Single, Ep, & Album -What's the Difference?
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In this video, I discuss the difference between albums, ep's, singles, and mixtapes, and how to decide which option is best for you. I have included a link to a great podcast by cdbaby which covers the topic more in depth. I hope the information helps you in your own songwriting journey.
-BA
All audio (except bed track used with permission from composer 100bulletz) is original and composed by Bori Afolabi. (c) 2017 Bori Afolabi. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is a violation of applicable laws.
0:35 Single
1:43 EP
2:16 Album
2:31 LP and EP
3:07 Mixtape 📼
1:10
3:46
3:52
5:23
5:55
6:15
7:32 Mixtape Release
If you've been waiting patiently and even doubting that it would ever happen, wait and doubt no more. The promised EP is finally out... nearly a year and a half late but it's done. Thanks for the patience and all the positive feedback on the video. Once I get my nights back and my little guy starts sleeping well, I'll be back to posting new and regular content. Till then enjoy the music and let me know if you dig it. Link is in the description. Love you guys. -BA
Why doesnt this channel have more subscribers
Thanks for the comment. I've been low key for a while but I'm working on some new content for the fall. Stay tuned.-BA
Bori Afolabi thanx for help man❤
You're Welcome. Glad you got something out of it.- BA
Aquilah Alexander 💪
@@boriafolabimusic Thanks so much brother
.
underrated, you deserve soooo many more subscribers... i love your content bro.. keep doing these great videos! ;)
There's a breakdown to a singles...
Promotional Single (PRO CDS) - TRADITIONALLY Is the lead single from an upcoming body of work (LP, EP, Soundtrack or Compilation Album). Multiple singles can be lifted from a body of work to promote the album. Promo Singles are sent to radio stations and DJ's for promotional play through radio or nightclubs. Promotional Singles often carry the radio formatted version (aka Radio Edit), if the radio formatted version is different from the LP Version, it will often contain the LP Version as the second track, and the third track is typically an Instrumental (no vocals). Sometimes, depending on the genre of music, the "Acapella" version is included on the pressing of a PRO CDS. These formats are not for sale to the public.
Commercial Single (CDS) - TRADITIONALLY is an individual song taken from a body of work (LP, EP, Soundtrack or Compilation Album). Prior to the Digital Era a CDS was the commercial release of a PROCDS. A commercial single (depending on the region of the world you're in) contained the radio formatted version of the single (or the LP Version) and either one or two B-side's that are not included on the album. Three tracks is the max for a CDS, anymore than three, it becomes a CDM.
Commercial Maxi Single (CDM) - TRADITIONALLY is an individual song containing multiple versions of the main track on the radio. A CDM is over four tracks, and usually contains alternative mixes of the title song (aka the club mixes).
Extended Play Record (EP) - Is a body of work that runs 24 minutes (or contains four tracks that are not alternative versions of one song - see CDM).
Long Play Record (LP) - is a body of work that traditionally ran 23 minutes, but was expanded to 30 minutes (standard) when vinylys were able to contain more tracks. LP's can be eight to nine tracks depending on the length of a song - as long as it meets the 30 minute mark (or more) it qualifies as a full length LP and not an EP.
Mixtapes - Originally "Demo/Work In Progress Album" is a body of music containing the main tracks intended for the commercial release of an album. These "WIP Albums" often contain alternative mixes for the Label Executives to determine which version would be most appropriate for the commercial release. As times evolved, demo albums started to morph into mixtapes. Mixtapes are often used (like he said) within the Urban community. They were often used as fillers by an artists when they were in between labels. As times have changed, mixtapes have become their own "thing" away from a Work In Progress album. However Mixtapes are known to contain songs that make final cuts to new albums, but the version on the mixtape will either be a demo version, while the commercial version might be more cleaned up for release.
Wow, thanks for the informative input man. Some gold here. -BA
kenyan dancehall music th-cam.com/video/oKgU1oh42TA/w-d-xo.html
Thanks
You explained this crystal clear. I want to make my own music and didn't know what to start with, a single, an album or an EP. I also didn't really understand an EP and you explained it for me, thank you. I think I'll take your advice by doing maybe 2 or 3 singles over a few weeks time and then drop an EP. And in the future an album. So again THANK YOU!!! I'm also going to check out more of your videos for more advice, tips and tricks.
I like how you had a character and voice for each type of release.
I thought Ep means episode so I released an ep
Welp at least I can call it ep
That makes perfect sense I’ve seen albums that are 57 minutes and 46 minutes and I’ve seen albums that are 1 hour long but it does count as a lp stands for long play or length play.
You've seriously just helped me! Thank you so much from - relevant in 2019!
Glad to help. Thanks for watching. -BA
You're amazing man. THANKS for this
I would release a couple of mixtape to get some buzz and build a fan base, then release my debut single and see how that does. Then put out a debut EP and see how well it does, if my mixtapes, single and EP do very well, i'll release my debut LP (If I was a rapper starting, thats what I would do)
Thats one way to do it for sure. Test the waters so to speak. Thanks for the feedback. -BA
Thats alright, also how many songs can you have on a mixtape? :-)
I skipped the mixtape lol I just jumped into an EP. My first 2 singles ever r doing decent I suppose..
