EP vs Album: What’s the Difference?

In the dynamic world of music, terms like EP and album are common but often misunderstood. If you’re an emerging artist aiming to distribute your music, it is essential to grasp these concepts. In this article, we'll dive into the differences between EPs and albums and show you how to upload a song to Spotify, helping to ensure your journey in the music industry is as smooth and successful as possible.

Understanding an EP

EP stands for Extended Play, and it traditionally contains more music than a single but is too short to be considered a full-length album. Generally, an EP has 4 to 6 tracks and runs for about 15 to 30 minutes. EPs are an excellent way for artists to release new music more frequently and maintain engagement with their audience without committing to the lengthy process of creating a full-length album.

Defining an Album

On the other hand, an album is a more comprehensive body of work. Typically, albums consist of 8 to 12 tracks or more, running anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Albums often represent a significant milestone in an artist’s career, reflecting a more complete and cohesive artistic vision. The process of creating an album can be quite labor-intensive but highly rewarding, offering listeners a deeper dive into the artist's creative world.

When to Release an EP vs an Album

Choosing between releasing an EP or album depends on several factors, including where you are in your music career, your production capabilities, and your audience's expectations. Newer artists often opt for EPs to introduce their music without overwhelming new listeners. Established artists might release albums to make a significant impact or to align with a tour or a significant marketing campaign.

How to Upload a Song to Spotify

Spotify is one of the leading digital streaming platforms, and getting your music onto this service can significantly boost your visibility. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you upload your song to Spotify:

1. Choose a Music Distribution Service

Spotify doesn’t allow artists to upload music directly to their platform. Instead, you need to use a music distribution service, such as SoundOn, which helps you distribute your music to various digital platforms, including Spotify.

2. Create a SoundOn Account

Sign up for a SoundOn account by providing some basic information about yourself and your music. Once you’re registered, you can begin the process of uploading your tracks.

3. Prepare Your Music Files

Ensure your music files are high-quality and meet Spotify’s specifications. Generally, your tracks should be in WAV or FLAC format to maintain the best audio quality.

4. Upload Your Music

Log in to your SoundOn account and upload your music files. You'll need to provide metadata for each track, including the song title, artist name, genre, and release date. This information helps listeners discover your music.

5. Submit and Wait

Once you’ve uploaded your music and filled in the necessary information, submit your tracks for distribution. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for your music to appear on Spotify, so be patient.

Promoting Your Music on Spotify

Getting your music onto Spotify is just the first step. Promotion is key to increasing your streams and gaining more fans.

1. Create a Marketing Plan

Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes social media promotion, engaging with your fans, and possibly running ads. Utilize platforms like TikTok to create viral moments for your songs.

2. Pitch to Spotify Playlists

One of the best ways to promote your music on Spotify is by getting featured on curated playlists. Use your SoundOn account to pitch your songs to Spotify curators, improving your chances of landing a spot on popular playlists.

3. Engage with Your Audience

Engage with your listeners by sharing your Spotify profile on social media, collaborating with other artists, and participating in community events. The more you engage, the more likely people will listen to and share your music.

Why Choose SoundOn for Music Distribution?

SoundOn is an all-in-one platform designed to help you build your music career. By distributing your music through SoundOn, you gain access to exclusive partners like CapCut and TikTok, opening up more avenues for promotion and audience engagement. Plus, with SoundOn’s global distribution service, your music can reach fans across the world.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to release an EP or an album, understanding the differences between the two can help you make informed decisions for your music career. Furthermore, knowing how to upload a song to Spotify effectively through a platform like SoundOn will set you on the right path to success. Engage with your audience, promote your music diligently, and watch your musical journey flourish.