Not as long as an album, more than a single, less expensive than a MV, EP (Extended Play), although not a new trend, suddenly exploded because the cost is low but still enough to introduce ideas and convey messages to the audience.
Ideal choice
The Vietnamese music market used to be dominated by billion-dollar MVs because of their great viral effect, but now, the Vietnamese music race is dominated by "EP" warriors. The trend of releasing EPs is overwhelming the albums because of its outstanding advantages, especially suitable for the current generation of young singers.
EP is a music format, usually shorter than an album, containing fewer songs than a regular album. In terms of time, an EP is usually about 10-20 minutes long, while a single can be under 10 minutes and an album can last from 30-80 minutes. With 4 to 6 songs, EP has become the optimal alternative to the traditional long-form album. This is an ideal solution that not only meets the audience's need for quick and convenient music listening, but also helps artists maintain a steady presence in the market.
EP “Close your eyes, turn on the music, turn off the phone” by Ho Ngoc Ha. (Photo: TPRO)
Some successful EPs of the past year include: FLVG (Low G ft. tlinh), Suyt 01 (Sweet), Lang (Shiki), MỘNG MEE (AMEE), Nham mat, luon nhat, off phone (Ho Ngoc Ha), Chia tay (Juky San), Duyệt (Hoang Yen Chibi), La em (Pháo), SOULBER (Vsoul), FLEXIBLE (Chi Pu), Keep holding the song (Binz)... In addition to new names like My Anh, Orange, The Thien, Thoại Nghi, Ánh Sáng Aza... rappers also joined in. A series of albums such as "421" by Karik, "Nhan tran" by Big Daddy, "An" by Lil Wuyn, "The Wxrdies" by Wxrdie, "Medicine" by Coldzy, "FLVR" by Low G in collaboration with tlinh...
With the rapid development of online music platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and SoundCloud, accessing music has become easier and more convenient than ever. Audiences can listen to their favorite music anytime, anywhere, which has changed their music listening habits. In the past, listeners could patiently listen to a long album, but now they often prioritize short and easy-to-understand products. Therefore, EP - with just enough songs to bring freshness but not too long - becomes the ideal choice for both artists and listeners.
The cost of making an EP is cheaper than an album. For independent artists or newcomers, EP helps reduce costs but can still create a quality music product. Musician Hua Kim Tuyen shared: "Most Vietnamese artists today release EPs on digital platforms, so the number of listeners is sometimes more than a single and the time and strategy for promoting the product are also clearer. Moreover, when making an EP, people will focus more on the quality of the song and easily highlight the artist's ideas or messages."
Unique and different
According to Spotify's Culture Next, 76% of Gen Zers believe that new trends are tied to viral songs. That means that instead of four minutes to convince listeners, today it takes just 15 seconds - the exact amount of time before viewers decide to scroll past. This shift shows that music is integrating into life in a more vibrant and flexible way than ever before.
The trend of shortening song lengths has also led to an explosion of songs that are considered “music for lazy people”, lasting only 2 to 3 minutes. Over the past year, the number of EPs released has increased sharply, reflecting an optimization strategy that both saves production costs and brings in profits while still being able to tell a complete musical story. Although full-length albums are still considered an important milestone in a singer’s career, EPs or mini albums are the preferred choice to explore the market or experiment with new styles without taking too many risks.
Most artists admit: "Nowadays, MVs no longer have the great promotional effects they used to. Audiences prefer simplicity, authenticity, and standard quality instead of the aesthetic grandeur of the past."
According to experts, MV, album or EP is just a form, what the audience needs is still quality. Not bound by a big theme or style like an album, when making an EP, the artist is free to experiment with the music genres that they love. Less than an album, more than a single, an EP is just right for an artist to exploit, introduce a concept or a short story, enough to create uniqueness and difference.
"The EP also brings a complete musical experience with a seamless musical story, helping the audience better understand the ideas and messages they want to convey. This enriches the music listening experience, evokes deep emotions and creates a strong connection between artists and fans" - The Men band expressed.
EP is a positive trend for Vpop, when not only competing in quantity, artists also focus on building a harmonious musical space with a unique concept, something that a single single cannot do. It makes artists express their artistic personality more clearly and the audience also has more choices than one song, one MV.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/ep-bat-ngo-bung-no-196250714195703639.htm
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