Grant Moore yeah I agree. I’m planning on 5 eps before my debut mixtape called my name is Damo
I have a vinyl album-The Best Of Bing Crosby-Sides 1 & 2 both have 10 songs! 20 songs! Probably over 40 minutes long! Still have it, and occasionally play it! 😊
Thanks bro knowledge is key 🔑
Most underrated TH-cam channel.
So, they’re basically all albums
How?
Big brain time
No.
🤣😝😆no broooo😐
They’re not all albums 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
Man great video!!! I'm a brand new artist and was looking for videos explaining this man, and because of your video I am now ready to make my move in the music biz. Thanks again man, and keep in touch!
Glad it was helpful to you. Thanks for the comment, and good luck with the music biz moves man. -BA
Pretty good job explaining album and mixtapes
Thanks! -BA
Amazing video! And I'm definitely cheking out your EP. You absolutely deserve way more subs!!
Forget that last comment. You answered it. I should have listened to the whole video before writing a comment. Good video, thanks.
I have 7 songs that the whole running time equals 24 minutes. Would you consider it a ep or album?
This is very clear although it's an old video...Thank you very much.
Thank you I'm working on my EP this year.
Very good teacher. Looking forward to your EP!
So so so useful ❤️❤️🙏🏼
It makes sense that a album or lp is a collection of music 🎼 🎶 🎵 that is longer than a single or a ep and album could also mean collection of recordings by a artist issued as a single idem or issued as a collection on cd 💿 vinyl or cassette tape and that’s why I love 💗 💕 ❤️ album 💿 so much and runtime music 🎼 🎶 🎵 starts at 0:00 and it ends when the audio is finished and the audio has been officially completed and I think 🤔 that you should do a TH-cam video that explains runtime and why runtime is so important on album 💿 and why that every song 🎵 🎧 🎶 should be on runtime and that’s my theory on music 🎼 🎶 🎵.
great video cant wait for the EP!! keep up the grind!!
Great info. This channel is going to Blow
Respect G. My EP COMING OUT NOVEMBER 23RD.
Thanks 😘
Hey man. Thank you for this! I thought I was dumb for just looking this up but you explain it perfectly.
Glad to help with knowledge and clearly you're not dumb. Thanks for watching. -BA
HPpy almost bday
Thank you ☺️ for what is a album 💿 bori.
Some people are just talented explaining things 👏
The first half of this video was really helpful, and the second would have been very helpful if i actually made music. Keep on posting BA, we love it!
Tip: I would show the black screens with the text a little bit longer 🖤
May 18thhh wasssup twin💯💯💯 aye I’m a young artist from North Carolina the name Jit Miestro I stumble upon your video cause I was looking for clarity on the difference between the bodies of work I can release as a musician. Thanks for helping me out, you make me wanna drop an ep on our birthday as well!!!!! 💯
Thank you. I found my answer for my questions here
glad you found it helpful! -BA
Thanks man I’m just starting to rap and I made a song already but I wasn’t sure what the difference was of an ep or a single but now I know this helped a lot thanks again man subbed
Glad to be of service. All the best with your music journey. -BA
Straight to the point thank you I noticed Digital Platforms Will format your content to Single, album and Ep.. I recently dropped a Ep in June with 7 tracks but they qualified it as an album even tho I wrote Ep on my cover .
Yes, depending on which one you use, they all have varying taxonomy styles. It can be frustrating at times. -BA
Coo bro thanks for the info 👊🏽
Great vid!
What of 2 songs
helpful and insightful, many thanks
Ko buru. -BA
What about different mixtapes and an album
thx
Great explanation, thanks for that. Best of luck with your work.
Much appreciated. Same to you. P.S, I actually finished writing and recording my ep but didn't get to mixing it yet. Life kicked in but its still coming. -BA
Thanks alot
No prob, thanks for watching. -BA
So an EP is basically a song on an album that’s released before the full album is released just to get people interested in the album
I really wanted to know about it and your explanation was excellent bro thank you so much and this is your new subscriber
Glad to hear you found it helpful. Thanks for the comment and sub. -BA
Love your videos bro 🤙 best of luck in your music
Thanks my friend. I appreciate the love. -BA
Thanks for sharing. This is very valuable info for new and season creatives.
Indeed. Thanks for checking it out. -BA
Very very helpful video, thank you so much! 🙏🏼
Thank you really helped me I needed to hear this message
Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching. -BA
This helped a lot. Thanks!
Glad to hear you found it helpful. Thanks for watching. -BA
So an ep is basically just a short album?
More or less - BA
Bori Afolabi ok
My Nigeria guy Afolabi
You are great
Come back please
This was helpful to me. I want to do an E.P this year in my Campus
Hey, thanks for watching. Glad you found it helpful. Best of luck on your project as well. -BA
Thanks I kept hearing artist say EP. Had no idea what EP was
It's interesting how many people don't know. But i guess it's really not that important in the grand scheme of things. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment. -BA
I’d release a mixtape or an EP to get some buzz. and then my debut single and see if it’ll blow, and make new material for my album
Thanks bro i just started
So EP means like mini-album?
