How Long Is an EP and How Do You Copyright Your Music?

An Extended Play record, or EP, is a musical recording that falls between a single and a full-length album in length. Traditionally, it's considered to contain more music than a single but fewer tracks than an album. Nowadays, in the streaming era, the length of an EP can be quite flexible, but it generally holds around three to seven tracks. These can often run anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes in total. This format is perfect for artists looking to release a cohesive set of songs without the obligation of filling a full album, providing a snapshot of their current musical direction.

On the other hand, copyrighting your music is the process of legally protecting your creation from unauthorized use. Regardless of the length of your EP, or whether it is released via a physical or digital platform, copyright protection is a crucial step for any artist serious about their work. This legality ensures that the rights to your music stay with you and that any usage of your tunes provides you the deserved royalties.

Steps to Copyright Your Music

The process is actually quite straightforward in the United States:

1. Ensure Your Work is Original: The music must be yours, or you must have permission to use it.
2. Put Your Music in a Tangible Form: This means having it recorded in some way that can be perceived directly or with the aid of a machine.
3. Fill Out the Copyright Form: Complete Form CO from the Copyright Office, or you can register online, which is faster and less expensive.
4. Pay the Fee: There is a standard fee for copyright registration. Check the latest fees on the U.S. Copyright Office website.
5. Submit Your Work: Send a copy of your music, which can be in the form of CDs or digital audio files.

Once these steps are completed, your music is considered copyrighted upon submission, although the process of receiving a certificate may take up to several months. It provides peace of mind and proof of your rights as an artist.

Distributing Your EP with SoundOn

With your EP length determined and your music copyrighted, the next important step is distribution. As artists aim to reach a broader audience, the role of digital music distribution platforms becomes essential. SoundOn stands out as one such platform that not only helps you distribute your music globally but also supports you with promotional tools and resources.

Our mission at SoundOn is to make distribution easy, freeing up your time to focus on creating instead of worrying about the complexities of the music industry. By registering as a SoundOn artist, you can distribute your EP to major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and many others. Furthermore, SoundOn aids in navigating music royalties, ensuring that artists like you are duly compensated for streams and downloads of your music.

Having a reliable distribution partner can be the difference between your EP being heard by the masses or getting lost in the noise of the music industry. Gather your collection of tracks and take that step towards sharing your art with the world with SoundOn. As you launch your EP, keep in mind that every big artist started from somewhere, and today, you're a step closer to making your musical mark.

Remember, the length of an EP is just a small detail. The true value lies in the quality of music and how well it's promoted and protected. So, reach out to SoundOn for distribution, safeguard your creations with copyright, and set the stage for your musical career to flourish.