Understand EP vs. LP to Know the Right Music Format to Use Today

While the joy of listening is universal, the subtleties of music creation are often overlooked by many. For aspiring artists, improving their craft is essential, including understanding musical expressions that you might have yet to learn for an extended period. In this post, we will delve into the significance of EPs, known as Extended Plays, and LPs, known as Long Plays, by shedding light on why these distinctions are not just technicalities but pivotal choices that can shape an artist's musical journey.

Whether you're an avid fan curious about the mechanics behind your favorite music or an artist aiming to know the industry landscape, this article is perfect for you. Know more about what is an EP and LP through the musical odyssey we are about, to begin with.

Part 1. LP vs EP - What Are These & Their Differences?

EP vs. LP has been a hot topic in the music industry. Knowing what these are and their differences can help us narrow down which is better to use in a specific situation and what are the benefits of getting or listening to it. To give you a highlight on these, read the information we added on the comparison chart below that can help you understand it more.

Criteria	EPs	LPs
are Known As	Extended Plays	Long Plays
Length	EPs contain 3 to 6 tracks that run for around 15 to 30 minutes.	LPs contain 7 to 20+ tracks, spanning 45 to 90+ minutes.
Purpose	It is often used for promotional purposes, to introduce new music, or as a smaller collection of songs.	It is usually a full album release showcasing a comprehensive musical concept or theme.
Release Format	It can be released in various formats, such as digital downloads, CDs, and vinyl, but it is shorter than LPs.	It is primarily released on vinyl records, but it can be available digitally and on streaming platforms.
Artist Intent	It provides a snapshot of an artist’s style or experimental ideas.	Represent a cohesive body of work, often with a narrative or thematic.
Impact on the Music Industry	It is increasingly becoming popular in the digital world due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness for artists.	It is traditionally associated with mainstream album releases.
Listener Experience	It allows listeners to sample an artist’s style without the time commitment of a full album.	It offers a deep exploration of a specific musical concept, allowing for in-depth emotional connection.
Artwork and Design	It may have a simpler artwork and design focused on a specific theme or concept related to the EP.	It usually features elaborate album artwork, often with accompanying booklets or inserts.
Production Time	It has a shorter production time, enabling faster release and adaptation to changing musical trends.	Longer production time if compared to EPs, which allows for meticulous crafting of each track and overall album flow.

Part 2. Which is Better to Release as an Artist? EP or LP?

Knowing what an Extended Play is gives us the idea that it is faster to release than the LP, but is it the best one to release? Knowing the artist's vision, budget and resources, audience engagement, promotional goals, genre, and industry trends can help us know which fit. Read the following information below to know more about it.

1. Artistic Vision:

If an artist has a comprehensive concept or a story to tell that requires multiple tracks, an LP might be the better choice. LPs allow for a deeper exploration of themes and often provide a more immersive listening experience. On the other hand, if the artist wants to introduce a new sound, experiment with different styles, or create a shorter, focused musical statement, an EP might be more appropriate.

2. Budget and Resources:

What does LP stand for? Long Plays typically require more time, effort, and resources due to the more significant number of tracks and the need for a cohesive flow. If an artist works with limited resources, releasing an EP can be a more feasible option. EPs are also a good way for emerging artists to showcase their talent without the extensive production costs associated with full-length albums.

3. Audience Engagement:

Consider the preferences of the target audience. Younger listeners and those in the digital age often appreciate shorter formats like EPs, which align with the trend of consuming music in smaller, focused doses. However, dedicated fans and collectors might still appreciate the depth of an LP and the accompanying artwork and packaging.

4. Promotional Goals:

EPs are often used as promotional tools, allowing artists to release new music more frequently and stay relevant in the fast-paced music industry. They can generate buzz and maintain audience engagement between LP releases. On the other hand, LPs can attract more attention from media outlets and reviewers due to their comprehensive nature.

5. Genre and Industry Trends:

Consider the trends within the artist's specific genre and the music industry. Some genres traditionally favor LP releases, while others, especially in the digital and streaming era, might see more success with EPs.

Part 3. How to Release EP & LP Music - What Are The Things Needed?

Releasing an EP and LP involves a series of steps that require careful planning, organization, and promotion. Here's a step-by-step on how to release both types of music.

Steps on How to Release an EP Music:

Step 1Determine the theme, concept, or narrative of your EP, then write and produce the tracks that you want to include on it. Make sure that everything is aligned with the overall theme you choose.

Step 2Record your tracks in a professional studio, mix, and master the song to ensure high-quality audio output. After that, design the album artwork that represents your theme, and if you plan to release physical copies, you will need to design a digital booklet or insert.

Step 3Choose a digital distribution platform to distribute your EP to online stores and streaming services. But if you intend to release a physical copy, you better find a reliable manufacturer.

Step 4Create a press kit including your bio, high-quality photos, and press release. Utilize social media to promote your EP, and consider creating a music video or lyric video for a wider reach.

Step 5Set a release date and coordinate your marketing efforts around it. Engage with your audience in the mainstream before you release it, and encourage your fans to pre-save your EP on streaming platforms.

Steps on How to Release LP Music:

Step 1Define first the overarching theme or story of your album. Then, plan the tracklist and ensure a balanced flow or coherence from one track to another.

Step 2Record all the tracks, work with the producer to maintain a consistent sound throughout the album, and invest time in detailed mixing and mastering for a polished sound.

Step 3Design the album artwork that reflects the theme and concept you have chosen. Plan the design for physical copies, including the CD or vinyl covers and any accompanying booklets you will add on.

Step 4Choose a digital distribution service to distribute your LP across various platforms and set up pre-order options, allowing fans to purchase the album before its official release date.

Step 5Release singles or teaser tracks to build anticipation for the album. Send out press releases to music publications and reviewers. Plan a launch event to celebrate the release of the album.

Step 6Continuously promote your album through social media, interviews, and live performances. Gather reviews and testimonials to showcase the reception of it, and consider releasing a music video for some of the tracks to maintain momentum.

Part 4. Easiest Method to Burn an EP or LP Music to CD/DVD & Retain Best Quality

If you are on a tight budget and want to do a DIY burn your EP or LP music into a CD/DVD to have a physical copy, then use the Tipard DVD Creator to produce. It is a reliable CD and DVD burner that creates personalized discs for multiple contents, including music and videos. Also, it offers menu customization that you can use to improve the menu, frame, button, text, background music, and picture.

Moreover, it supports multiple video formats, allowing users to convert their videos into a disk-compatible format with ease. After you have burned the project into a physical disk, insert it into a player to listen to or watch it with the highest quality. To get the software on your computer right now, you will need to click the download button presented below.

Further Reading:

The Easiest Way to Rip CD to MP3

Blu-ray vs. DVD vs. CD: Learn Differences of the Discs

Part 5. FAQs about EP vs. LP

Conclusion

EP in music means a short collection of 7 or fewer tracks on an album, while LP is the one you are about to produce if you want to create an album that lasts longer than EPs. Now that you have read this article completely, you can wield the knowledge about this musical format that can help you become successful. We hope that you have read this and learned a lot about EP and LP here.