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If you're an independent artist, one of the biggest questions you'll face is how to release your music. Should you drop singles one by one? Put together a short EP? Or go all-in with a full-length album? Each option has its own pros and cons, and the best choice really depends on where you are in your music journey.
Let’s break it down.
Pros:
Easy to promote – Focusing on one song makes it easier to market. You can build hype around a single track and push it hard on social media, playlists, and more.
More frequent content – Releasing singles regularly keeps you in your fans’ feeds and algorithms. Instead of dropping 10 songs at once and going silent, you can stay active over time.
Great for building buzz – For newer artists or those trying to grow, singles are a solid way to test what kind of music connects best with listeners.
Cons:
Less storytelling – If your music has a theme or concept, singles don’t always give you the space to explore that.
Short shelf life – People move on quickly. Without the support of more songs, a single can get old fast if it doesn’t catch on.
Best For:
Artists who are just starting out or building a fanbase. Also good if you want to stay consistent with releases throughout the year.
Read: How to get your music in a playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.
An EP (extended play) usually has 3–6 songs. It’s more than a single, but not as long as an album.
Pros:
Shows range – EPs give you room to showcase different styles or vibes in one release without overloading listeners.
Easier to produce than an album – With fewer songs, it’s quicker (and cheaper) to record and release.
More serious than singles – EPs often feel like a “step up” from singles, showing that you're taking your craft seriously.
Cons:
Not always playlist-friendly – Some platforms still push singles harder than full EPs when it comes to playlist placement.
Can get overlooked – If you don’t have a strong promo plan, a short EP might come and go without much attention.
Best For:
Artists who already have a few singles out and want to create a stronger artistic statement without going full album mode.
Albums are long-form projects, usually 8–15 songs or more. They’re the classic format for music releases and can make a big impact when done right.
Pros:
Builds legacy – A great album can define your sound and cement your place as a serious artist.
Tells a full story – Albums give you the space to take listeners on a journey, whether it’s emotional, thematic, or sonic.
Better for media coverage – Full albums often attract more attention from press, blogs, and potential reviews.
Cons:
Takes time and money – Making a full album can be expensive and take months (or years) to finish.
Hard to promote every track – Listeners might only focus on 2–3 songs unless you have a big promo push.
Risky for small audiences – If you’re still growing your fanbase, an album might not get the attention it deserves.
Best For:
Artists with a solid following or a strong message to share. Albums are best used when you’re ready to make a bold statement or mark a major moment in your career.
Read: Music Marketing on a Budget: Tips for Independent Artists.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a simple approach:
Just starting out? Focus on singles to build buzz and get data on what your audience likes.
Have a small fanbase already? Drop an EP to show your range and test the waters for future projects.
Grown your audience and ready to go deep? Work on an album to take your artistry to the next level.
Also, keep in mind—you don’t have to stick to just one format. Many artists release a few singles, then bundle them into an EP or album later. You can mix and match to fit your goals.
The most important thing is to stay consistent, know your audience, and always release music that you’re proud of. Whether it’s a single, EP, or album, your music deserves to be heard.
Ready to unleash your music? Sign up to MusicDigi to release your music on top platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, iTunes, and more.
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