When RCA decided to end its contract with the Boston Pops, the orchestra decided to go into the recording business itself. “That means there’s no big record company to pick up the tab for studio time, promotion, and even pressing new CDs. Instead, the Pops have gone into the recording business, laying out money normally provided by a label. This is the new business model, and it’s risky. It’s why conductor Keith Lockhart is being trotted out for 18 signings this holiday season.”