CD Duplication: What is an EP and What Does it Mean
EPs are an effective promotional strategy used by record labels and bands to maintain interest in an artist between larger releases.
So what is an EP? EP is an abbreviation for ‘extended play’. Originally, EP referred to a specific type of vinyl that was not a LP (long play) record. But now, EP applies to any mid-length recording release which is greater than one song, but less than an album. Therefore, an EP’s duration is usually between 3 to 6 songs in length. It is considered an “extended play” because it is longer than one single.
EP stands for ‘extended play’, which, in essence, is a half-length album. As such, EPs are used as an interlude between albums, to keep fans’ interest in the artists. Therefore, they are incredibly valuable to the music industry.
What Does an EP Look Like?
Typically, EPs are considered a 7” disc and played at 45 rpm. But with various developments in technology, the format now includes 10” & 12” discs, and can be played at variety of rpms, dependent upon the song.
In the 21st century, with the advent of modern technologies, an EP can come in a compact disc or be streamed online. Therefore, EP, is now considered a term describing the number of songs, rather than a specific type of vinyl record.
How Does an EP Work?
For an EP CD or Vinyl record, it works in much the same as other vinyl records, such as a LP. This means that on the record itself, there will be three-dimensional grooves cut into the disc material. A record player’s needle, or stylus, will then run over these grooves, creating an electric current that is amplified through the attached speakers.
Many musical collectors and musicians claim the sound from a vinyl record is far superior to anything else. This is due to the “warmness” of the vinyl’s sound, compared to digitally transmitted music, which can be found, for example, in the mp3 format.
However, digitally transmitted music does not exclude the EP format. Remember, the term EP simply refers to a number of songs. Therefore, EPs are frequently included in modern music streaming services such as Bandcamp and Spotify and work/play the same as any other music on the platform.
How Do You Play an EP?
For an EP vinyl record itself, it will have three-dimensional grooves cut into the disc material. To ‘read’ these grooves, you will need a stylus which is attached to a record player. This stylus, or ‘needle’, then runs along these grooves creating an electric current.
But be careful, make sure you buy the right kind of record player for your records – not all record players can play vinyl of any size. Second of all, to listen the EP and make use of this electric current, you will need speakers. They will amplify this current and allow you to hear the music on the vinyl!
On top of all this you will need equipment for maintaining both your record player and its records. All of this stuff is not cheap, but that’s what makes record collectors so proud of their collection.
For an EP compact disc, it will play in much the same fashion as any other CD. Therefore, quite simply, place the disc, correct-side-up, into your player of choice and press play.
For a digital EP, just stream the compilation on your music listening platform of choice by clicking on it in the selection.
How Many Songs Are On an EP?
An EP has a total run time of 30 minutes or less. This means that the record can have any number of songs, or tracks, as long as the total duration remains under half an hour. Generally, however, an EP is considered to be between 3 and 6 songs.
What is The Difference Between EP and LP/Album?
The difference between EP and LP is what each abbreviation means. EP stands for ‘extended play’. Therefore, it can be anything between a single-song release, and just less than a full musical album. LP, comparatively, stands for ‘long play’. A LP (‘long playing’) record generally has 8 or more tracks on it. This is the main distinguishing point from a LP. Essentially, this is a full-length album.
Typically, EPs are a body of work which is made up of several songs, with a running theme throughout. But an EP is not considered to contain enough songs to constitute a full album.
As a LP project is longer, they are then seen as fully rounded bodies of work. In comparison, EPs are seen as interludes between albums – a method of sustaining fans of music between larger projects. Therefore, fans tend to judge the release of a LP, at a much higher critical standard than that of EPs.
Can an EP Have 8 Songs?
Yes, but each song will have to have a shorter duration than typically expected, to ensure the total length is under 30 minutes.