Please response hehe, I wanna be an successful singer and dancer soon!
Thank for explaining that term.
Thank you for what’s the difference between a single,ep,and album do you know what’s the difference between a aside and a b side?
Thank you for this awesome video I didn’t know what the difference was thank you for this helpful video
you're very welcome my friend. I'm glad it helped. Thanks for watching. -BA
So this goes for pretty much all genre's right ?
"...18 tracks, and it's a lot..." 1 year and half after, albums have 40 songs haha
I've heard that to make an album rather than a mixtape, you need to be signed to a label. Is that true?
Hey thanks for your question. I don't believe you need to be on a label to make anything today. If you have 300.00 a computer, and some time to learn recording and mixing, you can make all the music you want for very little money. Label's (and i've signed to a few in my time) are basically like bank loans with crazy conditions that often don't favour the artist. With the increase in technology however, there is really little reason why you can't create a good body of music on your own without labels pressuring you to change your sound. Hope that makes sense. -BA
Bori Afolabi thank you so much bro , helped a lot :)
No prob. All the best to you. Keep writing. -BA
You too :)
Jacob Gosse No.You can do it in an independent fashion.It'll just be more expensive and may take longer.Also you may not get the exposure you want since you don't have a brand name(Label) pushing your tunes out there.Piece man.Good luck brother
Yay! looking forward to hearing it.
Thanks for watching. Can't wait to get it done and out to you. -BA
Bro thank you so much man.I couldn't find a clear definition such as yours for the life of me.I'm waiting for your new EP.
I'd love to know where I could find it.I'm releasing my own Mixtape
The Khan Tapez this year in 2018.
If you wanna listen to it check out on my Soundcloud @GREAT KHAN ROBOTIK.I truly wish you well in your music.Piece bro.
Thanks for watching. Glad you found the info useful. Sadly I failed to deliver on my ep promise as my new born son at the time had some health issue which have kept us up nightly. My studio hours for creativity were shut down...temporarily. I actually finished it and just needed to mix and master it so I do plan to drop it in the near future. Anyway, best of luck on your own release. Keep at it. -BA
what's the exact difference between live, studio and video albums?
A single is 1-4 songs I done bout single before some been 4 songs and some 2 songs
Hi i wanna ask somwthing. can a single be also part of an ep/album?
Yes! Lots of Albums and Ep's have singles released off of them. -BA
I'm a create a comedy mixtape
Awesome! Best of luck with it. -BA
Gumbo Hillarious
Damn this channel needs to get bigger
So great and informative
You explained this very well cause I been wondering
Thanks for the comment. Glad it helped. -BA
I thought ep stood for early project and l.p. stood for late project 😂
lol
in my life the latter has proven accurate a few times 😂 Thanks for watching. -BA
This video is very informative! Thank you so much!
You're Welcome. Glad you found it useful, and thanks for the comment. -BA
Can someone explain the singles again?
So, thank you for what you do. I just discovered this channel and the content is so helpful. I definately am a big supporter of songwriters getting attention. This has given me some food for thought in terms of direction for 2018. I would love it if you could check out Closer and tell me what you think?
happy to hear you find the content useful Keep up the good work and thanks for watching -BA
Man this video is too dope.
great video real stuff man.
Great explanation Bori, thank you so very much!
Thanks for watching Mark. I appreciate the comment -BA
As shown on 2:40-3:03 yep thats definitely sounds right biro but can you please do a TH-cam video about runtime?
Sir can you plz tell me.what the meaning of album seeling ?? Its the DVD / Caset / or what ??plz rpy sir
Hey hori I’ve seen album that is 57 minutes.
Thankssss for the VIDEO!!! Is that your studio?
Great video, thanks!
Is mini album same as ep andd can you make a single album an album with two singles?
2:40-2:47 and also as shown on 2:54 and also as shown on 3:04 true.
More albums today are in the 40-60 min actually
tis true. I suspect because it's easier to make recordings today than it's ever been? Thanks for your thoughts. -BA
Thanks bro 🙂🎼🎙💯
Hi Bori. Thanks a lot.
Just a question.. EP must be necessary part of an album or can be create indipendently?
An EP is usually released independently of an album as it's a smaller body of work. Hope that makes sense. -BA
@@boriafolabimusicthanks..
In order to practice, if I have five tracks, can I already realize from them an EP, even if they are not part of an album?
You sir, Just gained a subscriber ., Much Love
You're a blessing to our music community! Starting out can be so nerve racking and daunting. I held my breathe when you were recommending what a new artist should do and my gut was right! I just released my first single as an emerging artist!
Feel free to have a listen to it here www.thesupremekaiya.com/introspect
Much Love!
Hi I love your vid and I just subscribe and I have a question:
Is it possible if it’s considered an album if it’s 6 tracks but it’s over 30 minutes long
Thanks for the sub and question. I'm no authority on album/ep taxonomy, but my leaning would be that 6 tracks is still an ep. Perhaps a 5 track ep with a bonus tack as the 6th? -BA
Thank u
Thanks for the bonus
Awesome explanation bro.
Thanks! -BA