EPs

An EP, short for extended play, is a musical recording that sits between a single and a full-length album. EPs typically include more tracks than a single and run longer than a typical song but are shorter than a full album, commonly lasting about 10 to 30 minutes with 3 to 6 tracks. Definitions vary by country and label, but the format is defined by length and release strategy rather than a fixed number of tracks.

Historically, EPs emerged in the vinyl era as a middle ground between singles and LPs. They were commonly released on 7-inch or 12-inch discs and used to present a cohesive set of songs, offer a teaser for an upcoming album, or group remixes together. With the advent of the CD and later digital distribution, EPs remained a popular format for releasing music between full albums.

In modern music culture, EPs are widely used by new artists to gain attention, by established artists to explore new directions, or by artists to release thematic collections such as concept EPs. They can be studio recordings, live performances, remix collections, or compilations, and may be marketed as EPs, mini-albums, or even "short albums" depending on the jurisdiction and label.

Chart and industry practices vary by region. Some markets treat longer EPs as albums for chart purposes, while others maintain separate EP charts. Overall, the EP remains a flexible format that enables experimentation, timely releases, and lower-cost production for artists and labels.