What is an EP in Music?

Music fans may be familiar with albums and singles, but what is an EP? An EP (short for “extended play”) is a musical release that is somewhere between a single and an album in terms of length and content. An EP typically contains four to six tracks which have been put together by an artist or a record label. While it may contain fewer tracks than an album, an EP often includes a selection of material that has its own distinct quality to it, making it a crucial part of an artist’s work.

The History of EPs

One of the earliest and most common uses of the EP format was in the days of vinyl singles, which began as early as the 1940s. In this case, an EP would be a 7-inch vinyl disc containing up to four tracks, with each side of the disc typically running for around 7.5 to 10 minutes. In the 1950s and 1960s, the extended play single saw greater use, as vinyl disc technology was slowly developed. This saw albums become the most popular format for music, which dominated the next two decades.

The Revival of EPs

The EVP format eventually saw a resurgence during the 2000s, thanks in part to digital music platforms, such as streaming and download services. Rather than relying on physical disc production, digital music allowed for the creation of multiple smaller releases, such as EPs and singles, which bridge the gap between full-length albums and one-off singles. This has become a popular way for music fans to keep up with the latest and greatest trends in the music world, as well as to discover unheralded or unknown artists.

Conclusion

EPs are an important part of the musical landscape. Not only are they a great way for music fans to keep up with their favourite artists, they provide an important platform for undiscovered or emerging artists to showcase their work. EPs have seen an increased level of popularity with the advent of digital music, and can now be heard across the world due to the internet. When it comes to music, the EP is an essential format.