Releases
Music has been released in a variety of formats over the years, both conventional and non-conventional.
We should support most of what Discogs listed as their media format types.
Click here to see the format list.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of media in which bands or artists release music:
1. Vinyl Records (Vinyls)
- LP (Long Play): Typically 12 inches in diameter, playing at 33⅓ RPM. These records usually contain full albums and have been a popular format for decades, especially in the 1960s–1980s. Recently, vinyl has seen a resurgence in popularity due to its analog warmth and collectability.
- EP (Extended Play): Often 7 or 10 inches in size, EPs usually contain fewer tracks than an LP but more than a single, offering a middle ground between a single and a full album.
- Singles: Typically 7-inch records played at 45 RPM, often containing one song on each side (A-side and B-side).
2. Compact Discs (CDs)
- CDs became the dominant format in the 1990s and early 2000s due to their portability, digital quality, and durability compared to vinyl. They can store up to 80 minutes of music and are still released today, though less frequently as digital formats become more prominent.
3. Cassette Tapes
- Widely popular in the 1970s and 1980s, cassettes offered a portable alternative to vinyl and allowed listeners to create mixtapes. Although they became less common with the rise of CDs, they have seen a niche resurgence in recent years among collectors and indie bands.
4. Digital Downloads
- Digital downloads became widespread in the 2000s with the rise of platforms like iTunes. Artists typically release MP3 or lossless formats like FLAC for purchase, allowing listeners to store music on their devices without needing a physical medium.
5. Streaming
- In the 2010s, streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal became the dominant way listeners consume music. Artists often release albums, singles, or even exclusive content through these platforms.
6. USB Drives
- Some artists release music on USB flash drives. These can include not only audio tracks but also multimedia content such as videos, artwork, and interactive features. USBs provide a digital experience with a physical artifact for collectors.
7. Blu-ray Audio/DVD Audio
- High-fidelity audio formats such as Blu-ray Audio and DVD Audio are geared toward audiophiles. These formats can store high-resolution versions of music albums and sometimes include surround sound versions, video footage, and behind-the-scenes content.
8. MiniDiscs
- MiniDiscs were a short-lived format introduced in the 1990s, providing a digital alternative to cassettes with a similar level of portability. Though they never gained widespread popularity, some releases were made available on this format.
9. Flexi Discs
- Thin, flexible vinyl records, usually square or round, that are cheaply produced and often included in magazines or as promotional material. These are less common but are sometimes released by indie bands for special occasions.
10. Reel-to-Reel Tapes
- Before cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes were used for high-fidelity audio recording and playback. Although they were cumbersome for the average listener, audiophiles and professionals used them. Some artists still release music on reel-to-reel for collectors.
- NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens): In the modern digital age, artists have experimented with releasing music as NFTs. These digital collectibles often come with exclusive content, limited editions, or direct interaction with the artist.
- Lathes: Hand-cut vinyl records, usually made in very limited runs and often used for small, boutique releases.
- Playbutton: A small device resembling a button that plays a single album. It combines wearable art and music.
- Music Boxes: Some artists release limited-edition music boxes that play snippets of their songs via mechanical means.
- Data Cards or QR Codes: Some releases come in the form of cards or physical items with QR codes or download links to access digital content.
- SD Cards
- Solid State Drives
- Hard Drives
- Android App
- iOS App
- Web App
11.2.1 Pending
- Wii U (?)
- Switch (?)
- PS3 (?)
- PS4 (?)
- PS5 (?)
- Xbox 360 (?)
- Xbox One (?)
- Xbox X Series (?)
*See if there are ways to release the music without homebrewing (let’s do plug-n-play)