The EP is no longer a foreign initial in the music industry (most specifically in Nigeria) in recent times. However, this was not the case over two decades ago because as at then EPs were not a routine in Nigeria. But at the moment present day artists have utilised it as a strategic tool to introduce themselves to the music market and properly brand themselves.

WHAT IS AN E.P?
For a random reader who must have come across this now-common acronym before now and still doesn’t know what it means; here is what an E.P stands for. In the music industry, E.P is an acronym for “Extended Playlist” or simply put “Extended Play“.
An E.P contains songs often created for promotional use. It is usually a compilation of about four to six different songs with a playtime of about 20-25 minutes. Most times E.Ps are generally made using original tracks that the artists hasn’t released.

WHY DO ARTISTS RELEASE EPs?
There are quite a good number of reasons why artists and their management choose to dive into releasing an E.P. Some of them are;

1. To introduce artists to the market, bring them close to their specific audience and keep the interest in the artist alive between the release of a single and a full length album.

2. To help artists experiment with their music.

3. Since they are relatively easier to produce and promote, artists who want to release something more comprehensive and professional but can’t afford the cost of production of a full-length album dives into creating an E.P.
But above all and most importantly EPs can be used as a strategic promotional tool by artists.

HOW AN EP CAN BE USED AS A MUSIC PROMOTION TOOL.
Before the release of any EP and artist and label management should make sure it is released with a strategic mindset, and not just as an add-up to the artist’s discography.
This is because the EP is a strategic promotion tool for upcoming and even established artists to break into the market and/or grow their craft/brand.
Here are some of the ways an EP can be used as a music promotional tool.

Continue reading here: https://themusicbrainer.substack.com/p/how-an-ep-can-be-used-as-a-music