In simpler terms, you cannot have 8 songs at 5 minutes each because the total duration will be 40 mins (taking it over the EP quantification). Instead, for an EP, you could have 6 songs at 3 minutes each, and then 2 songs at 5 minutes each.
Why Should I Buy an EP?
EPs are musical projects, created, in large part, between major album releases. Therefore, since they are larger than just one single, they offer artists a chance to create a statement of intent for their fans. As such, if you do not buy this EP, you may miss a crucial step in the progression of that artist.
Additionally, EPs have to be considered as a promotional move by music executives to keep a fans interest in their musician of choice. Therefore, if an EP were to under-sell, or receive a poor critical review from fans; generating less income than anticipated, the record label in charge may alter its attitude toward the artist. This could translate into a new timeline for music release, reduced financial support of the artist, or a changing of the record label’s demands of the artist.
Essentially, if you want to support an artist and keep their work alive, keep engaging with what they produce.
Are EPs Expensive to Manufacture?
EPs made on vinyl records are expensive to make. This is because a vinyl record can hold a maximum of 48 minutes, therefore, by only recording a maximum of 30 minutes EP material onto the record, you are not maximising the record’s potential.
LPs made on compact discs are much cheaper to make than vinyl. This is because of the relatively cheap cost of CDs compared to vinyl.
Are EPs Still Popular?
Definitely. In fact, world-renowned pop star Miley Cyrus announced that her seventh studio album, She Is Miley Cyrus, will be published as a series of three EPs. So, the musical art form is very much alive and kicking.
What is the History of an EP?
Throughout the years, EPs have been released in various sizes in different eras. In simple terms, the EP was released by RCA Victor in 1952 as a direct competitor to the LP (long play) vinyl. At the time, an EP was a 10” disc, designed to be played at 45 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Originally, music companies began to release EPs as a method of advertising an artist by distributing compilations of their work, as an EP could hold multiple singles.
Then, due in part to the success of 28 Elvis Presley records, EPs gained a foothold and remained popular even as cassette tapes and CDs became introduced. Now, EPs are traditionally used as place keepers for fans between an artist’s album releases.
However, as technology began to improve, and vinyl records became more expensive (compared to other mediums), the EP moved away from an exclusively vinyl term. Now, it is a quantification of duration throughout music. Even in CD, mp3, or any other digital format, if the audio recording contains more than one song but, generally speaking, less than six songs, it is EP.
Where Can I Buy EPs?
We would encourage you to shop in your local music shop. You can always find a gem or two, from rummaging through their creates!
However, EPs are also readily available on your music streaming platform of choice!
If you want to create your own EP, check out what we can offer with our CD printing.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Definition | EP stands for ‘extended play’ and refers to any mid-length recording release that is longer than one single, but less than a full album. Typically, an EP consists of 3 to 6 songs. |
| Format | Originally, EPs were 7″ vinyl discs played at 45 rpm, but now the format includes 10″ and 12″ vinyl discs, CDs, and digital releases. |
| Playback | Vinyl EPs are played with a stylus on a record player, while CD and digital EPs are played through a CD player or music streaming platform. |
| Duration | An EP has a total run time of 30 minutes or less, with between 3 and 6 songs typically. |
| Difference from LP | The main difference between an EP and LP is the number of tracks, with an LP containing at least 8 tracks and considered a full-length album. EPs are used as interludes between albums and are not expected to meet the same critical standard as LPs. |
| Cost | EPs on vinyl are more expensive to manufacture than EPs on CDs or digital formats. |
| Popularity | EPs are still popular and are used by record labels and artists as a promotional strategy to maintain fans’ interest between larger releases. |
| History | EPs were first released in 1952 as a competitor to LPs, and were originally used to distribute compilations of an artist’s work. They became popular and continued to be used even as cassette tapes and CDs were introduced. Now, EPs are used as placeholders between album releases. |
| Where to buy | EPs can be purchased at local music shops or through music streaming platforms. |
Hope that helps!
Thanks,
Rory
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