It's an interesting question, but I think the answer is strictly the reverse. I worked with several Pop and Rock groups a few years ago and the recordings always came first. Often because the band simply didn't have enough material for an evening in a club, we'd keep releasing one or two song CDs until the band had generated a following thru alternate radio, and actually could play a couple of sets. Folk music audiences seem to value live performances more than recordings. Getting to know the artist on a semi-personal basis is very important. Many folk performers sell 90% of their total recording output from the stage after a gig. I suppose if the artist is expert at identifying and reaching their target audience, it might work, but I think it would take more than a couple of CDs. Nice site here.