What is an EP? EP vs LP vs Vinyl: What are the differences?

What is on an EP?

Anything can be released in the EP format, although they tend to be used for different purposes than the other format.

Sometimes an EP is released ahead of a full LP. This might contain a few singles and extra tracks from the album. These are sold to hype the full release and as collectors’ items.

EPs sometimes contain “B sides” from LP albums or singles, often showing previously unheard recordings. This is where the term originates from, as some tracks were placed on the B side of the record.

Other times artists and bands just release self-contained EPs without using music from other releases. Being a smaller format, it can be quicker to produce a series of EPs than a single LP.

How Long is an EP?

EPs typically run for around 10-16 minutes in total. Usually around 6-8 minutes per side.

Depending on the release, EPs usually contain around 4-5 songs in total.

The only limitation to playtime is the size of the vinyl used.

You can squeeze more time onto vinyl by cutting it at a slower RPM, so there are some longer EPs out there.

With the invention of digital music, EP lengths are no longer limited by the capacity of vinyl. Although artists still keep EPs shorter than LPs.

What is an LP?

An LP is a Long-Playing record. The name ‘LP’ stands for Long Play, meaning they have more song time than the standard 7-inch single.

LPs contain a full “album” of music and usually represent a large body of an artist’s work. These have a longer selection of music, typically around 8-12 tracks. Artists generally aim for a feeling of consistency and progression throughout an LP. They may sequence the tracks in a particular order to create a sense of cohesion or narrative. Bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd crafted concept albums (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Dark Side of the Moon respectively) and were pioneers using this technique.

Vinyl LPs are mostly pressed on 12-inch discs and usually run at 33⅓ RPM.

The terms “record” and “album” are used interchangeably with the term LP. Although people also use “record” to describe EPs too.

How Long is an LP?

LPs typically run for around 22 minutes per side. Generally, they run anywhere between 30 and 44 minutes in total. Although you can find double LPs, which contain two discs and essentially double the playtime capacity.

Modern LPs are not restricted by vinyl playing times, as they can be released digitally, with essentially an unlimited amount of time.

EP vs LP – Overview

Here is a table outlining the differences between EPs and LPs. Keep reading for a detailed examination of each type, including the history behind the invention.

EP vs LP vs Vinyl – Terminology

Here is a brief outline explaining the meaning of each of these terms. I explain these in more detail below.

• EP: Extended-Playing.
• LP: Long-Playing.
• Vinyl: an umbrella term for either of the above. A generic description of the vinyl medium. (Polyvinyl Chloride – PVC).

The terms EP and LP were initially used to describe the style of vinyl. Although we now use the terms interchangeably to describe non-vinyl releases too.

People use the term vinyl for any kind of vinyl-based release. “Vinyl” is often used to refer to all types of vinyl records, including 12-inch vinyl records, 10-inch vinyl records, and 7-inch vinyl singles.

The term “record” is also used for any kind of vinyl or musical release. This term stems from the word “recording” and describes any recorded music.

Alternatives to EPs and LPs

There are a few other common styles for vinyl releases that don’t fit the category of EP or LP.

Singles

Pressed as 7-inch 45RPMs, this type of vinyl was used to release a single track simultaneously. They also feature a b-side, which would either be a remix or another popular song from the artist.

Singles are generally around 6 minutes aside.

Test Pressings

Also known as white labels. (Printed with a blank label rather than styled or with an image).

These are made during the initial vinyl manufacture. These are given to the artist and label to test the quality of the record before mass production.

These typically aren’t initially sold to the public but often find their way to the public vinyl marketplace such as Discogs or charity shops.

Some of these are rare and sell for a higher price than consumer releases.

Double LPs

Double LPs contain two 12” disks, spreading the music out between the two.

Some albums and compilations contain too much content to fit on a single 12-inch.

Another reason for Double LPs is to create audiophile versions – albums are cut at 45 RPM rather than 33⅓ to increase the sound quality. This requires more space, so multiple disks are required.

Vinyl Collections / Box sets

There are many styles of box sets, collections, or compilation releases.

Some record labels release box sets containing a large selection of a label or artist’s work.

Others offer compilation box sets that cover various artists on their labels.

Some records are released as compilations. These are similar to LPs but don’t necessarily use the same artists for every song on the record.