EP (Extended Play)
A release format longer than a single but shorter than a full album, typically 4-6 tracks.
Definition
An EP (Extended Play) is a music release containing more tracks than a single but fewer than a full-length album, typically 4-6 songs totaling 15-30 minutes. EPs offer a middle ground between singles and albums.
The format has gained popularity in the streaming era as artists release music more frequently while maintaining project cohesion.
Why It Matters
EPs allow artists to release substantial bodies of work without the time and expense of full albums. They're ideal for testing new directions, maintaining momentum between albums, or introducing new artists to audiences.
For emerging artists, EPs demonstrate artistic range while requiring less investment than a full album.
Examples in Practice
A new artist releases a debut EP of five songs to establish their sound before committing to a full album direction.
A band uses an EP to experiment with a new genre, gauging fan reaction before incorporating the style into their next full-length release.
An artist drops an EP of remixes between album cycles to maintain streaming momentum and give fans fresh content.