@spudmunkey I hadn't even considered the technology, going from vinyl to mp3 players. I definitely didn't skip much on vinyl and cassette as a kid. Especially with tapes because it seemed like that chewed up batteries lol
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I agree that EPs are good for both offering a concise introduction to a band as well as enforcing some QC. The issue I think is that a touring band- even if they're new- needs enough of a repertoire to fill a set. It's probably hard to write a full set of material and elect to not record & release it all.For introductions/new bands, I think the EP format with 3-5 songs still makes most sense as it gives a much better idea of the direction/vision of a band than just releasing one song.
To be fair this sounds like a very rare/luxurious position to be in as a starting band though haha! I know back in the days, we used to opt for a cover song/crowd pleaser or 2 in case the set wouldn't do. But it was also a matter of being level-headed and maybe giving more space to the other bands in case we know we couldn't fill it.I agree that EPs are good for both offering a concise introduction to a band as well as enforcing some QC. The issue I think is that a touring band- even if they're new- needs enough of a repertoire to fill a set. It's probably hard to write a full set of material and elect to not record & release it all.
I say this as last night my wife took me to see a new band she likes. Their debut came out last month and their headlining set was every song on the record and went for less than an hour. If that duration sits on the borderline of what's enough, how many EPs do there need to be for a headline-worthy set?
Short sets rule. Especially when bands take their sweet time setting up and tearing down. Most sets are 20m unless you’re the headliner. If your EP is 12min and you talk or have breaks to fill 3 minutes, you probably just got the show back on schedule.I agree that EPs are good for both offering a concise introduction to a band as well as enforcing some QC. The issue I think is that a touring band- even if they're new- needs enough of a repertoire to fill a set. It's probably hard to write a full set of material and elect to not record & release it all.
I say this as last night my wife took me to see a new band she likes. Their debut came out last month and their headlining set was every song on the record and went for less than an hour. If that duration sits on the borderline of what's enough, how many EPs do there need to be for a headline-worthy set?
I remember opening for a punk/grind band on a national tour, we're a podunk town and don't usually get stuff like that. The woman doing the booking at the bar was asking me about set times because I put the lineup together and goes, "they're flying 3000 miles to play 10 minutes!?! that doesn't seem right..." I told her she could ask them thatShort sets rule. Especially when bands take their sweet time setting up and tearing down. Most sets are 20m unless you’re the headliner. If your EP is 12min and you talk or have breaks to fill 3 minutes, you probably just got the show back on schedule.
The industry ruined bands.The industry ruined the album 40 years ago when they needed bands to put something out ASAP after a previous release.
Fixed.The industry ruined the industry.
For the most part, I'm sure you're right. People who just want the hits aren't exactly wringing their hands over how the music industry has changed. It's only getting easier for them to get the experience they want.My take is that most people never listened to full albums. They used to buy albums because that's where the music was available, but they only cared about the hits.
Now they can choose. Or they can let some algorithm choose for them, like the radio and MTV did before.