In the ever-changing landscape of music, the choice between releasing an Album or an EP can be a pivotal decision for artists. Understanding the dynamics of the modern listener's behavior is key to crafting a successful release strategy. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned veteran, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complex world of music releases in 2023.
1. Understanding Your Audience
The modern listener falls into three main categories:
Explorers: Those seeking new music.
Intrigued Listeners: Your core community of fans.
Superfans: Loyal followers who consume everything you release.
Your release strategy should target these personas at different stages of your music career.
2. The Formats: Album vs EP
Album (LP): A full-length collection, akin to a novel, with 7 to 20 songs.
EP (Extended Play): A shorter collection of 4 to 6 songs, like a collection of short stories.
3. Start with an EP
Appeals to Online Explorers: With on-demand streaming dominating since 2017, explorers prefer an EP over an LP.
Playlist Consumption: Modern listeners often cherry-pick songs from albums for playlists. An EP aligns with this behavior.
Investment Benefits: An EP requires less time and money, making it a safe option to test the waters.
4. Follow with an Album
Meeting Expectations: Superfans often desire the full "album experience."
Credibility Boost: An album enhances your presence on streaming platforms and among industry professionals.
5. Release EPs in Between Albums
Satisfying Demand: Keep your audience engaged with EPs while working on albums.
Experimentation: An EP allows you to explore new styles or genres.
6. Adapting to Trends
Streaming Growth: Platforms like Spotify have seen significant growth, with over 80 million songs live.
Changing Habits: The collective attention span is short, and instant gratification is key.
7. Tying it Up
Launch, convert, satisfy, broaden, and maintain. Your strategy should be a cycle of new EPs, new albums, and constant engagement with your audience.
Conclusion
The decision between an Album and an EP is more than just a choice of format; it's a strategic move that can shape your music career. By understanding your audience and adapting to the modern-day listener's behaviors, you can craft a release strategy that resonates in 2023 and beyond.
Ready to elevate your music career? Get your free in-depth guide to everything you need to know about having a successful career in music at Music Advice's Free Modern Artist & Songwriter Toolkit. For additional music career resources, industry contacts, video lessons, and streaming playlist contact information, visit Music Advice's Plans & Pricing.
Great advise. It’s like we talked about yesterday. We as artist need to know what we are trying to accomplish. This will determine our strategy.