Album vs EP

[Former Rogues]

Hi Talk Bassists,
The melodic metal band I play in recently released an EP, the last of our old material from when I first joined them. The EP, Lost in the Currents, was a step in a more professional direction for us than our previous releases.

We have enough material for another 4 song EP, but we are at a cross roads. Is it worth it for a small Norwegian band to bother with a full album format or is it best to constantly release EPs and singles to keep the music pumping out?

I lean more towards the EP side and releasing music when it is ready, instead of saving up for an album. Since we are not well known and don't tour, I would rather write, record, release and gig as much in between. However, the allure of releasing a full length has it's appeal as well - more like checking that off the list than anything else.

So, what do you think?

Also, as we move into demoing material, I am always interested in hearing what the weaknesses are in the last release. Feel free to have a listen and leave a comment on what we should improve on in future recordings.

 

[MonetBass]

The current trend is going towards EPs and singles, so it would make sense to do that. It's more important to keep your music in the public consciousness these days.

 

[Former Rogues]

That is my thinking as well. The whole Instagram/social media and staying 'relevant' is a bit to cope with, especially as someone who still loves throwing entire albums on for a full listen.

What about the economic side of recording. Would it be worthwhile to track as much in the studio at one time and spread releases? Any chance that would save costs compared to being in the studio 2-3 times a year?

I am an apartment studio guy, so bass, guitars and vocals are easy enough to capture using loadboxes, Kempers and IRs. I have a treated room so vocals come out decent enough for the growling 'singer'. But drums are out of the question, and need to be tracked in a studio.