Release (music) facts for kids
A release in the music industry is a creative work by an artist that is made available for people to buy or listen to. It's a big word that covers many ways music can be shared. Music can be released as a single (usually one song), an extended play (EP, a few songs), or an album (many songs). A common way music used to be released was on a Compact Disc (CD).
Contents
What is a Music Release?
A music release is when an artist shares their new songs or recordings with the public. Think of it like launching a new product, but for music! It's how fans get to hear new tunes from their favorite singers or bands.
Different Types of Music Releases
Music can come out in a few main ways:
- Singles: These are usually just one or two songs. Artists often release singles to give fans a taste of a new album that's coming soon. They can also be standalone songs that aren't part of an album.
- Extended Plays (EPs): An EP is longer than a single but shorter than an album. It usually has about 3 to 6 songs. EPs are great for artists who want to share new music more often without waiting to finish a full album.
- Albums: An album is a collection of many songs, usually 10 or more. Albums often tell a story or have a certain theme. They are a big project for artists and often include a mix of new songs and sometimes a few singles that were released earlier.
How Music is Released Today
In the past, music was mostly released on physical things like CDs, vinyl records, or cassette tapes. Today, most music is released digitally. This means it's available online through:
- Streaming services: Like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music, where you can listen to songs instantly.
- Digital downloads: Where you can buy a song or album online and own a copy on your device.
Physical releases like vinyl records and CDs are still popular with many fans who like to collect music.
Self-Releasing Music
Sometimes, musical artists decide to release their music all by themselves. This is called self-releasing or self-publishing. It means they don't work with a big record label (a company that helps artists record, promote, and sell their music).
Why Artists Self-Release
- More control: Artists get to decide everything about their music, from the sound to the artwork.
- Direct connection: They can sell their music directly to fans, often at live concerts or through their own websites.
- Internet power: The Internet has made it much easier for artists to share their music globally without needing a record label. They can use social media and online platforms to reach fans.
- Even famous artists do it: Unlike writing a book, where self-publishing might mean no big company wanted it, even well-known musicians sometimes choose to self-release. This is often because they want more freedom or a bigger share of the money.
The Role of Music Managers
Music managers are becoming more involved in helping artists with their releases. They can help with planning, marketing, and making sure the music reaches as many people as possible, even if there isn't a record label involved.
Launch Events
The word "release" can also mean the special event when an album or single is first made available for sale. This event is sometimes called an album launch or single launch. It's a way to celebrate the new music and get fans excited!
Related pages
