Uploaded March 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Is it Better to Record an Album or EP?
The rules around whether to record an album or EP are changing - slowly.
Once upon a time, if you wanted to get any attention from industry or fans, you had to make an album. Noone bought singles. No promoter was putting you on a tour unless you were supporting a full length release.
My, have times changed.
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But the question we possibly get asked more than any other at Outerloop Coaching is "should I release an album or EP?" And the number of times I have implored a student to at least CONSIDER the QUESTION is more times than I can count.
Because I feel strongly on the topic.
Unless a record label is paying the bills and demanding an album from you they can sell - record an EP.
Albums take a lot of time to record. And they're expensive to record. Let's be frank. Unless you have a large audience of fans already salivating, the album is going to LOSE YOU MONEY.
If you're hoping to get signed on the power of the recordings, I can promise you it won't be because "Track 10 just finally got their blood pumping." No record label executive or booking agent is making a decision on your recording based on the 7th or 15th song they've heard from you.
So - record an EP!
EPs are a perfect way to economically release your music. And EPs collect only your BEST songs so industry folk will be enticed to want to listen to more.I have more great reasons why I think an EP is an infinitely better choice than an album for unsigned artists. One reason I touched on in last week's video about what a producer does. Watch the video above to find out what they are!
Is it Better to Record an Album or EP?
The rules around whether to record an album or EP are changing - slowly.
Once upon a time, if you wanted to get any attention from industry or fans, you had to make an album. Noone bought singles. No promoter was putting you on a tour unless you were supporting a full length release.
My, have times changed.
Click the SUBSCRIBE button to get new videos each week!
And click the BELL to be notified.
LIKE and COMMENT below!
But the question we possibly get asked more than any other at Outerloop Coaching is "should I release an album or EP?" And the number of times I have implored a student to at least CONSIDER the QUESTION is more times than I can count.
Because I feel strongly on the topic.
Unless a record label is paying the bills and demanding an album from you they can sell - record an EP.
Albums take a lot of time to record. And they're expensive to record. Let's be frank. Unless you have a large audience of fans already salivating, the album is going to LOSE YOU MONEY.
If you're hoping to get signed on the power of the recordings, I can promise you it won't be because "Track 10 just finally got their blood pumping." No record label executive or booking agent is making a decision on your recording based on the 7th or 15th song they've heard from you.
So - record an EP!
EPs are a perfect way to economically release your music. And EPs collect only your BEST songs so industry folk will be enticed to want to listen to more.I have more great reasons why I think an EP is an infinitely better choice than an album for unsigned artists. One reason I touched on in last week's video about what a producer does. Watch the video above to find out what they are!
![How To Get Your Music On Radio [Satellite / Commercial / Public]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xJE0pnq7xXY/mqdefault.jpg "How To Get Your Music On Radio [Satellite / Commercial / Public]
Not every station-type is the same! Follow these strategies for getting your single on commercial, college, satellite, and public radio.
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For an entire course on networking in the music industry, visit https://outerloop.group/connected-strategies-for-modern-music-business-networking/
For our free e-book, visit https://outerloop.group/business-of-being-an-artist-e-book/
Also check out our video on how to write a great song for radio: https://youtu.be/PAEbvZxD-CI
Radio is still a viable way to grow your audience, and should not be neglected if you are producing music radio will play. But knowing HOW to get your music on radio can be elusive. It depends on the type of station you are approaching!
There are four types of Radio, with a fifth type that shares characteristics with any of the others.
Commercial Terrestrial radio is the radio in your market in the middle part of the dial - usually from the high 80s to around 106 or so. These are high-wattage stations (meaning you can hear them over a greater distance) that play commercials at regular intervals.
Commercial Satellite Radio is Sirius XM, broadcasting its signal throughout the US and Canada to its subscribers on special receivers.
College Radio is usually found at the very low, or very high end of the radio dial. These stations are usually low-wattage and so therefor have a smaller reach than their commercial counterparts. They are funded by the school and / or community support.
Public Radio is also usually found at the very low or high end of the radio dial. These are increasingly rare as usually public radio stations are based on and funded by universities, but there are some left and can have a loyal audience.
Check out our favorite: https://wfmu.org/
But the only types that matter are the ones that do and the ones that dont have listeners!")
![Nine Reasons Not to Sign a Label Offer in 2020 [BEWARE #6!]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xkMiA-PtE4s/mqdefault.jpg "Nine Reasons Not to Sign a Label Offer in 2020 [BEWARE #6!]
Not every record deal is created equal. If you have been asked to sign a label offer you need to watch this video before you do! Your dream label can quickly become a nightmare. And your success as an independent artist gives you more ability to walk away from a deal than ever before.
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Here is our email list building mastercourse: https://youtu.be/CuxLbVFSZGc
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Email Marketing For Musicians - A Comprehensive Webinar: https://outerloop.group/email-marketing-for-musicians-a-comprehensive-webinar/
Submit Your Music to Radio and Grow Your Fanbase: https://outerloop.group/submit-your-music-to-radio-and-grow-your-fanbase/
How to Release a Single and Get New Fans: https://outerloop.group/how-to-release-a-single-and-get-new-fans/
How to Release Your Music on Social Media: https://outerloop.group/how-to-release-your-music-on-social-media/")
