Extended play
Extended Play (EP)
An Extended Play (EP) is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single, but is usually unqualified as an album or LP. The term is often used in the music industry to denote a specific type of release that is longer than a single but shorter than a full-length album.
History[edit | edit source]
The concept of the EP originated in the early 20th century, with the advent of the 45 RPM record. Originally, EPs were released on 7-inch vinyl records and typically contained four to five tracks. They were a popular format in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in the UK, where they often featured a collection of songs from a single artist or a compilation of various artists.
Format and Length[edit | edit source]
EPs generally contain more music than a single, which typically has one or two tracks, but are shorter than a full-length album, which usually contains eight or more tracks. The typical length of an EP is between 15 to 30 minutes, although this can vary depending on the artist and the genre.
Purpose and Usage[edit | edit source]
EPs serve various purposes in the music industry. They are often used by new artists to introduce their music to the public without the commitment of a full album. Established artists may release EPs to provide fans with new material between album releases. EPs can also be used to experiment with new sounds or to release a collection of remixes or live recordings.
Digital Era[edit | edit source]
With the rise of digital music platforms, the definition and usage of EPs have evolved. Digital EPs can vary in length and track number, and the format has become more flexible. Artists can release EPs directly to streaming services, making them more accessible to a global audience.
Notable Examples[edit | edit source]
Many famous artists have released EPs that have become significant in their careers. For example, The Beatles released several EPs in the 1960s, which were popular in the UK. More recently, artists like Billie Eilish and The Weeknd have used the EP format to release new music and reach their audiences.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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