facts. I face alot of writer's block due to having to make the perfect verse every time. But when i just let go i usually write my best. Just go back & rephrase/edit if needed. Writing from emotion in the moment of the inspiration usually creates the best content for me. Can't consider perfection when speaking from the heart
Actual response from electrical engineers: Q - "How's the PCB design doing, is it working perfectly and ready to go?" A - "It's sufficiently not shit."
Good advice, as usual. Here are the bullet points. 1:17 Full-length albums are on their way out. 3:03 It helps you to not be a perfectionist. 4:26 It forces you to focus on your body of work. 6:34 It gives you more credibility when releasing on streaming platforms. 7:22 It forces you to grow faster.
Im a man who goes into the west end of London to one of the few remaining record shops every Sunday to treat myself to a cd. I will then proceed to listen to the entire album in my car or my cd walkman. This is THE way to feel a singular consistant vibe to go with a mood that we humans experience and not just chop around all over the place. Its just a better way to get off on music in my opinion. Everyone else can do what they like.
The Emostorian (Dr Rich F-G) streaming will wipe out new comer albums to a certain degree. But albums will last for those who already have audiences. I’m repeating that from some prominent label executives and a couple Spotify playlist directors.
In some cases it has happened. I seriously got made fun of, about a week ago, for still collecting DVD's, and CD's. "You don't have this streaming channel or that streaming channel, you're lame", said the very young annoying person to me.... It just depends upon each person I suppose, and or how they were raised. If their parents were collectors, then I can see them being collectors themselves. If not, you know the rest......
"just release the good songs that you wrote" indicates issues with your songwriting, not the format of an album or EP. I listen to albums bc I want to be in an emotional headspace that the artist/album provides, not because I'm after some notion of objectively 'good' music. Shorter length formats are good for garnering an audience but once the fanbase is there, a lack of longer-format records feels like the artist doesn't want to offer a deeper connection to anyone who's listening.
That’s why you listen. That’s not why everyone listens. I’m sure there are artists that appease your tastes. I’d prefer to hear an artists best work. I’m not here for a “journey” I’m here to listen to tunes.
D Bo In my opinion you’re oblivious to what experiencing music is like. It’s not about a background tune you play while you smoke your weed or play in the house and scroll down with your phone, it’s about connecting emotionally with what the artist is trying to express whether his saddens, happiness, extra and gaining calmness from understanding that you’re not experiencing this alone and there’s other people with you in this journey. And that’s the great thing about actual music, not 4 chord tunes that say the same exact line the entire song with a little bit of background screams and ohs that think it’s giving the track an energy. Still, just my opinion.
scaho Lol.... so I am missing the point on something that is subjective... by definition that just doesn’t make sense. Imo you do not grasp the fact that everyone is different, NOT wrong. You are implying I am wrong because I seek something different. That makes you oblivious to the fact your opinion isn’t the only one out there and also makes you oblivious to the fact art is subjective and music is art. Therefor you cannot tell my I am oblivious to the meaning of music because the meaning is subjective to the individual listening therefor it is Not possible for me to be oblivious as it is only my interpretation that matters when I listen. I did NOT say I use it as background music. I love music. I have been sitting here writing music all day. I have spent every spare penny I have on creating a home studio so I can record my own tunes at home. That doesn’t mean music has to be some weird journey. I listen mostly to progressive metal/djent/metalcore. I do not want to listen to a 10min trip that takes 5mins to get through the intro. Sure take a minute to build.... but I’m not going to hang around all day. And the 99% of bands in the genre I devote myself too, do it exactly how I like it. Hate to be the bearer of bad news chief.... but the only one oblivious to the meaning of music is you as you do not understand that it is subjective to each individual. It’s been real bro... but school is out. Enjoy 🥴
As a music artist i thought LP was my flow but when i dropped my first ep entitled “49” 2 months ago with 5 songs on it i noticed how much more fun and relaxed i was and how much i didn’t try to be a perfectionist and just let it all hang out
As a rapper who has struggled with extreme creative blockage due to my self conciousness and being overly critical about my music, this really makes me feel alot better. thank you
I remember giving the whole recording thing up 14 years ago. I came across your videos some 8 years ago and I've been writing and recording since. And it reaches people, not many but still. Thanks so much for everything Graham!
Interesting insights here. I’m currently in the process of finishing off the production of my second album after my debut came out last year. My albums tend to be around 7-8 songs long and my first album was only around 30 minutes long. I think this is a decent middle ground in this debate. Some EPs last as long as an album that length so it’s also a viable choice for release. I do agree about the song writing mechanic however. I try to keep my albums and EPs shorter in order to avoid filler tracks and bore people. In the future I’ll go back to EPs simply because writing a full album is also very draining. Love the videos, really helpful content! Have a good day!
