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There are three distinct types of releases available for independent musicians - namely, singles, albums, and EPs. If you're gearing up to release your music and are pondering the available options, this article aims to guide you through the distinctive features of each release type, clarifying any potential misconceptions and assisting you in launching your music into the world effectively.
What is a Single?
A single is a music release typically comprised of fewer tracks than an album, LP, or EP. Traditionally, it often refers to an individual song released separately from an album, though in the current era of music downloading, a single can consist of up to three tracks. Streaming services also allow musicians to release each song independently. Singles are often heavily promoted and serve as a commercial success, acting as a marketing tool for an upcoming album featuring the highlighted song.
When to Release a Single: Singles are not only crucial promotional tools for established musicians but also serve as an entry point for emerging artists. Releasing a single, or multiple singles, is an effective way for new musicians to leave a musical footprint, build an initial audience, and set the foundation for future releases.
Distributing a Single: A single must have:
- Up to 3 tracks, none exceeding 10 minutes.
What is an EP?
EP stands for 'Extended Play' and denotes a music recording longer than a single but containing fewer tracks than an album. In contemporary terms, EPs usually consist of 4-5 songs, offering a less extensive and time-consuming alternative to albums. EPs allow artists to showcase creativity and diversity, acting as standalone entities rather than mere collections of randomly assembled tracks.
When to Publish an EP: After releasing one or more singles, recording and publishing an EP becomes a logical step to solidify your fanbase and attract new audiences. It serves as a more digestible option for listeners not yet familiar with your music, offering a shorter collection of songs amidst a sea of daily releases.
Distributing an EP: To release and distribute an EP, it must have:
- 1-3 tracks with at least 1 exceeding 10 minutes or;
- 4-6 tracks with a total running time of 30 minutes or less.
What is an Album?
An album is a collection of audio recordings, traditionally consisting of around 7-15 tracks with a total duration of 35 minutes to an hour. Unlike EPs, albums are considered complex works of art, providing a more profound artistic journey for the listener. There are three main album types: studio albums, live albums, and solo albums.
When to Release an Album: While EPs target new listeners, albums are instrumental in turning uncommitted audiences into devoted fans. Albums offer a comprehensive musical experience, enhancing artist credibility and visibility across streaming platforms. Releasing an album positions you as a 'serious musician,' appealing to industry professionals and showcasing your artistry.
Distributing an Album: To distribute an album, it must have more than 6 tracks or a duration exceeding 30 minutes.
Conclusion: Understanding the nuances between singles, EPs, and albums is crucial for artists navigating their professional journey. Each release type plays a unique role in building and sustaining an artist's career, and knowing when and how to leverage them can significantly impact an artist's trajectory.
