An EP, or extended play, is a musical recording that contains more music than a single, but less than an album. It was initially released as a CD or vinyl, but can now also be streamed online.
EPs have fewer tracks than albums but offer more than a single. They let artists release new music without needing to produce a full album.
Contents
The purpose of an EP
An EP serves many purposes. It can keep fans engaged until a full album drops or test new material. EPs also help unsigned or independent artists share their music before an official album release.
Especially at the start, bands often release an EP as a test run. Without the pressure of launching an album, an EP is a good way to gauge the music industry and see what works.
- Tide over fans
- Test new material
- Gauge music world
The number of songs in an EP
An EP usually features three to six songs, but it can include up to eight if it stays under 30 minutes. If it’s only 10 minutes long, it’s classified as a single. Remember, platforms like Spotify and iTunes consider it an EP if it has at least four songs.
Benefits of Releasing an EP Before an Album
- It can help you gauge the reception of your new music. If you’re not sure how your new songs will be received, releasing an EP is a great way to test the waters. You can see how popular each song is and get a feel for what your fans want more of.
- You can get more creative with an EP since there’s less pressure to produce a certain number of songs.
- EPs are usually cheaper and quicker to produce than albums, so they’re a great option if you’re on a budget.
Releasing an EP can create excitement about your music. If listeners enjoy it, they’ll likely explore your album when it drops!
