Songs vs. Albums

Over the past few years there has been a trend amongst independent musicians. What used to be the album is now turning into the song. Instead of a band putting out a full length album and touring or gigging on it for a year or two, bands are putting out smaller EP's and creating a constant flow of new content for their fans. It makes sense though, right? If you disagree, let me explain.

If you're an independent musician you know how important each fan you have is to you. Without your fans your nothing. Hypothetically, if you put out an album every two years that means your fans have to wait two years every time they hear new material from you. In today's age where attention spans run on average about 30 seconds before it's, "O.K. what's next?", you've got to get more content into their hands (or ears) sooner rather than later.

No one likes going to see a band playing the same songs over and over and over again. What you want to do is give your fans a reason to come see you. A reason to spend their hard earned cash on your show, your record. Instead of putting out a ten track album once a year, put out two five track EP's twice a year. This gives more a reason to create a buzz around your band and also gives the fans something to get excited about. It's strategic marketing. It's OK to hold back on new music!

Apple is a great example of this with the new iPhone features and models. The Apple iPhone 3GS just came out adding video functionality to the iPhone. Apple already has other features available but will not add them to the iPhone until the next model, giving them a reason to put out another model while getting consumers excited about purchasing a new product. All of a sudden people who have iPhones are trying to get another iPhone with updated functionality. The same thing goes for your music.

Even though you may have 13 songs recorded and ready to release, maybe it's smart to release only a portion now and a portion later. I've heard of some artists releasing one song a month for a whole year. At the end of the year that artist pressed the top ten songs voted by his fans. How's that for keeping your fans engaged all year long?

What stories, tips or advice do you have about keeping your fans engaged and interested in your music?