artists is to record their shows. There are many reasons to do so:

1. It provides excellent biofeedback for learning and quality control (see Performance Coaching).
2. In the broadband age, there is really no reason NOT to stream every show online.
3. An archive can be built up of live performances from which the very best performances can be packaged, distributed and sold (see Distributing).
4. Venues can compile the best shows into album downloads or CD/DVD releases (e.g. "Live at Tipitina's") for promotion or as sales.
5. Venues or artists can offer CD/DVDs burned on the spot as an added customer service, or for sales.
6. Use your imagination...

All MGN-enhanced venues (see Venue Certifications and Ratings) offer an in-house method of recording shows, because they have an "official" stage with sound/light board. If the venue elects not to be MGN enhanced (for whatever unfathomable reason), artists are encouraged by incentives to provide their own recording setups--something as simple as a strategically placed digital recorder. Beginning low-budget artists without the means to purchase even discounted digital recorders from MGN vendors, may be entitled to a grant from the MGN Foundation, or be able to hire a tech locally for MGN Credits. Although MGN does not absolutely require compliance on this, the incentives offered make it more than worthwhile. Artists and venues that record their shows for any reason get automatic rating points, and can potentially reap all the benefits of MGN's extensive downloads distribution system.

MGN-enhanced venues include CD/DVD burning and labeling services ("burn units"), either providing the service specifically to artists, or venues, and/or offering the product for sale to audiences. Along with this on-site recording export, direct MP3 downloads to IPods are offered to anyone with an ITunes account (or similar vendor) immediately after the show. The download is added to the IPod library without re-writing the library in partnership with Apple, and the download is charged to the ITunes member's account. Each burn unit provides inputs for 5 or more IPods, and 5 or more CD/DVDs.

MGN also has a program to continually reach out to local terrestrial broadcast radio and TV shows (as well as internet broadcasters) who may be interested in either running a feed, or providing their own remote broadcasting units, providing great promotional benefits to both artists and venues.

The recorded performance is the intellectual property of the artist, and if particular recordings are sold by venues in a compilation CD/DVD, the artist maintains licensing rights. Artists must decide whether any given recording is "promotional" (free), or a commercial product. From this choice, the license wizard either attaches digital tracking or not (see Recording Distribution). In the case of CD/DVD export, the CD/DVD burning equipment provides logs uploaded the artist's back office to facilitate metrics and fee collections.

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