Nicholas Ross Music yo would u be able to check out my recent film and lmk what you think? I’m looking for some feedback thank you! I’ll sub to you btw
❤ this video. It answered a question for me. Some " know it all's " I know. Trying to convince me to only drop singles. I'm mastering my first release which is a 5 song EP. I was about convinced on singles. But you reaffirmed my instincts to drop an EP. I'm gonna do singles. But everything you said about EPs is on target. I said for so long albums are finished. People not gonna listen to one artist that long.. Thank you sir. Your students are fortunate to have you. ✊
Hey Graham, just wanna let you know that I'm an audio student at an accelerated program first institute in orlando FL. Your vidz are awesome and you've been a huge part of my continual growth as a student of all this AND an artist. Words can't describe how thankful I am of your channel !!
Grant I’m so thankful you. I just finished mixing my 1st two songs of 2029 and an EP release sounds perfect. I released an LP in 18 & 4 singles in 19. I think I’ll focus on an EP of Praise music. I’m a country singer songwriter so this is out of my comfort zone and should be a good learning experience. Thank again!
You just changed my 15 song full length into a 3 ep staged release ahahahaha Edit: Thank you for this video. This is exactly what I needed for my work!
Years... I found myself coming back to something I was working on 8 months later and I was able to not only add tremendously to it but it become a completely different song as a result but ultimately for the better and it’s almost right at where I would be happy with it.
I was really needing this video. I've been writing my own EP for a long time now, and i got really bummed for a while, but now i'm gonna finish it and release it finally
Man... I don’t comment on many or any videos, but I just wanna say that I REALLY appreciate you and your channel! I’ve been working on my music and Studio for about 3&1/3 years and have been watching your videos since the start (most of them for 2 or more times)! And I just wanna say thanks 🙏 for what you do and how much it helps me and my music! Thanks 😊 Again!
So glad I came across this vid. Been stuck recording one song with a buddy of mine and our time is limited throughout the week due to work and family life that I started to feel discouraged and decided I just wanted to drop it all together. This vid put things into perspective for me. Thanks
This is very inspirational advice, Graham!! Now I feel like finishing those tracks that have been sitting on my HDD for months. This goes hand-in-hand with your "Procrastination" advice
You kind of read my mind, Graham! I've been wanting, nay, obsessing over putting together an EP for 2 years now. I have about 5 songs written. Right now, the only obstacle is that I haven't finished building my home recording studio due to budget/lack of money. However, I believe this will be the year that I can finish financing this project and start teaching myself the music production process. I hope I can make my promise of putting something out by the end of the year (which I told myself last year too)!
"Let's face it, not all your songs are good" is an odd argument for creating an EP as opposed to a full album. Perhaps it's wise to ask yourself about a few other variables: What percentage of your songs are good ones and how long does it take you to write your songs? If only 10% of your songs are really good ones, but you write 100 songs in a year... dude, you have a solid 10 song album there. On the other hand, if 95% of your songs are great but you only write one song a year, then maybe an EP is not for you. What I'm saying is: Whether or not you write some iffy material isn't a reason not to make an LP, because if it were then nobody could ever justify a full LP. In fact, based on that criteria, some people barely qualify to release singles.
Red, you make some great points. I'm old-school - I come from the day of 10-song vinyl LPs. I knew a lot of people who would buy an entire album only to listen to the "single" hit song, never knowing whatever other songs - good or bad were contained therein. Also, consider the person who may purchase an LP and finds another song - other than the "hit" and just loves it. With today's technology and a group of talented prouder/recordists out there, it makes great sense to release songs as "singles" - You may find yourself releasing a single every month, but how does that hurt? An artist can put more effort into a song that has potential, and coax the "hit" from it with very little anxiety, rather than rushing an EP into release, later regretting the finished product. Today, I would encourage artists to release a single a month - 10 songs over the course of a year. That leaves time for gigging/touring, promotion, and, yes, rest.
This came at a good time for me. I'm part of your vip website and decided to release 6 song ep this year....also perfection is what literally destroys me, great advice
This is your first video I’ve seen and thanks, this is the reinforcement I needed as I’ve come to the same conclusions. This year I’m making my first demo/mixtape, I plan for it to be 6 tracks, though I hope to produce/record.
