Releasing music the right way can be the difference between growing a loyal fanbase and having your songs disappear into the void.
If you’re unsure whether to drop a single, an EP, or an album, the answer depends (to a large extent) on your career stage. Each format serves a different purpose, and timing is everything.
This guide will help you choose the right release strategy to maximize your reach, gain more streams, and set yourself up for long-term success.
Shall we break it down?
1. If You’re a New Artist: Start with Singles
Why? Because you need to grab attention and build momentum before committing to a bigger project.
Releasing an album too early is like throwing a party before sending an invitation. No one will show up.
Singles on the other hand come with benefits which include:
- Keeping you visible – Releasing a new track every 4-6 weeks keeps your name fresh in people’s minds and helps you work with streaming algorithms.
- Increase your chances of discovery – Each release is an opportunity to land on Spotify playlists, TikTok trends, and YouTube recommendations.
- Help you find your sound – If you’re experimenting with different styles, singles allow you to test what works best with your audience.
- Make marketing easier – Promoting one song at a time is more manageable than marketing an entire project.
But you have to do it right. So how do you go about it?
Release at least 3-5 singles consistently before considering a bigger project. Use short-form video content (TikTok, Instagram Reels) to tease your music and create viral moments.
Study your streaming stats. If certain songs perform well, that’s a sign of what your audience wants more of.
2. If You’re Building a Fanbase, Release an EP
Once you’ve gained some traction with singles, an EP (4-7 songs) is your next step. An EP allows you to showcase your artistic range and prove to listeners (and the industry) that you’re more than a one-hit wonder.
With an EP, you’re able to build deeper engagement because fans have more songs to connect with. This in turn leads to increased opportunities to land on playlists.
An EP also signals to the industry that you’re serious – Labels, managers, and promoters take EPs more seriously than scattered singles.
But how do you ensure your EP game is tight?
For starters, ensure your EP has a cohesive sound and theme. This is your chance to shape your artistic identity.
Also, consider a small marketing budget for playlist pitching and social media ads to push your strongest track.
3. If You’re an Established Artist, Drop an Album
An album (10+ songs) is a major statement. But it only works if you already have a dedicated fanbase. Albums take time, money, and marketing power, so they should be reserved for when you know people will actually listen.
To execute an album project successfully, you have to be methodical. While a lot of work goes into it and requirements may vary for each artist, certain steps are generally helpful. These include:
- Releasing 2-3 singles before the album to generate hype.
- Planning a full marketing campaign, including music videos, social media rollouts, and potential collaborations.
- Considering a deluxe edition or bonus tracks to keep the momentum going post-release.
Following these steps helps your career in many ways, one of which is strengthening your brand. This is because a full project lets you tell a deeper story and define your artistic voice.
It also increases your exposure and commercial gains. For example, media outlets and influencers are more likely to cover a well-planned album launch. A complete album justifies a tour, so you can then milk the publicity gained from press coverage, sell more tickets and merch sales. And of course, more tracks mean more streams, downloads, and licensing opportunities.
Above all…
No matter what stage you’re at in your career, consistency is key. The steps above are recommendations that help you build momentum without being overwhelmed, easily discouraged. Whatever you really feel like doing—even if it’s an album as a rookie—you should ensure you truly have the capacity and are not just following the bandwagon. The best bet is to start where you are and gradually build capacity.
