What’s an EP in Music and How to Set Up Your Spotify Artist Name?

The music industry can be confusing with its jargon and processes, especially for new artists. Two common questions are “What’s an EP in music?” and “How do I set my Spotify account as my artist name?” This article will address these questions to give you a deeper understanding and guide you through the steps to enhance your music career.

What’s an EP in Music?

An Extended Play, or EP, is a collection of music tracks that is longer than a single but shorter than a full album. Typically, an EP contains 3 to 5 songs and is around 15 to 30 minutes in length. It's a popular format among new artists and established musicians alike for several reasons:

• Cost-Effective: Producing an EP is generally less expensive than a full album, making it ideal for emerging artists with limited budgets.
• Creative Freedom: Artists can experiment with different styles and themes without the pressure of creating an album's worth of music.
• Fan Engagement: Releasing an EP keeps fans engaged between full album releases, providing fresh content more frequently.

In a nutshell, an EP is a versatile tool for artists to showcase their talent, experiment with new sounds, and maintain a connection with their audience. Famous examples of EPs include The Beatles' Long Tall Sally and Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory EP.

How to Set Your Spotify as Your Artist Name?

Whether you’re an emerging artist or looking to rebrand, setting up your Spotify account with your artist name is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your Spotify profile reflects your artist identity:

1. Create a Spotify for Artists Account

First, you need to have a Spotify for Artists account. This will give you access to tools and analytics that are essential for managing your artist profile.

1. Go to the Spotify for Artists website and click on “Get Access”.
2. You'll be prompted to log in with your Spotify account or create a new one.
3. Once logged in, you'll need to claim your artist profile. This involves providing your artist name and linking to your music on Spotify.

2. Customize Your Profile

After setting up your account, the next step is to personalize your profile so it stands out:

• Profile Picture: Upload a high-quality image that represents you or your band.
• Bio: Write a compelling bio that tells your story. Be authentic and include any notable achievements.
• Social Media Links: Link to your social media accounts so fans can follow you on other platforms.
• Custom URL: You can create a personalized URL for easy sharing. For example, spotify.com/yourartistname.

3. Verify Your Artist Profile

Verification is an important step as it adds a blue checkmark to your profile, signaling authenticity to your fans:

1. Ensure your profile is complete with all necessary information such as bio, photos, and social media links.
2. Submit a request for verification through the Spotify for Artists dashboard.
3. Spotify will review your submission and, upon approval, your profile will gain the verified status.

4. Upload Your Music

Now that your profile is set up, it’s time to upload your music. This can be done through various music distribution platforms such as SoundOn, which offers global distribution and helps artists grow their fan base through platforms like TikTok. Here's how:

1. Create an account on SoundOn.
2. Upload your music tracks and provide all the necessary information such as track title, genre, and release date.
3. Once your music is approved, it will be distributed to Spotify and other streaming services.

5. Promote Your Music

Promotion is key to gaining traction on Spotify. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Spotify Playlists: Pitch your tracks to Spotify playlists through the Spotify for Artists dashboard. Getting featured on playlists can massively increase your streams.
• Social Media: Utilize your social media channels to promote your music. Share snippets, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience.
• Collaborations: Partner with other artists or influencers to reach a wider audience.

Conclusion

Understanding what an EP is and setting up your Spotify artist name are fundamental steps in establishing your music career. An EP allows you to showcase your talent without the pressures of a full album, while a well-managed Spotify profile ensures that your music reaches the right audience. By following these steps and leveraging platforms like SoundOn, you can set your music career on the path to success.

Sign up on SoundOn today and start your journey towards becoming a well-known artist on Spotify!