I think it’s mildly hilarious that you post this now. Like others on here, I am trying to slate an EP for 2020, but you just said everything that led me to believing an EP is the right thing to make. After one of our local bands, Carrollhood, released their second EP, I saw that sticking to the digital format and routinely releasing was still able to gain traction and a fan base as well as letting those guys stay focused on their other projects and life. I’m looking forward to releasing something but it’s definitely hard work with coordinating alone haha.
This is a very good video. And a bunch of this is so true. See i spent like 2 years trying to make a mixtape, and it just feels like i will never release it because I've grown so much as an artist over time, but last year in like November i said forget the project, Imma just make a 4 song ep real quick. Then come January i have a 5 track ep ready for release. And since that's happened, now my focus is to make music and drop monthly no matter how many tracks I've made in one month, it must be released before the next month. Really helps with consistency
Thank you so much. I was working on my album, i have all 4 songs ready and wanted a total of 10. Now i think total of 5 are enough instead of fillers🙏🏻
Been thinking for months about releasing an EP got lots and lots of contentment from Over the past 10 years just need to get doing it now good video man
So many good points, I needed to hear this!!! Thanks Graham. I wanted to release my first EP this year but got a little distracted by other projects... I’ll focus on the EP first as it means the most to me.
great video, sir. there's actually this method called the "waterfall strategy". this is when artists release singles in short span of time and will eventually compile it into an album or EP. doing so can grab the attention of listeners by easing them into it but also to have a body of work they can go back to. your point of the having a collection of singles as an album is so accurate.
2020 is my year and your videos are gonna get me where I need to go. Your content always to be exactly what I’m looking for. My life started THIS year and if I don’t have anything to show for my time one year from now somebody slap me.
My partner and I have been working on an EP for 10 years. We watched the music industry change dramatically in that time and it paralyzed us into making many decisions but I dont regret it. Time after time we found that just concentrating on the integrity of the music and our friendship was all that mattered.
This has been my approach too, I just started writing and recording my own stuff last year and released a short EP and two singles just onto RUclips for now. At this early stage the learning curve is so fast that it doesn't make sense to spend too long on one song. Write, record, mix, release as quickly as possible and try not to spend too much time perfecting/tweaking because you'll look back in a few months and hear loads of things you would do differently now. NEW EP OUT 1ST APRIL :0
I've been planning on releasing an album that I've been writing by the end of the year, but I was trying to get a few more songs on it (I've only got about 6 songs). So this is extremely helpful and inspiring.
Im currently working on my first EP and planning to post it on Spotify after my first song came out & got into the playlist of Spotify. Thank you for your advice, I feel more determined to make more music♥️♥️♥️
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been feeling this push to make an ep this year. I keep hearing 7 songs. I'm an accomplished writer and a pretty good performer at this point, but very little experience with engineering and production. It sounds like this course might give me the knowledge I need to actually produce something good and get it noticed.
Sent 5 of my tracks randomly to friends, the random liked crew❤️and followers on social media also consisting of Djs,record labels,as a thanks for supporting well showing an interest ... A week later a record label sent me a contract for an EP 😱 now due out feb 17th still can’t believe it ...The 5 tracks instead of maybe sending a single track could have got more notice🤔who knows ,only 2 years in a novice having fun making music creating dozens of ideas ...so faaaaar to go and muuuch to learn QUALITY thru QUANTITY 👍🏻❤️
Great advice! I still have bands coming into the studio with the "album" mentality and it makes little sense in 2020. Those days are definitely over. Smaller EPs released more often are the way to go.
I very much agree, in the 90's an album with 14 or 16 songs was normal, now 25 years later there is a lot of musical information that goes straight to your hands and everything goes very fast! 6 songs seem enough to feed your misical soul.
This is right on the money for us new artists who want to get ourselves exposed creating more music for ppl to hear and vibe to i think is key I’ll be tapping into your page more often for tips great video 💯
Paco Arespacochaga Great point. Lenny Kravitz recorded “Fly away” in 10 minutes after his album was complete, his label urged him to put it on the album and it became one of his biggest hits. What sounds like “filler” to one person might be the best song to another. Just write good songs and you don’t ever have filler.
defgmx I totally agree! The first hit song I wrote “However Whichway” felt odd to put on our first album because it had a pop rock vibe. The label didn’t think it had potential and felt it was a filler. I knew it had potential. It turned out to be my band’s first hit! Cheers
@@MrPacoArespacochaga heard your song, great song btw!!! You're a perfect example of how sometimes what is considered filler can turn out to be way more. It all comes down to how you feel about
i was thinking of making an EP but then i thought maybe not cause i dont have enough people listening to my music. But you gave really good reasons and it motivated me to do one! thank you😌
Going from releasing a single every 1-2 months to writing an ep, one big thing I’m feeling is that I’m being forgotten. Stream count way down, not the same amount of social media interaction. I’m in the dark when it comes to staying interesting to my followers while being hunkered down writing the ep. also, trying not to tease the ep a ton is difficult lol.
be a jack of all trades. maybe your fans are losing interest because you aren't switching it up..... stay true to your original style but... go bigger and better every release. BIGGER AND BETTER VIDEOS ETC
Well said. I think albums are gonna be around for a good while yet though. I'm still thinking about whether to put out an EP this year or a series of singles.
