How Much do Artists Earn?

I recently came across this article discussing how much artists make from different online outlets for selling their music. While there was nothing too surprising about the information, I thought it brought up a couple interesting points:

1. iTunes, for the most part, seems to benefit record labels more than it does artists. Obviously labels will make more if they don't have to pay to press CDs, but not much of that additional revenue appears to get passed on to the artist.

2. Streaming music provides minimal revenue. However, no info is provided on how much additional revenue is generated from the promotional value of streaming sites. I'm sure some people are content with just streaming the music, but I would imagine it also introduces people to new artists and convinces them to buy records/go to shows.

Personally, I feel that the article furthers the idea that the best way to support an artist is to attend a show and pick up a record or t-shirt directly from the band. While labels can be useful in providing artists with the financial backing and promotion to jump-start their careers, it's disappointing to see how little money is left for the artists themselves after the labels, pressing plants, iTunes etc. take their cut.