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ivan@stellysee.de
From | Rafael Paulino Neto <rpaulino@bignet.com.br> |
Subject | Re: New EP and question for the class |
Date | Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:32:08 -0300 |
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Yes, I'm with Robert in this one. I love 4-song ep's as long as they're
all solid songs. I also like the mini album format (very popular in
Australian underground pop from the 80's) with something like 5-7 songs.
However, I think one thing is quite important: conceive the ep thinking
*only* about the ep, forgetting an eventual forthcoming album. I mean,
never think about 'oh, let's put this good song, and leave the other
good songs for the album' I absolutely hate to hear the 'good song' and
then 2 or 3 demos, unfinished/weak songs, or instrumental versions
completing the ep.
Concerning the physical format or not question, that's how I perceive
it: having only a downloadable format (be it myspace or your own site)
is good and essential as exposure, but you're just one lost in a sea of
a zillion of 15-year old kids bands. Having this *plus* a factory made
cd puts you a step up. If this cd is on a small (but established) label,
more steps up. If this label has kind of a 'name' in the scene, and has
more known bands in the same style as you, it's even better. And so on.
Alright, even with all these steps, you're still one in a million, but
have no doubt that the way people perceive you IS different, and even
more if you play live a lot.
The 'headphone' crowd (people with ipods, etc. that almost never buy
cd's) will find you either way. If they will actually pay for the
download, I really don't know. Very important in my opinion: if going
for the physical format, never, but never go for the cd-r! I know a lot
of people, including myself (though I'm not radical), that have a strong
rejection for cd-r's. I see cd-r's only useful for demo or gift on shows
purposes, but never, never as a commercially oriented thing.
Starting already with an album, in my opinion, is also ok, respecting
all the above (enough solid songs, the label steps, etc.). I don't see
the need of starting only with a single or ep.
I love vinyl, but I think this is another step. Very nice, collectable,
etc., but of course, not essential. If you already have a 'name', yes,
putting exclusive (but good) songs on vinyl is also quite interesting.
Rafael.
Robert Pally wrote:
>HI Matt
>
>A Ep with 6 fantastic songs is better than an album with 6 fantastic and 6
>so lala songs!!
>
>Best
>
>Robert
>
>
>
>
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