Dude. Everything you said in this video was exactly what I needed to hear. One thing I might bring up about filler songs, though, is that Cherry Pie by Warrant, was originally intended to be filler, and then it propelled them into the limelight. Yes, the singer regrets having been largely known for one song, but it still put them on the map. And I know this kind of thing is an oddity, and nearly all the time, filler is just filler, but still something to think about.
Another thing to consider is that if your genre's audience wants physical albums, sometimes a full-length can make more sense than an EP. Printing 4 songs to a CD costs the same as if it were 8, but the sale price is pretty different between the two. Its just something to think about if you want physicals and are worried about recouping investment costs. (I know this doesn't apply to every sitation though). Anyways, great video! Keep the updates coming, so I might stay motivated to finish my album.. haha. I'm about to break open some old sessions now.
Видеоклипы
“Perfectionism is the enemy of really good art”
Well said...
Perfection is a fallacy.
facts. I face alot of writer's block due to having to make the perfect verse every time. But when i just let go i usually write my best. Just go back & rephrase/edit if needed. Writing from emotion in the moment of the inspiration usually creates the best content for me. Can't consider perfection when speaking from the heart
Actual response from electrical engineers:
Q - "How's the PCB design doing, is it working perfectly and ready to go?"
A - "It's sufficiently not shit."
Is that a Dilbert?
@@thedevilsadvocate5210 Not that I'm aware of, it was an actual conversation.
Perfect timing, going to release my music for the first time in 2020 👍
Me too! Good luck brother
@@chillingFriend thanks man, to you as well (:
Same here fam. Namaste✊🏿🔥💯
@@therealkwamikaze3050 we're all in this together mate 👍💪 no procrastination 😁😂
I’m doing my first what I would consider “legit” release. Good luck to you all! Stay in touch and lemme hear what you all got!
Good advice, as usual. Here are the bullet points.
1:17 Full-length albums are on their way out.
3:03 It helps you to not be a perfectionist.
4:26 It forces you to focus on your body of work.
6:34 It gives you more credibility when releasing on streaming platforms.
7:22 It forces you to grow faster.
by 6:64 you mean: 7:04 or 6:54?
@@Garock2 Oops! Thank you, Gabriel. Fixed.
@@BrianWhitmerMusic thanks for the correction xD
Thanks!
You missed:
09:34 Buy my course that I just happend to produce with my friend and magically adresses all the topics above :D
Another reason is that when you release 2 6-song EP's in a year you create more buzz than with just the yearly 12-song album.
So true because people attention spans can't grasp so many songs at once
@@BIZZY___ and plus we humans always appreciate new so the last six will be new
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
One person’s filler is another’s favorite track. If the music is good to you it doesn’t matter how many tracks are on your release.
This is the comment of the day ! Thx, I completely agree.
Yeah sometimes you don't like some songs but that doesn't automatically mean they're filler lol
Now this comment trueeeeee. I personally will have a song that I think i should of took off and it turns out to be one of ppl favs.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Im a man who goes into the west end of London to one of the few remaining record shops every Sunday to treat myself to a cd. I will then proceed to listen to the entire album in my car or my cd walkman. This is THE way to feel a singular consistant vibe to go with a mood that we humans experience and not just chop around all over the place. Its just a better way to get off on music in my opinion. Everyone else can do what they like.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Some of the "filler" songs end up being the hit.
Paranoid by black sabbath was one of them
Some of the "filler songs ended up being my favorites, regardless of their overall popularity.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
"Albums are on the way out"
They said that in 2000. And 2001. And 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005...
The Emostorian (Dr Rich F-G) streaming will wipe out new comer albums to a certain degree. But albums will last for those who already have audiences. I’m repeating that from some prominent label executives and a couple Spotify playlist directors.
In some cases it has happened. I seriously got made fun of, about a week ago, for still collecting DVD's, and CD's. "You don't have this streaming channel or that streaming channel, you're lame", said the very young annoying person to me.... It just depends upon each person I suppose, and or how they were raised. If their parents were collectors, then I can see them being collectors themselves. If not, you know the rest......
What about... 2006?
