What is an EP, MLC?

The music industry is filled with a myriad of terms, some of which can be confusing for new artists and even for those who have been in the business for a while. Two such terms are "EP" and "MLC". Understanding these concepts is crucial as they play significant roles in the creation, distribution, and royalties of music. This guide will delve into what an EP is, explain the purpose of the MLC, and how platforms like SoundOn can assist artists in navigating these elements.

Understanding EP

An EP, or Extended Play record, is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but is too short to qualify as a full album. Typically, an EP consists of 3 to 5 tracks and is often used by artists as a promotional tool to introduce new material to their audience without the commitment of a full album.

EPs can serve several purposes for musicians:

• Testing New Material: Artists can gauge audience response to new styles or directions in their music.
• Maintaining Relevance: Releasing an EP in between albums can keep an artist's name in the spotlight.
• Cost-Effective: Producing an EP is generally less expensive and time-consuming than a full album.
• Providing Exclusive Content: EPs can offer exclusive tracks to fans who might be eager for more than a single but not ready for a full album.

Introduction to MLC

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) is an organization established under the Music Modernization Act of 2018 to oversee the administration of mechanical licenses for digital audio works in the United States. The MLC's primary responsibility is to collect and distribute royalties to songwriters and publishers for the reproduction of their music on digital platforms.

The MLC plays a pivotal role in the music industry by ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their work. Here are some key functions of the MLC:

• Royalty Administration: The MLC collects mechanical royalties from digital service providers (DSPs) like Spotify and Apple Music and distributes them to rights holders.
• Ensuring Transparency: The MLC maintains a database of musical works and their associated rights holders, promoting transparency in royalty payments.
• Compliance: The MLC ensures that digital platforms comply with licensing requirements, safeguarding the interests of songwriters and publishers.

How SoundOn Can Help

Artists looking to navigate the complexities of music distribution and royalties can benefit tremendously from using platforms like SoundOn. As an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, SoundOn helps musicians build their careers and find new fans through TikTok, SoundOn, CapCut, and other digital streaming platforms globally.

Here are some ways SoundOn can assist artists:

• Global Distribution: SoundOn's global distribution service ensures that an artist's music is available on major DSPs, giving them access to a broad audience.
• Playlist Pitching: SoundOn assists in pitching music to DSP curators, increasing the chances of getting featured on curated playlists, which can dramatically boost streams and fan engagement.
• Marketing Tools: SoundOn offers a range of marketing tools designed to help artists promote their music on platforms like TikTok and CapCut.
• Comprehensive Services: From distribution to marketing, SoundOn provides a full suite of services that simplify the process of reaching new audiences and maximizing royalties.

Conclusion

Understanding what an EP and the MLC are is crucial for any musician looking to succeed in the music industry. EPs offer a flexible and cost-effective way for artists to release new music, while the MLC ensures that creators receive the royalties they deserve from digital reproductions of their work. By leveraging platforms like SoundOn, artists can navigate these aspects more effectively, ensuring their music reaches the right audience while maximizing their income potential.

If you're ready to take your music to the next level, consider signing up with SoundOn today and start your journey toward greater musical success.