Why do major bands release e.p.'s?
musicismylife78
Posts: 6,116
I understand why a small band or a band without a recording contract yet, would have e.p.'s as it allows them to show off to both music venues, potential record label suitors and have something for people to purchase after they play a show, but why do major bands create and release them?
Like, for example, one of the most anticipated albums of the summer, isnt even an album, its the new Modest Mouse e.p. Why would they release an e.p.? The songs I have heard on it, are stellar and as good as anything they have put out on full lengths, but I dont understand why they would bother with this and ot just focus on a LP?
Indeed in these times of the nonexistant profit bands recieve from cd's, its puzzling to me, why they would even bother releasing something that will make LESS money than a full length would, plus take into account what I mentioned above, the fact that few people actually buy cd's anymore, and fewer still buy e.p.'s.
Like, for example, one of the most anticipated albums of the summer, isnt even an album, its the new Modest Mouse e.p. Why would they release an e.p.? The songs I have heard on it, are stellar and as good as anything they have put out on full lengths, but I dont understand why they would bother with this and ot just focus on a LP?
Indeed in these times of the nonexistant profit bands recieve from cd's, its puzzling to me, why they would even bother releasing something that will make LESS money than a full length would, plus take into account what I mentioned above, the fact that few people actually buy cd's anymore, and fewer still buy e.p.'s.
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and thats fine. But why not wait until you have enough material for a full length then? As I said, few people buy cd's anymore, and fewer still buy e.p.s, why waste time on making a record that isnt going to make any money and isnt going to be heard by many people.
And it often seems that songs on e.p.s dont appear on full lengths. So maybe its a fan thing. That bands want to give the hard core fans something. It almost is like if a song appears on an e.p. it WONT appear on a full length.
interesting read.
"Alice in Chains is the first band to ever have an EP reach #1 on Billboard album chart. The EP, Jar of Flies was released January 25, 1994. Linkin Park and Jay-Z's collaboration EP, Collision Course, was the next and latest to have reached the #1 spot after Alice in Chains."
Or EPs can be made as an accompanying piece to an album soon to be released. ("BatCat" by Mogwai).
There are plenty of bands who do this, be it with EPs or singles that dont appear on albums.
There's lots of reasons, and why assume that it costs loads? It's more likely that it cost them much less, recorded it in far less time, & with far less effort than it takes to do a whole album.
if you could choose, would you rather wait 2ish years for a new pearl jam album with 12 new songs or would you want a new song every 2 months released?
i think the later would be a good way to gain/regain exposure. songs would create a buzz and people would anticipate the new song in 2 months!
the Brian Jonestown Massacre have a few EPs, as well.
although, Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do was written for a ballet or some dance group and then released as an EP
sometimes they are b-sides, like Radiohead's My Iron Lung EP
what are you but my reflection? who am i to judge or strike you down?
"I will promise you this, that if we have not gotten our troops out by the time I am president, it is the first thing I will do. I will get our troops home. We will bring an end to this war. You can take that to the bank." - Barack Obama
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I agree with this. Occasionally a collection of songs with a similar theme or feel are better together than lost on a full album. The best examples are "Jar Of Flies" and "Sap" by Alice In Chains. Both are amazing discs that would not have had the same impact if they had been part of a full album and provide an interesting snapshot of the band at that particular moment in time. John Frusciante's "DC ep", Afghan Whigs' "Uptown Avondale" and Foy Vance's eps are some of my favourite eps.
I also agree with the guys that said an ep is something a little bit special while we wait for an album. If a full album isn't ready, but some songs are complete and sound good together, put out an ep. We didn't need PJ's "Live at Easy Street" but that doesn't stop it being a great record
(Jeff Tweedy, Sydney 2007)
“Put yer good money on the sunrise”
(Tim Rogers)
Wow, not often I see Foy Vance mentioned on here. Are you Irish or is he making a name for himself abroad?
I'm Welsh but I 've been a huge fan since the first "Live Sessions..." ep. He's an absolute genius, a real poet. Indiscriminate Act of Kindness has some of the most amazing lyrics I've heard in years.
I met him after one of his gigs in Oxford a few weeks ago, what an amazingly nice guy. I know he's got a decent sized fanbase in New York and Sydney too, I've got friends there who keep talking about him
(Jeff Tweedy, Sydney 2007)
“Put yer good money on the sunrise”
(Tim Rogers)
R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
As soon as I saw JaneNY and e.p., I immediately thought you'd mention "Broken", by NIN.....great e.p. !!
Haha - I admit it was going through my mind. Broken is one of my favorite pieces of NIN work.
R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008