And they were right... Heard of Playlists my dude haha
Joel Robertson Music totally agree
"just release the good songs that you wrote" indicates issues with your songwriting, not the format of an album or EP.
I listen to albums bc I want to be in an emotional headspace that the artist/album provides, not because I'm after some notion of objectively 'good' music. Shorter length formats are good for garnering an audience but once the fanbase is there, a lack of longer-format records feels like the artist doesn't want to offer a deeper connection to anyone who's listening.
well said.
👍🏾👏🏾
That’s why you listen. That’s not why everyone listens. I’m sure there are artists that appease your tastes. I’d prefer to hear an artists best work. I’m not here for a “journey” I’m here to listen to tunes.
D Bo In my opinion you’re oblivious to what experiencing music is like. It’s not about a background tune you play while you smoke your weed or play in the house and scroll down with your phone, it’s about connecting emotionally with what the artist is trying to express whether his saddens, happiness, extra and gaining calmness from understanding that you’re not experiencing this alone and there’s other people with you in this journey. And that’s the great thing about actual music, not 4 chord tunes that say the same exact line the entire song with a little bit of background screams and ohs that think it’s giving the track an energy. Still, just my opinion.
scaho Lol.... so I am missing the point on something that is subjective... by definition that just doesn’t make sense. Imo you do not grasp the fact that everyone is different, NOT wrong. You are implying I am wrong because I seek something different. That makes you oblivious to the fact your opinion isn’t the only one out there and also makes you oblivious to the fact art is subjective and music is art. Therefor you cannot tell my I am oblivious to the meaning of music because the meaning is subjective to the individual listening therefor it is Not possible for me to be oblivious as it is only my interpretation that matters when I listen. I did NOT say I use it as background music. I love music. I have been sitting here writing music all day. I have spent every spare penny I have on creating a home studio so I can record my own tunes at home. That doesn’t mean music has to be some weird journey. I listen mostly to progressive metal/djent/metalcore. I do not want to listen to a 10min trip that takes 5mins to get through the intro. Sure take a minute to build.... but I’m not going to hang around all day. And the 99% of bands in the genre I devote myself too, do it exactly how I like it. Hate to be the bearer of bad news chief.... but the only one oblivious to the meaning of music is you as you do not understand that it is subjective to each individual. It’s been real bro... but school is out. Enjoy 🥴
As a music artist i thought LP was my flow but when i dropped my first ep entitled “49” 2 months ago with 5 songs on it i noticed how much more fun and relaxed i was and how much i didn’t try to be a perfectionist and just let it all hang out
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Awesome video thanks! Da Vinci worked 16 years on Mona Lisa though. That was his parfect single I guess :D
As a rapper who has struggled with extreme creative blockage due to my self conciousness and being overly critical about my music, this really makes me feel alot better. thank you
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
I have nothing against singles but I like projects because it feels like an era of creating music
I remember giving the whole recording thing up 14 years ago. I came across your videos some 8 years ago and I've been writing and recording since. And it reaches people, not many but still. Thanks so much for everything Graham!
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
In 2019, I have released 3 EP’s 2 Singles and 2 “Mini” Albums
Big ups for everyone that have dropped an EP let alone an LP... nothing but respect it takes a lot of dedication to do that 💯
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Interesting insights here. I’m currently in the process of finishing off the production of my second album after my debut came out last year. My albums tend to be around 7-8 songs long and my first album was only around 30 minutes long. I think this is a decent middle ground in this debate. Some EPs last as long as an album that length so it’s also a viable choice for release. I do agree about the song writing mechanic however. I try to keep my albums and EPs shorter in order to avoid filler tracks and bore people. In the future I’ll go back to EPs simply because writing a full album is also very draining. Love the videos, really helpful content! Have a good day!
Nicholas Ross Music yo would u be able to check out my recent film and lmk what you think? I’m looking for some feedback thank you! I’ll sub to you btw
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
I literally started writing an EP a week ago, and now i get this in recommended. God's plan!
❤ this video. It answered a question for me. Some " know it all's " I know. Trying to convince me to only drop singles. I'm mastering my first release which is a 5 song EP. I was about convinced on singles. But you reaffirmed my instincts to drop an EP. I'm gonna do singles. But everything you said about EPs is on target. I said for so long albums are finished. People not gonna listen to one artist that long.. Thank you sir. Your students are fortunate to have you. ✊
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Hey Graham, just wanna let you know that I'm an audio student at an accelerated program first institute in orlando FL. Your vidz are awesome and you've been a huge part of my continual growth as a student of all this AND an artist. Words can't describe how thankful I am of your channel !!
