Until a month ago, the CDs under FAU’s record label Hoot/Wisdom Recordings were usually spotted lazing on Barnes & Noble’s shelves. Since early December, however, six new albums released the month before have landed a bigger commercial market: the Web.

Since dropping the CDs on Nov. 7 during a release party at Coyote Jack’s, Hoot hopped on a music industry trend that could radically boost revenues – without all the expensive promotion, that is.

“It’ll take a long time to get them any decent sales,” says Michael Zager, organizer for the release party and director of Hoot Recordings – FAU’s commercial music program. “We need to do as much alternative marketing as we can because we don’t have the same funds as a major label.”

No alternative marketing means grassroots promotion, Zager adds, and coercing local radio stations to interview FAU-bred bands is one such tactic.

Plus, it’s still too early to obtain revenue figures, Zager says, but it’s safe to forecast that the majority will come from online retailers.

WHERE TO BUY THEM

So far, only three of six CDs are available online. And, since the Hoot/Wisdom Recordings Web site doesn’t list directions to the mp3 downloads. Here’s a handy guide to finding FAU’s finest:

? Irena Kofman and André de Groote’s “Russian Treasures”Status: Online Visit: www.mtraks.com; in the search box, type “russian treasures”

? Cuarteto Latinoamericano and Heather Coltman’s “Clocks” Status: OnlineVisit: www.mtraks.com; in the search box, type “clocks”

? Florida Woodwind Quintet’s “Fives for Five” Status: OnlineVisit: www.mtraks.com; in the search box, type “fives for five”

? Amy Monk’a “Second Chances” Status: Inside Boca campus bookstore

? Pierre’s “Nice Trip”Status: Inside Boca campus bookstore

? James Cunningham’s “Didgeridoo Diversions”Status: Inside Boca campus bookstore