In the music industry, artists have an array of formats to choose from when releasing their music. From singles to albums, each format serves a unique purpose. One format that has gained significant popularity, especially among emerging artists, is the EP, or Extended Play.
This type of release has many benefits to the artist and listener, but needs to be utilized for the right intentions and at the right time in order to be effective. Taking a dive into how EPs can be leveraged to boost your following as an artist is equally important as understanding what an EP actually is and its history. This article aims to encompass both topics in order to increase artists’ overall efficiency when releasing music while giving the average listener deeper insight into the music industry.
A Bit Of History Of The Extended Play
To truly understand the essence of an EP, we must delve into its historical roots. The concept of an EP can be traced back to the early 1950s when vinyl records ruled the music world. At that time, the size of the vinyl significantly impacted production costs. To provide a more budget-friendly alternative to full-length albums, RCA Victor introduced the EP in 1952.
For further background, RCA Victor is the result of RCA (Radio Corporation of America) purchasing Victor Talking Machine Company, then the world’s largest manufacturer of phonographs (including the famous “Victrola”) and phonograph records. This acquisition led to one of the top music subdivisions for the company.
The story of how the EP came about started with RCA trying to compete with Columbia’s surging album sales by introducing the “extended play 45” record format. This invention featured finer grooves compared to their standard 45 rpm singles, allowing for up to eight minutes of playback on each side. These EP records were encased in cardboard jackets similar to those used for LPs.
RCA’s aim was to attract customers away from Columbia’s pricier LPs with this more economical mini-LP format. This rivalry, dubbed the “Battle of the Speeds,” persisted for a few years, ultimately resulting in a stalemate as both the LP and the 45 rpm record became industry standards. Basically, both companies won in the end and received massive profit from their products.
So, what exactly is an EP?
The EP, short for Extended Play, is a musical release that falls between a single and a full-length album. While singles were typically one-off tracks and LPs were often too expensive for smaller labels, the EP emerged as a middle ground. With the capacity for a handful of tracks, it became a versatile format that even earned its place on the Billboard charts.
During the 1960s, iconic acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan opted for EPs instead of full albums. These EPs typically featured two songs on each side of a 10-inch vinyl record. Some of the most prominent EPs from this era were Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles, Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys, and Mrs Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel.
By the 1970s, technology advancements allowed EPs to include up to four songs on one side of a 12-inch vinyl record. Legendary artists like David Bowie, Elton John, and Led Zeppelin released memorable EPs during this era. Fan-favorite EPs from this time consists of Bullet by The Misfits and A Day In the Life by The Beatles.
Although the 80s and 90s saw singles and full-length albums dominating the market, the EP format experienced a resurgence in the 2000s. Digital music platforms enabled artists to release EPs more frequently. Record labels embraced EPs as a tool to promote new talent and genres, particularly in electronic music, rap, and hip-hop.
Fast-forward to today, and dance music has become a major supporter of the EP. It is easy for artists to include a few of their previously released singles in an EP. As a result, they only have to throw in one or two new tracks to complete the mini-compilation. DJs can drop EPs at a much higher volume than albums and simultaneously reintroduce their audience to their past singles.
EPS vs. Singles vs. Albums
An artist’s journey involves not only crafting music, but also promoting it to gain visibility and attract new listeners. In the realm of music promotion, the EP stands as a versatile and strategic choice for not only rising artists but veterans too.
- Building a Fan Base: Releasing an EP can be a fantastic way for emerging artists to kickstart their careers. It allows artists to showcase more than one song, providing listeners with a deeper insight into their musical style. Carefully curating the tracklist becomes crucial, as every song counts. Additionally, an EP enables artists to experiment with different genres and potential collaborations. A great example of this is Louis The Child’s Love Is Alive EP, released in 2017.
- Exploring Musical Identity: Developing artists often find themselves in a phase of musical discovery, searching for their signature sound. Working on an EP provides them with a platform to lay the foundations of their musical style and delve into diverse themes. The EP serves as a teaser for the upcoming album, already establishing a fan base eager to share the artist’s music.
