EP now or Full Album in six months?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:35 pm

I'm starting to promote my original music and starting to play more showcases with local acts. As part of that I'm working with a local studio to get my songs recorded properly. Here's where the question starts.

I have enough material for a full album and would love to put out a 12 or 13 song collection. Money is a different matter. Several of the songs require more than just an acoustic guitar, and all of them will take a lot of time to mix and master (as you all well know).

A fellow songwriter who's released a number of CD's suggested that I start with a five song EP and use the profits from that to finance the full album. The more I think about it, the more I like that idea.

What do you guys think?

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 7:09 pm

EP!

especially if ur doing showcases for labels....Ep's will do just fine.

and if you get signed...depending on the label...you can use the signing advance to record more songs and such.

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 7:59 pm

Croakus wrote:

I
A fellow songwriter who's released a number of CD's suggested that I start with a five song EP and use the profits from that to finance the full album. The more I think about it, the more I like that idea.

What do you guys think?

I think it is a good idea.

I guess if I was looking into that, keeping myself honest with the audience might cross my mind. Keeping my songs truer to their acoustic form might be quicker then getting the bands head around my work.

But I'm something of a loner and a bit of a recluse. Poor combination for a live act if I do say so myself.

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:25 am

Is your 12-13 song lineup all cohesive? Do you want to put out an EP now, then later maybe another EP or full album of songs sound exactly like or very simillar to the first one? I can see how an audience might find that boring...but I can also see how an audience might think that its more good stuff.

I guess that doesn't help.

If you were me, you would wait and release the full album.

It's all up to you and your situation. $$$ is a big factor and in many cases, the deciding factor.

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:42 am

Thanks for the feedback! You're all echoing thoughts that have passed through my mind while deciding this.

I've decided to go ahead with the EP plan. The EP will be five song acoustic and vocal, maybe some light percussion. When I'm ready for the full CD, those songs that were on the EP will be completely re-cut with the full band and possibly rearranged.

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 4:51 pm

I think that is a good plan. I am putting the finishing touches on my first EP (6 songs) and I learned a LOT recording it. I recorded it all myself in my room, so there was a lot to learn, but I think even if you go into the studio you will learn a lot about the recording process and what you need to do to maximize your time in the studio (thus lowering the overall bill). Then, when you are ready for the full album, you will already have some experience to build on and you will be able to make a better album.

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 10:28 am

Quote:

When I'm ready for the full CD, those songs that were on the EP will be completely re-cut with the full band and possibly rearranged.

Or you could use the existing tracks to build on, why recut everything? Perfect opportunity to get familiar with good preproduction habits. If you have some players willing to help flesh out full band arrangements now, you can go in to the EP project that much further ahead and save some time and money when you do get to the full album. You might also contemplate going right to digital download, start generating some cash flow immedediately to help fund replication costs.

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 2:55 pm

In fact I am going directly to digital download. I'm also planning online promotion, and a mini-tour to get my face out in front. Lastly, I'm shooting for opener spots at fairs, markets, and pretty much anywhere I can play without loosing my day job (yet).

Suspended Joined: Oct 09, 2007 Posts: 33

Sounds good to me Croakus. I decided for an ep for my band as well (self recorded) and it has been a great learning experience. Plus, I think it looks better to have a self produced EP than full albums ...unless, of course, the full album is by a major label. Who's going to sign that old band with 5+ self released albums?

just my opinion Smile

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