Grant I’m so thankful you. I just finished mixing my 1st two songs of 2029 and an EP release sounds perfect. I released an LP in 18 & 4 singles in 19. I think I’ll focus on an EP of Praise music. I’m a country singer songwriter so this is out of my comfort zone and should be a good learning experience. Thank again!
You just changed my 15 song full length into a 3 ep staged release ahahahaha
Edit: Thank you for this video. This is exactly what I needed for my work!
I'm starting to think 3-4 song EPs are the way to go. It just goes along with the short attention span. If they make it to 4 then it's good.
Years... I found myself coming back to something I was working on 8 months later and I was able to not only add tremendously to it but it become a completely different song as a result but ultimately for the better and it’s almost right at where I would be happy with it.
Thank you Graham you've been a life changer, wish you an awesome 2020!
I was really needing this video. I've been writing my own EP for a long time now, and i got really bummed for a while, but now i'm gonna finish it and release it finally
Then what do you do with it? Give it away to spotify?
@@thedevilsadvocate5210 HOPEFULLY! YEAH
Graham, you look better than ever, dude! Love your work. Thank you for this. Happy New Year!
Man... I don’t comment on many or any videos, but I just wanna say that I REALLY appreciate you and your channel! I’ve been working on my music and Studio for about 3&1/3 years and have been watching your videos since the start (most of them for 2 or more times)! And I just wanna say thanks 🙏 for what you do and how much it helps me and my music!
Thanks 😊 Again!
This came at a perfect time. My band is set to release our EP next month! All produced in my home studio!
So glad I came across this vid. Been stuck recording one song with a buddy of mine and our time is limited throughout the week due to work and family life that I started to feel discouraged and decided I just wanted to drop it all together. This vid put things into perspective for me. Thanks
This is very inspirational advice, Graham!! Now I feel like finishing those tracks that have been sitting on my HDD for months. This goes hand-in-hand with your "Procrastination" advice
This is absolutely pure gold!!
Thank you for that!!
I released my first song the third of Janurary and I'm preparing an EP. I totally agree with you! First start small and then a good full lengh album.
You have really helped me for 2years now, I won't lie.
You kind of read my mind, Graham! I've been wanting, nay, obsessing over putting together an EP for 2 years now. I have about 5 songs written. Right now, the only obstacle is that I haven't finished building my home recording studio due to budget/lack of money. However, I believe this will be the year that I can finish financing this project and start teaching myself the music production process. I hope I can make my promise of putting something out by the end of the year (which I told myself last year too)!
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
The problem with this is that you don’t always know what songs are going to be the best.
Ron Cecchetti then just release those songs as a second EP...essentially utilizing the “new album release” hype twice for the same amount of work 😉
Again big thanx!!! 🙏
I picked my best Songs of the last two years and I'm going to release them this year. One song every month.
"Let's face it, not all your songs are good" is an odd argument for creating an EP as opposed to a full album. Perhaps it's wise to ask yourself about a few other variables: What percentage of your songs are good ones and how long does it take you to write your songs? If only 10% of your songs are really good ones, but you write 100 songs in a year... dude, you have a solid 10 song album there. On the other hand, if 95% of your songs are great but you only write one song a year, then maybe an EP is not for you. What I'm saying is: Whether or not you write some iffy material isn't a reason not to make an LP, because if it were then nobody could ever justify a full LP. In fact, based on that criteria, some people barely qualify to release singles.
Red, you make some great points. I'm old-school - I come from the day of 10-song vinyl LPs. I knew a lot of people who would buy an entire album only to listen to the "single" hit song, never knowing whatever other songs - good or bad were contained therein. Also, consider the person who may purchase an LP and finds another song - other than the "hit" and just loves it. With today's technology and a group of talented prouder/recordists out there, it makes great sense to release songs as "singles" - You may find yourself releasing a single every month, but how does that hurt? An artist can put more effort into a song that has potential, and coax the "hit" from it with very little anxiety, rather than rushing an EP into release, later regretting the finished product. Today, I would encourage artists to release a single a month - 10 songs over the course of a year. That leaves time for gigging/touring, promotion, and, yes, rest.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
This came at a good time for me. I'm part of your vip website and decided to release 6 song ep this year....also perfection is what literally destroys me, great advice
Working on my 3rd EP right now. Thank you for the reassurance :) Great video!!
This is your first video I’ve seen and thanks, this is the reinforcement I needed as I’ve come to the same conclusions. This year I’m making my first demo/mixtape, I plan for it to be 6 tracks, though I hope to produce/record.
Appreciate this this guy, I’m taking his word.
