A new band's first release: LP vs EP, thoughts?

[PrincssDinosaur]

In being a band one considers the option of releasing an EP or LP from time to time. In some cases the amount of material one has helps makes the decision, in others studio time or funds will. The question I propose is: if a new band has almost enough material for an LP but can release an EP now, what do they do? They could wait a bit longer for a few more songs to poop out and have a LP to release, but being a new band maybe just releasing 6 solid songs to introduce the project to the unknowing will leave a better taste in their mouths. I propose this entirely hypothetical question to you. Ahhh dip.

[Neo Cassady]

If you have enough songs you're really happy with to put out an EP, don't write filler just to make it a full-length. A lot of bands end up putting a few of those initial EP songs on their first full length down the road, anyway. Get your music out there.

[PrincssDinosaur]

Yeah, I agree with you. Thanks for the opinion and insight.

[SpyKi]

I'd rather take the time and make a full length. I don't know why but i'm not a big fan of EP's.

[x togepi x]

put out an EP first. people are more likely to listen to a release with less songs from a band they've never heard than a whole album. plus, if it's good, you can leave them wanting more.

[TheOtherAndrew]

If you're just touring and introducing yourself to an audience, people are more likely to pay for a record if its closer to 5 dollars than 10. EPs generally are cheaper, therefore people are more likely to pay. You know, just for a strictly financial view on things.

[zac_montucky]

EPs for me. It's way easy to digest just a couple of songs from an unestablished band than a whole album that you kind of feel like you have to skim over to see if you like it or not. Plus, EP = no filler. That's always a plus.

On the other hand, if the band is established and I love them, the only answer is MOAR FULL LENGTHS NAO!

[Bobby Tucker]

Yeah, a great comparison to make here is between The Narrative and Good Old War. I was quite satisfied with the 6 song EP that The Narrative put out, and was more willing to listen to them knowing that I'd be wasting less money if I hated it. There was a lot of variety in the six songs, and I was able to get a clear view of where their sound is heading.

On the other side of it, Good Old War recently decided to up their EP to another LP, which works for me because I'm already a fan of their sound and know that I'm not wasting my money on filler or low quality stuff. Plus, I would rather have an LP in five months than have to wait for them to record an EP and then an LP, which could take upwards of a year for some bands.

Groups with a developed fanbase should always opt for an LP, barring label/money problems or issues within the band, while new acts would be better suited to debut with an EP and work their way up from there.

[Heart-A-Tact]

Generate interest with an EP, then feed said interest with an LP.

[SLoT]

LP. More the better. For those saying filler this, filler that... if band is already writing filler songs on their first LP they shouldn't be a band. End of story.

[ThisIsNotDan]

if band is already writing filler songs on their first LP they shouldn't be a band. End of story.

that isn't true at all.

[ThisIsNotDan]

and yeah go with an EP

[Wait_For_It]

EP. It leaves the listener wanting to hear more.

[SLoT]

that isn't true at all.
It is true.

You have your whole life to write your debut. If you have to put filler on your debut, don't bother.

[ThisIsNotDan]

It is true.

You have your whole life to write your debut. If you have to put filler on your debut, don't bother.

do you mean if a band intentionally puts songs that they know are filler on their first album?

[SLoT]

do you mean if a band intentionally puts songs that they know are filler on their first album?
Yeah.

[ThisIsNotDan]

Yeah.

oh hah I should've known from the beginning. I thought you were trying to say all band's first album should be perfect or something. duh. gotcha

[11:11]

Like everyone else said, start with an EP. It allows you to put the very best you have to offer out there to garner attention.

[SLoT]

oh hah I should've known from the beginning. I thought you were trying to say all band's first album should be perfect or something. duh. gotcha
Oh no. My bad, I should've been a bit clearer about that.

[PrincssDinosaur]

Alright, you have all convinced me...to put out a double LP for our first release =P. Thanks, definitely taking this all into consideration. I feel the same. Give 'em a delicious lil taste then go LP. Well, look for our EP soon then! haha.

[11:11]

Alright, you have all convinced me...to put out a double LP for our first release =P. Thanks, definitely taking this all into consideration. I feel the same. Give 'em a delicious lil taste then go LP. Well, look for our EP soon then! haha.
I think it's really cool of you two to involve us in your decision-making.

[bowl of oranges]

I'd definitely go with the EP.

[chipdip18]

Don't make an EP if you have the songs to make a really solid debut though. I mean i'm leaning with everyone's reasoning for putting out an EP first, but if you've been playing around in neighboring states for a while and have a healthy collection of songs, why not go with the debut?

[PrincssDinosaur]

Well I would like to release an LP eventually, but because this project has not played any shows - and because we are 4 states apart it will be quite the feat to make possible - it's not like we'll be touring on the music. Since people don't really know the music from this project, I'd like to get something out asap and sell it for dirty cheap. And of course we'll be involving you with our decisions. I told Julia that I plan to make this band an AP.net band. So I will be coming to you guys for thoughts on many decisions with this project. Thanks for your honesty, your opinions matter! :-)

[provethatIexist]

bump. i wonder why it took over a year for them to release this EP? oh well, stoked to finally hear it.

[snowboarderkid]

An EP is a great choice for a bands first release, this way they can really show off their best material.