EP vs Album: How to Upload Songs to Spotify

For any musician, understanding the differences between an EP and an album, as well as knowing how to upload songs to Spotify, are critical steps in building a successful music career. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned pro, navigating the digital music landscape can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll break down the key differences between an EP and an album and provide a step-by-step guide on how to upload your songs to Spotify. Additionally, we'll introduce you to SoundOn, a platform that can help you reach new fans and grow your career.

What is an EP?

EP stands for "Extended Play." This format is typically shorter than an album but longer than a single, ranging from 3 to 6 songs, usually totaling 15 to 30 minutes of music. EPs are often used by artists to release new music in between albums or to introduce their music to a new audience. The shorter format allows for more frequent releases, keeping fans engaged without the time and financial commitment of producing a full-length album.

What is an Album?

An album is a lengthier body of work, usually containing 7 to 20 songs, with a total runtime anywhere between 30 minutes and 90 minutes or more. Albums are narrative projects, often following a central theme or concept. They require substantial investment in terms of both time and resources but offer artists an opportunity to showcase their creativity and musicality on a larger scale. Albums can help artists establish their musical identity and can be more lucrative in terms of sales and streaming revenue.

Choosing Between an EP and an Album

Deciding whether to release an EP or an album depends on various factors, including where you are in your career, your budget, and your creative goals. If you're just starting out or looking to maintain momentum between major releases, an EP might be a more viable option. On the other hand, if you have a cohesive concept or a large collection of songs ready, investing in an album can significantly elevate your profile in the industry.

How to Upload Songs to Spotify

Once you've decided on releasing an EP or an album, the next step is to get your music onto Spotify, one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world. Here's how you can do it:

1. Choose a Distribution Platform: To upload your songs to Spotify, you'll need a music distribution service like SoundOn. These platforms help get your music onto various streaming services and digital stores.
2. Create an Account: Sign up with your chosen distributor. For SoundOn, you can register here.
3. Prepare Your Music: Ensure your audio files are in the correct format (usually WAV or MP3) and that they are high quality. You'll also need to have your album artwork prepared.
4. Upload Your Music: Follow the prompts on your distributor's platform to upload your songs. You will need to provide information about your tracks, such as the title, artist name, genre, and release date.
5. Set Up Your Release: Choose the release date and the stores and streaming platforms where you want your music to be available. Most distributors will allow you to schedule releases in advance.
6. Promote Your Release: Use social media, newsletters, and other marketing tools to let your fans know about your upcoming release. Platforms like SoundOn offer additional promotional tools to help you get noticed.

Why Choose SoundOn for Distribution?

SoundOn is your all-in-one solution for music distribution and marketing. By becoming a SoundOn artist, you gain access to exclusive tools and services to help you build your career. With partnerships with TikTok and CapCut, SoundOn can amplify your music to a global audience.

Benefits of Being a SoundOn Artist

• Global Distribution: SoundOn offers worldwide distribution, ensuring your music reaches listeners wherever they are.
• Marketing Tools: Use SoundOn's integrated marketing tools to create engaging campaigns and promotions to boost your visibility.
• Playlist Pitching: Increase your chances of getting playlisted on platforms like Spotify, which can significantly boost your streams and fanbase.
• Royalties and Insights: Access detailed analytics and reports on your music's performance, along with competitive royalty rates, so you earn more from your streams.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between an EP and an album is crucial in planning your music releases effectively. With the right strategy and the right tools, like those offered by SoundOn, you can successfully upload your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms, reaching new listeners and growing your fanbase. Whether you choose to release an EP or an album, remember that the quality of your music and your promotional efforts will significantly impact your success.