I think it’s mildly hilarious that you post this now. Like others on here, I am trying to slate an EP for 2020, but you just said everything that led me to believing an EP is the right thing to make. After one of our local bands, Carrollhood, released their second EP, I saw that sticking to the digital format and routinely releasing was still able to gain traction and a fan base as well as letting those guys stay focused on their other projects and life. I’m looking forward to releasing something but it’s definitely hard work with coordinating alone haha.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Thank you so much! Now i know I will just stop writing and finally release the 6 songs I have been working on for 14 months
You are responsible for much of the growth I’ve seen in my own work! Thank you!
This is a very good video. And a bunch of this is so true. See i spent like 2 years trying to make a mixtape, and it just feels like i will never release it because I've grown so much as an artist over time, but last year in like November i said forget the project, Imma just make a 4 song ep real quick. Then come January i have a 5 track ep ready for release. And since that's happened, now my focus is to make music and drop monthly no matter how many tracks I've made in one month, it must be released before the next month. Really helps with consistency
Thank you so much. I was working on my album, i have all 4 songs ready and wanted a total of 10. Now i think total of 5 are enough instead of fillers🙏🏻
Been thinking for months about releasing an EP got lots and lots of contentment from
Over the past 10 years just need to get doing it now good video man
So many good points, I needed to hear this!!! Thanks Graham. I wanted to release my first EP this year but got a little distracted by other projects... I’ll focus on the EP first as it means the most to me.
great video, sir. there's actually this method called the "waterfall strategy". this is when artists release singles in short span of time and will eventually compile it into an album or EP. doing so can grab the attention of listeners by easing them into it but also to have a body of work they can go back to. your point of the having a collection of singles as an album is so accurate.
This makes so much sense right now! Thanks for the great content! Really helpful! 🔥
2020 is my year and your videos are gonna get me where I need to go. Your content always to be exactly what I’m looking for. My life started THIS year and if I don’t have anything to show for my time one year from now somebody slap me.
I’m going to start working on my EP then. because i was thinking to just dropping single after single, I love this video ❤️❤️
My partner and I have been working on an EP for 10 years. We watched the music industry change dramatically in that time and it paralyzed us into making many decisions but I dont regret it. Time after time we found that just concentrating on the integrity of the music and our friendship was all that mattered.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Perfect timing!!!! Needed this 🙏🙏
This video just about explained everything I ever needed to know. The timing is so perfect and the explanation was crazy clear 🙌🙌 thank you!
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
100% awesome advice as always I really appreciate you and your channel thank you for making such great content
Great vid! I really like what you said about not quitting when discouraged. A breakthrough can be right around the corner...
This was fantastic advice and confirmation that I should release an EP to debut.
I started this channel in November, and I've made two EPs this year, now I'm working on a third! Thank you for the advice.
I already have 6 songs mixed but I need to master them but i'm 100 % releasing my EP this year. This is one of my favourite post so far
Thanks so much for this really helpful and informative content! We all really appreciate it!
This has been my approach too, I just started writing and recording my own stuff last year and released a short EP and two singles just onto RUclips for now. At this early stage the learning curve is so fast that it doesn't make sense to spend too long on one song. Write, record, mix, release as quickly as possible and try not to spend too much time perfecting/tweaking because you'll look back in a few months and hear loads of things you would do differently now. NEW EP OUT 1ST APRIL :0
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
I've been planning on releasing an album that I've been writing by the end of the year, but I was trying to get a few more songs on it (I've only got about 6 songs). So this is extremely helpful and inspiring.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
this is so true, before watching this video i already knew this. love your video.
I just put out an EP on my RUclips channel and every wheee else and more coming !! Thank you for this!
Graham..your words are so inspiring. Feels great listening to you
I remember when Calvin Harris said albums were on their way out, then he soon regretted that statement and tried to make his 'best' album yet
Just what I needed to hear right now. Thank you
Solid advice. Decided to drop an EP in April titled "Distance"
Love this guy ! He makes sense 😁👍🏾
Great advice, perfection has driven me ineffective multiple times, continue to do what you love though
Great advice! I'll send your video to everyone in my band. 🎸
Im currently working on my first EP and planning to post it on Spotify after my first song came out & got into the playlist of Spotify. Thank you for your advice, I feel more determined to make more music♥️♥️♥️
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Thanks Graham for all the work you put in. These are super motivational for us small artists
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Man, you're so right. This is definitely inspiring.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been feeling this push to make an ep this year. I keep hearing 7 songs. I'm an accomplished writer and a pretty good performer at this point, but very little experience with engineering and production. It sounds like this course might give me the knowledge I need to actually produce something good and get it noticed.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Good points. I like the 4 - 5 song format.
