Extended Play, also known as EP, is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record. Contemporary EPs generally contain four to six tracks, and are considered “less expensive and time-consuming” for an artist to produce than an album. EPs are a popular format for independent artists as they are a cost-effective way to release new music and gain exposure.
EPs can be used for a variety of purposes, including introducing a new artist, promoting a forthcoming album, or showcasing a specific style or sound. They can also be used as a way for established artists to experiment with new genres or collaborate with other musicians. Furthermore, EPs can be released digitally, physically, or both, making them accessible to a wide range of audiences. With the rise of streaming services, EPs have become increasingly popular as they allow artists to release new music more frequently and keep their fans engaged.
History of Extended Plays
The history of Extended Plays (EPs) dates back to the era of vinyl records. EPs were introduced as a new format between the 78 RPM Standard Play (SP) and the LP (long-playing) records. The 78 RPM SP was the most common format for music recordings until the late 1940s. However, it had certain limitations, such as short playing time, limited sound quality, and fragility.
To overcome these limitations, RCA Victor introduced EPs in 1952. The EPs had narrower grooves, achieved by lowering the cutting levels and sound compression optionally, which enabled them to hold up to 7.5 minutes per side but still be played by a standard 45 RPM phonograph. The format became popular as it allowed for more music to be recorded on a single disc, which was also more affordable than an LP.
In the 1960s, EPs became more popular with the rise of rock and roll music. Artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles released EPs that contained hit singles and B-sides. The format allowed for greater flexibility in terms of song selection and pricing. EPs were also used by smaller record labels, such as Grey Gull Records, to release recordings of lesser-known artists.
In recent years, the popularity of EPs has increased once again. According to Ricardo Baca of The Denver Post, contemporary EPs generally contain four to five tracks, and are considered “less expensive and time-consuming” for an artist to produce than an album. They are also popular among independent artists who want to release their music without the constraints of a major label.
the history of EPs is closely tied to the evolution of music recording technology and the changing needs of artists and consumers. Today, EPs continue to be a popular format for music releases, allowing artists to experiment with different styles and genres while also providing fans with a more affordable and convenient way to enjoy their music.
Extended Play in Different Regions
Extended plays have been a popular format for music releases in various regions around the world. In this section, we will take a look at how EPs have been received in different countries.
United States
In the United States, EPs have been used as a way for artists to release new music without having to commit to a full-length album. EPs are often used to test the waters and gauge audience interest before releasing a full album. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) defines an EP as a release with 4-6 songs or under 30 minutes in length.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, EPs are recognized by the Official Chart Company and can chart on the UK Singles Chart and UK Albums Chart. EPs must have at least 4 tracks and be under 25 minutes in length. The UK has a long history of EP releases, with many iconic EPs being released in the 1960s by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Canada
In Canada, EPs are treated similarly to albums and are eligible for certification by Music Canada. EPs must have at least 5 tracks and be under 30 minutes in length to be eligible for certification.
Europe
In Europe, EPs are recognized by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and are subject to varying length and track requirements depending on the country. For example, in France, EPs must have at least 2 tracks and be under 25 minutes in length, while in Germany, EPs must have at least 3 tracks and be under 25 minutes in length.
EPs have been a versatile format for artists to release new music and have been embraced by audiences around the world.
Extended Play Formats
Extended plays, commonly known as EPs, come in various formats. EPs can be released on vinyl records, CDs, or as digital downloads. EPs contain more tracks than a single, but fewer tracks than an album or LP record.
A vinyl EP typically consists of a pair of 7-inch discs recorded at 45 or 33 1/3 RPM, while a double EP is a set of two discs, each of which would normally qualify as an EP. The name is thus analogous to a double album. Vinyl EPs generally contain four to six tracks, making them less expensive and time-consuming for an artist to produce than an album.
CD EPs also contain more tracks than a single but fewer tracks than a full-length album. CD EPs typically contain three to six tracks, making them a popular format for artists to release new material or to showcase their work.
In the digital age, EPs can be released as digital downloads and streaming. Digital EPs can contain any number of tracks, and there are no time limitations to how long a song can be. This flexibility allows artists to experiment with different genres and styles and release their music directly to their fans.
EPs can also be released as maxi-singles, which are longer than regular singles but shorter than EPs. Maxi-singles typically contain three to four tracks, including remixes and alternate versions of the main track.
EPs come in various formats, including vinyl records, CDs, and digital downloads. They contain more tracks than a single but fewer tracks than an album or LP record. The number of tracks on an EP can vary depending on the format, with vinyl EPs typically containing four to six tracks, CD EPs containing three to six tracks, and digital EPs containing any number of tracks. Maxi-singles are another format of EPs that contain three to four tracks, including remixes and alternate versions of the main track.
Extended Play Length and Size
Extended plays, commonly known as EPs, are musical recordings that contain more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record. Contemporary EPs generally contain four to six tracks and are considered “less expensive and time-consuming” for an artist to produce than an album [1].
The boundary between an EP and an LP is not always clear, and there is no official standard. However, a general rule of thumb is that an EP typically contains four to six tracks, while an LP contains seven or more tracks [2].
The maximum length of an EP can vary, but it usually ranges from 10 to 30 minutes of playing time. This length is shorter than a full-length album, which typically lasts for 30 minutes or more [3].
EPs are often released as a way for an artist to showcase their work without committing to a full album. They can also be used as a promotional tool or a way to experiment with new sounds and styles before releasing a full-length album [4].
