Why Record An EP?

I love EPs — how could I not?

The first record I ever released, over 20 years ago now, was an EP. I’m still pretty proud of it, and a little embarrassed. In many ways, it shaped my life — and the lives of my bandmates, friends, family, and fans. That little EP I recorded in my trumpet player’s bedroom took on a life of its own. Even now, at least once a year, someone stops me in the street to say hi because they remember me from that band.

In my experience, EPs usually come from one of three motivations.

If you have a few songs that feel ready and you want to give the world a little more than just a single, you’re the “Bigger Story.” Maybe this handful of songs feels like a complete set — a self-contained narrative. They’re too much for a single, not quite an album.

The “Stepping Stone” is for you if you see yourself making an album one day but don’t feel ready just yet. You want to dig a little deeper into the recording process without being overwhelmed by the gravity of an album. The EP is your bridge — the stone that gets you from short-form to long-form.

“That’s All Folks” is a bit less romantic, but it happens more often than you’d think. You start out making an album, only to realise halfway through that only half of it’s worth releasing. So you concede to what the muse gave you — and you release an EP instead.

Of course, it can go the other way too. You begin with a single and enjoy the process so much that the muse won’t leave you be until the whole EP — or even album — comes pouring out.

I wonder what to call that?

The “Waterfall” — hmm, that needs work.

If you’re contemplating an EP for any of these reasons (or maybe one I haven’t mentioned), please don’t hesitate to reach out. Even if Sole Canopy isn’t the right fit for you, I’d love to be even a small part of helping you make that EP happen.