I didn't learn anything but great video for the people who did. There's a lot of great info here.
Enjoyed the video, been such a long time since I worked on music but this got me triggered to give it another go
Thanks for the video, Graham.
In my aerospace career we had a saying: "Don't let perfect get in the way of good enough."
Sent 5 of my tracks randomly to friends, the random liked crew❤️and followers on social media also consisting of Djs,record labels,as a thanks for supporting well showing an interest ... A week later a record label sent me a contract for an EP 😱 now due out feb 17th still can’t believe it ...The 5 tracks instead of maybe sending a single track could have got more notice🤔who knows ,only 2 years in a novice having fun making music creating dozens of ideas ...so faaaaar to go and muuuch to learn QUALITY thru QUANTITY 👍🏻❤️
Great advice! I still have bands coming into the studio with the "album" mentality and it makes little sense in 2020. Those days are definitely over. Smaller EPs released more often are the way to go.
I very much agree, in the 90's an album with 14 or 16 songs was normal, now 25 years later there is a lot of musical information that goes straight to your hands and everything goes very fast! 6 songs seem enough to feed your misical soul.
thank you for such good advice man, really inspiring !!
Great information and yes when working on a single you tend to this perfection. I agree with what you are saying thank you for the talk.
Man this makes sense. I thank you for this.
I release my very first EP on February 1st! This video showed up on my homepage... RUclips knows and is supporting me! 😂👌🏻
This is right on the money for us new artists who want to get ourselves exposed creating more music for ppl to hear and vibe to i think is key I’ll be tapping into your page more often for tips great video 💯
But what if the filler song becomes the actual hit? Isn’t that a risk worth taking?
Paco Arespacochaga Great point. Lenny Kravitz recorded “Fly away” in 10 minutes after his album was complete, his label urged him to put it on the album and it became one of his biggest hits. What sounds like “filler” to one person might be the best song to another. Just write good songs and you don’t ever have filler.
THE URANIUM CAFE lol... what’s this suppose to mean?
@@MrPacoArespacochaga if you're genuinely content with all the songs & know deep down inside they serve their purpose, they will not be fillers.
defgmx I totally agree! The first hit song I wrote “However Whichway” felt odd to put on our first album because it had a pop rock vibe. The label didn’t think it had potential and felt it was a filler. I knew it had potential. It turned out to be my band’s first hit!
Cheers
@@MrPacoArespacochaga heard your song, great song btw!!! You're a perfect example of how sometimes what is considered filler can turn out to be way more. It all comes down to how you feel about
i was thinking of making an EP but then i thought maybe not cause i dont have enough people listening to my music. But you gave really good reasons and it motivated me to do one! thank you😌
We just released one last weekend, we plan on recording another this year.
Clicked on it from the newsletter that quick that it wasn’t even published yet haha 👍
Going from releasing a single every 1-2 months to writing an ep, one big thing I’m feeling is that I’m being forgotten. Stream count way down, not the same amount of social media interaction. I’m in the dark when it comes to staying interesting to my followers while being hunkered down writing the ep. also, trying not to tease the ep a ton is difficult lol.
be a jack of all trades. maybe your fans are losing interest because you aren't switching it up..... stay true to your original style but... go bigger and better every release. BIGGER AND BETTER VIDEOS ETC
@@hellojalen1388 thank you!!! Great advice
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Well said. I think albums are gonna be around for a good while yet though. I'm still thinking about whether to put out an EP this year or a series of singles.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Dude. Everything you said in this video was exactly what I needed to hear.
One thing I might bring up about filler songs, though, is that Cherry Pie by Warrant, was originally intended to be filler, and then it propelled them into the limelight. Yes, the singer regrets having been largely known for one song, but it still put them on the map. And I know this kind of thing is an oddity, and nearly all the time, filler is just filler, but still something to think about.
The struggle is real. I think almost every artist I know goes through this same situation.
Check out the EP I finally released: ruclips.net/p/PLSiJcBj_EVtG0GoyHtcFXDH05tdRDXeYR
Another thing to consider is that if your genre's audience wants physical albums, sometimes a full-length can make more sense than an EP. Printing 4 songs to a CD costs the same as if it were 8, but the sale price is pretty different between the two. Its just something to think about if you want physicals and are worried about recouping investment costs. (I know this doesn't apply to every sitation though).
Anyways, great video! Keep the updates coming, so I might stay motivated to finish my album.. haha. I'm about to break open some old sessions now.
thank you graham... for reminding and encouraged me...
Great insight as always Graham 👍
Thanks for the advise dude i will release an EP next to see if that works