A modern example of this is how up-and-coming bass music artist, Ravenscoon, launched his concept album with his new EP BODY. This EP serves a variety of purposes, one being that it previews what sounds listeners can expect from the forthcoming album. It also embraces its own narrative and showcases the heavier, more electrifying side of Ravenscoon’s project.
Lastly, it is a useful weapon for Ravenscoon to have in his arsenal while on tour.
- Cost-Effective Promotion: Producing and promoting an EP is generally more budget-friendly compared to a full-length album. This cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage for artists in the early stages of their careers. Releasing an EP offers a longer marketing lifespan, allowing artists to promote it for an extended period. It is pretty evident, that sometimes single releases can difficult to keep relevant for more than a few weeks. This is not the case for EPs.
- Experimentation and Feedback: EPs are perfect for experimenting with new ideas. Their shorter length encourages artists to push boundaries and investigate different musical avenues. Moreover, the relative brevity of an EP makes it an excellent format for receiving feedback and fine-tuning one’s craft.
When Should You Release an EP?
The timing of an EP release can significantly impact an artist’s career trajectory. It’s essential to consider when and why to release an EP:
- Early Career: EPs are a popular choice for growing artists looking to introduce themselves to the music scene. Releasing an EP early in one’s career helps in building a foundation of dedicated listeners.
- Keeping Fans Engaged: Even established artists can benefit from EP releases. It is an effective way to keep fans engaged in between album releases. EPs can also serve as a platform for artists transitioning from group projects to solo endeavors.
- Introducing New Material: EPs are an ideal format for presenting new material. They can build anticipation for a full album or serve as a platform for releasing a batch of new singles. Some artists even release live EPs or compilations of bonus tracks and unreleased music. This is almost free marketing in a sense due to the fact that these often would not have a place in an artist’s official catalog.
- Gaining Attention: Releasing multiple EPs has been a successful strategy for artists like Billie Eilish, Hozier, and Lorde. These EPs helped them grow their audiences, define their sound, and capture the attention of streaming platforms.
In essence, EPs are a versatile format suitable for artists at various stages of their careers. They offer an opportunity to capitalize on success and maintain momentum in between larger projects.
How Much Does It Cost to Produce an EP?
The cost of producing an EP varies depending on factors such as the project’s scale and the artist’s budget. Music creation can range from almost free to a substantial investment. Here are some possible scenarios to consider:
- Home Studio: Many artists opt for a more DIY approach and produce music at home. Setting up a basic home studio, excluding the computer and digital audio workstation (DAW), can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500.
- Professional Studio: Some artists prefer to record in a professional studio. Studio costs can vary depending on whether a sound engineer is included. Expect to pay between $30 (at the very lowest) to $100 per hour for studio time in certain locations. However, high-end studios in big music cities like Miami and LA can easily cost upwards of $100 per hour.
- Session Musicians: If you need additional musicians, like guitarists or drummers, you will need to budget for their fees. These fees can be hourly, daily, or per track, depending on the musician’s rate.
- Mixing and Mastering: While some artists handle mixing and mastering themselves, professional services can enhance sound quality and consistency. Costs for mixing and mastering an EP can range from hundreds to thousands of euros, depending on complexity and length.
- Cover Art: Don’t forget to allocate a budget for EP cover art. Visuals play a crucial role in attracting listeners, especially for artists that are newer to the scene. Overtime, artists can even start to build a visual brand or narrative around their project that is synonymous with their music. EP cover art is a vital stepping stone to achieving this.
Summing Up The EP And Its Usefulness
In summary, the Extended Play (EP) has cemented its place as a valuable tool for musicians, particularly developing artists. It offers a bridge between singles and full albums, providing a platform for creativity, experimentation, and promotion. The EP’s historical journey from its cost-effective origins to its current digital resurgence showcases its enduring relevance.
Today, artists across various genres utilize EPs to captivate audiences and explore new musical horizons. Whether you are just starting your musical journey or looking to continue a hot streak, the EP format stands as a versatile and compelling choice, assisting artists to reach success in the constantly shifting music industry. So, when faced with the question of what format to choose, consider the EP—a powerful method for artists to make their mark in the world of music.
