How to Upload Songs, EP vs Album?

Are you an aspiring artist eager to share your music with the world? Spotify, one of the leading digital streaming platforms, is the perfect place to start. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of uploading your songs to Spotify and break down the differences between an EP and an album.

Steps to Upload Songs to Spotify

1. Choose a Music Distributor

Spotify doesn't allow direct uploads from artists. Instead, you need to use a music distributor to get your songs onto the platform. Some of the most popular distributors include SoundOn, DistroKid, TuneCore, CDBaby, and Amuse. These services will help you distribute your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms.

Why choose SoundOn? SoundOn offers an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping artists build a career and find new fans through TikTok and other digital streaming platforms. Register as a SoundOn artist.

2. Create Your Account

After selecting a distributor, create an account on their platform. This usually involves providing some basic information, including your artist name, email address, and payment details.

3. Prepare Your Music

Before uploading, make sure your music files are of high quality. Typically, you need to upload your songs in WAV or MP3 format with a resolution of at least 16-bit/44.1 kHz.

Additionally, you'll need to have the following ready:

• Album Art: A high-resolution image (3000x3000 pixels) that represents your music.
• Metadata: Information such as song title, artist name, album title, genre, and release date.

4. Upload Your Music

Log into your distributor's platform and navigate to the section for uploading music. Follow the on-screen instructions to upload your song files and enter the corresponding metadata.

5. Set the Release Date

Choose a release date for your music. Most distributors recommend setting the release date at least two weeks in advance to ensure enough time for processing and approval.

6. Submit for Distribution

Once you've uploaded your music and set the release date, submit your tracks for distribution. Your distributor will handle the rest, ensuring your music is available on Spotify by the selected release date.

7. Promote Your Music

After your music is live on Spotify, promote it through social media, email newsletters, and other channels. Utilizing platforms like TikTok can also help you reach a broader audience.

EP vs Album: Understanding the Difference

When planning a release, it's important to understand the difference between an EP and an album. This knowledge will help you determine the best format for your music.

What is an EP?

An EP (Extended Play) is a collection of music that is longer than a single but shorter than a full album. EPs typically contain 3-5 songs and have a total runtime of 15-30 minutes. They are often used by artists to showcase their sound or experiment with new styles without committing to a full album.

What is an Album?

An album is a more substantial collection of music, usually consisting of 10-15 songs with a total runtime of 30-80 minutes. Albums often represent a cohesive body of work that tells a story or explores a specific theme. Releasing an album can be a significant milestone in an artist's career and offers a more comprehensive listening experience for fans.

Choosing Between an EP and an Album

When deciding whether to release an EP or an album, consider the following factors:

• Content: How much material do you have? If you have several cohesive tracks, an album might be the way to go. If you have a few strong tracks, an EP could be more appropriate.
• Purpose: Think about your goals. Are you looking to introduce your sound to new listeners? An EP is a great way to do that. Do you have a more extensive story to tell or a concept to explore? Consider releasing an album.
• Resources: Albums typically require more time, effort, and resources to produce. Ensure you have the necessary budget and support to create and promote a full album before committing.

Conclusion

Understanding how to upload songs to Spotify and the differences between an EP and an album can help you make informed decisions about your music releases. By leveraging platforms like SoundOn for distribution and promotion, you can effectively reach new audiences and grow your fan base.

Ready to get started? Sign up as a SoundOn artist today and take the next step in your musical journey!