In terms of size, EPs are typically released on 7-inch vinyl records, although they can also be released on CD, cassette, or digital formats. The 7-inch vinyl format is popular for EPs because it allows for a higher quality sound than a 12-inch LP, and it is also more affordable to produce [5].
EPs are a versatile format that allows artists to showcase their work in a compact and cost-effective way. They offer a shorter playing time than a full-length album, making them an ideal choice for listeners who want a quick taste of an artist’s work.
Key Takeaways:
- EPs contain more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record.
- The boundary between an EP and an LP is not always clear, but a general rule of thumb is that an EP typically contains four to six tracks.
- The maximum length of an EP can vary, but it usually ranges from 10 to 30 minutes of playing time.
- EPs are often released as a way for an artist to showcase their work without committing to a full album.
- EPs are typically released on 7-inch vinyl records, although they can also be released on CD, cassette, or digital formats.
Artists and Bands Using Extended Plays
Extended Plays (EPs) have been a popular choice for many artists and bands, especially those who are just starting their careers. EPs offer a chance for artists to showcase their music and build a following without the pressure of creating a full-length album. Here are some examples of artists and bands who have used EPs to their advantage:
Indie and Punk Bands
Indie and punk bands have been known to release EPs as a way to get their music out to the public. These bands often have a DIY mentality and use EPs as a way to showcase their unique sound. Some notable indie and punk bands that have released EPs include Cabaret Voltaire and Dive.
K-Pop
In the world of K-Pop, EPs are a popular choice for many artists and groups. K-Pop EPs often feature a mix of new songs and previously released singles, making them a great way for fans to get a taste of what’s to come. Some K-Pop groups that have released EPs include BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO.
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is a well-known band that has used EPs to their advantage. In 2002, they released the EP “In the End: Live & Rare,” which featured live versions of their hit songs as well as some rare tracks. The EP was a success and helped to solidify Linkin Park’s place in the music industry.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z is another artist who has used EPs to his advantage. In 2013, he released the EP “Magna Carta… Holy Grail,” which featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry. The EP was a huge success and helped to cement Jay-Z’s status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
EPs have been a popular choice for many artists and bands over the years. From indie and punk bands to K-Pop groups and established artists like Linkin Park and Jay-Z, EPs offer a way for musicians to showcase their music and build a following without the pressure of creating a full-length album.
Significance of Extended Plays in Music Industry
Extended Plays, commonly referred to as EPs, have become increasingly popular in the music industry. Contemporary EPs generally contain four to six tracks and are considered “less expensive and time-consuming” for an artist to produce than a full-length album. This allows artists to experiment with new sounds and styles without committing to a full album.
EPs are also a great option for new artists who are just starting out in the music industry. As a multi-track debut after a single, an EP is a great way to showcase an artist’s range and style. It’s not as long as a full-length album, so there’s no pressure to write more songs if an artist only has a few recorded. It’s also cheaper to record since less time is spent in the studio.
EPs have also become an important part of the music industry’s marketing strategy. Record labels often release EPs as a way to build buzz around an artist before releasing a full-length album. This is especially true in the punk rock genre, where EPs are often released as a precursor to a full-length album.
The significance of EPs can also be seen in their chart performance. The Billboard EP Chart is a popular chart that ranks the top-selling EPs in the United States. In the UK, the BBC has its own EP chart that ranks the top-selling EPs in the country.
EPs have become an important part of the music industry. They are less time-consuming and expensive to produce than full-length albums, making them a great option for new artists and established artists alike. They also serve as an important marketing tool for record labels and can chart just as well as full-length albums.
Notable Extended Plays
Extended plays have been a popular format for musical recordings for many years. Here are some notable examples of EPs:
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Jar of Flies by Alice in Chains: Released in 1994, this EP features seven tracks and is considered one of the best examples of the format. It reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and features the hit single “No Excuses.”
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The Beatles’ Long Tall Sally EP: Released in 1964, this EP was only released in the UK and features four tracks. It includes the title track, which was a cover of a Little Richard song, as well as “I Call Your Name,” “Slow Down,” and “Matchbox.”
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EMI’s Extended-Play series: In the 1950s, EMI released a series of EPs that were popular in the UK. They were often used to showcase new artists or to release compilations of previously released singles. Some notable examples include the Cliff Richard EPs and the Beatles’ “Twist and Shout” EP.
the extended play format has been used for a variety of purposes over the years. Whether it’s to showcase new artists or to release compilations of previously released singles, EPs have been an important part of the music industry for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LP and EP?
LP stands for Long Play, which refers to a vinyl record that can hold up to 20 minutes of music on each side. An EP, on the other hand, stands for Extended Play, which is a recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record.
How many songs are typically on an EP?
Contemporary EPs generally contain four to six tracks, but this can vary depending on the artist and genre.
What is considered an Extended Play?
An Extended Play is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record. EPs generally contain a minimum of four tracks and a maximum of six tracks.
Why is an EP called Extended Play?
EPs are called Extended Play because they contain more tracks than a single. They are often considered a step between a single and a full-length album.
What is the difference between an album and an Extended Play?
The main difference between an album and an Extended Play is the number of tracks. An album typically contains more than ten tracks, while an EP contains fewer than ten tracks.
What is an LP in music?
LP stands for Long Play, which refers to a vinyl record that can hold up to 20 minutes of music on each side. LPs were the primary format for music recordings from the 1950s through the 1980s.
