Whether you’re an independent artist or signed to a label, the choice of whether to release albums, EPs, or singles can have a big effect on your job, your fans’ engagement, and your income. Here’s a list of tips to help you make the best choice:
Music albums
What Does It Mean? Albums are groups of songs that go together, and usually have 8–12 tracks or more. They usually have a theme or idea that runs through them, which lets you learn more about the artist’s artistic vision.
Pros: Artistic Statement: Albums let artists show off a wider range of creativity and musical expression. They can put together a story or show a certain mood or theme.
- Get your fans involved: Albums usually make fans more excited and eagerly await the release of a full-length album.
- Revenue Potential: Albums can bring in more money per fan than singles or EPs, whether they are sold physically or online.
Things to Think About – Time and Resources: Putting together an album takes a lot of time and money, since you have to record, mix, finish, and maybe even do some advertising.
- Pay Attention: People today may like songs or EPs more than full albums because they are easier to listen to for shorter amounts of time.
“Best For”: Artists who have been around for a while and have a lot of fans.
Projects that would be better with a story or idea that flows well.
Rock, hip-hop, and theme albums are examples of types of music where people really get into the albums.
EPs stand for “Extended Plays.”
What Does It Mean? EPs are shorter than CDs and usually have between 3 and 7 tracks. You can make them with a theme or just a bunch of songs that go together.
Pros: – Versatility: EPs are a good compromise for artists because they let them share music more often without having to wait for a full-length album to be ready.
- Promotional Opportunities: EP releases can get a lot of buzz and media attention, especially if they focus on a certain sound or theme.
- Fan Engagement: They keep fans interested between albums and can bring in new users who might be more open to shorter releases.
Things to think about: Depth vs. Breadth: It’s true that EPs have more songs than singles, but they might not go as deep into topics as albums do.
Marketing Plan: As EPs don’t usually get as much attention as albums, it’s important that they get good promotion to make the most of their release.
Best For new acts who want to get more fans and build their catalog.
- Exploring new sounds or ideas without committing to a full album.
- Artists in genres where shorter formats are popular (e.g., electronic, pop, indie).
Singles
What Does It Mean? Singles are single songs that are released on their own, and they usually come with marketing materials like music videos, social media campaigns, and playlist pitches.
One of the benefits is that singles can have an immediate effect on fans and take advantage of current trends or hot topics.
- Consistent Engagement: Putting out songs on a regular basis keeps artists in the public eye and keeps them in touch with their fans between bigger releases.
- Playlist Placement: Singles are more likely to be included on curated playlists, which can help them get more publicity and streams.
Things to Think About – Potential for Making Money Singles usually make less money per stream than albums or EPs, especially if the people who listen to them are on free accounts.
- Length: If a single doesn’t get a lot of attention, it might not last as long as an album or EP.
“Best For”: Getting people excited about an album or EP release.
- Getting new fans quickly with a track that stands out.
Pop, EDM, and hip-hop are examples of genres where songs are the main way people listen to music.
How to Pick the Best Format
In 2024, when choosing between albums, EPs, and songs, you should think about your artistic goals, what your audience wants, and the resources you have for making and promoting the music. Many artists choose a mix of these forms to find the best balance between being creative, keeping fans interested, and making money. In the end, the choice you make should be based on your goals for your music business and how you want to connect with your fans in the changing world of digital music consumption.