What Does EP Stand for in Music?

In the ever-evolving music industry, there are numerous terms and abbreviations that might seem confusing at first glance. One of the most common abbreviations you’ll come across is EP. If you’re an aspiring artist or a music enthusiast, it's important to not only understand what an EP is, but also to know the best practices for listing a featured singer on an album. Let's dive into these essential aspects of the music world.

What is an EP?

The term EP stands for Extended Play. An EP is a collection of music tracks that is longer than a single but shorter than a full-length album. Typically, an EP contains three to five tracks and ranges from 15 to 30 minutes in total length. EPs are a popular choice for new artists looking to showcase their talent without committing to the time and expense involved in creating a full album.

Why Release an EP?

Releasing an EP can be a strategic move for several reasons:

• Introduction to New Audiences: An EP is a great way to introduce your music to new listeners without overwhelming them with too many songs.
• Lower Production Costs: Producing three to five high-quality tracks is less expensive and time-consuming than creating a full album.
• Test the Waters: An EP allows artists to experiment with their sound and get feedback before committing to a more extensive project.

Listing a Featured Singer on an Album

Featuring another artist on your album can be a fantastic way to reach new audiences and add a unique touch to a track. Here’s how to properly list a featured singer on your album:

Correct Labelling

When listing a featured singer, it's important to label the track correctly. Typically, the featured artist is denoted with (feat. Artist Name) following the primary artist’s name and the song title. For example:

Track Title (feat. Featured Artist)

Royalty Agreements

Before releasing a track with a featured artist, make sure all royalty agreements are in place. It's crucial to agree on the split of royalties and ensure that the featured artist is properly credited and compensated. Having clear agreements helps avoid any potential disputes over revenue.

Promotion and Marketing

When promoting your album, make sure to highlight the featured artists in your marketing campaigns. Collaborations can attract fans of the featured artist, helping to broaden your audience. Utilize social media platforms like TikTok to share snippets of your music and engage with fans. Platforms like SoundOn offer excellent resources for marketing and distributing your music effectively.

Benefits of Featuring Artists

Featuring other artists can have numerous benefits:

• Expanded Audience Reach: Introduce your music to the featured artist’s fan base.
• Creative Collaboration: A featured artist can bring a fresh perspective and unique sound to your track.
• Network Building: Collaborating can strengthen relationships within the music industry.

Submitting Your EP to DSPs

Once your EP is ready, the next step is to get it onto digital streaming platforms (DSPs) like Spotify and Apple Music. This process is known as music pitching. When submitting your EP, provide comprehensive and accurate information to improve your chances of being included in curated playlists.

Using SoundOn for Distribution and Promotion

SoundOn offers an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, making it easy for artists to build their careers and find new fans. By partnering with platforms like TikTok, SoundOn helps you amplify your reach and ensures your music gets the attention it deserves.

Conclusion

Understanding what an EP is and the correct way to list a featured singer on an album are essential skills for any artist in the music industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your audience, these strategies will help you navigate the complexities of music production and promotion.

For more tips on music distribution and to start your journey as a successful artist, consider registering with SoundOn. With the right tools and knowledge, you can make a lasting impact in the music world.