I understand the purpose of releasing a “single” separately from a physical album such as a cd, vinyl, or cassette back in the day. But since mp3s and ITunes where you could buy songs individually, and now Spotify and other streaming services, where you can select individual songs, what is the purpose of a “single”. The only reason I can think of is to qualify or enter it for Grammys. But what other function is there?
This question came up due to Taylor Swift rereleasing recent songs from TTPD as singles. Not interested in subjective opinions about Swift. Just wanting to know the above about the purpose of singles these days. Thanks!
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It just means a song that is being given special attention on its own rather than being part of an album. The other songs on the album are what the artist considers weaker and more in support of the singles. In the past artists have typically released at least one single before their album drops that can be bought on its own and gets radio and TV play. Presumably the same basic formula applies whether the distribution media is physical or digital.
If an entire album has released and is available for song-by-song digital purchase it does somewhat reduce the meaning of “releasing a single from it” but it might still have something to do with licensing for radio play or special download discounts or bundling arrangements.
Could just be they don’t have enough songs ready for a whole album, but still want to release something.
My local radio station plays new releases every Wednesday. Yesterday they played a new single release from an artist they seem to like a lot. The DJ said, “Here’s the new single. I assume this means an album is coming some time soon.”
It could be as simple as “the album isn’t ready yet but we want to build some buzz, or make sure our fans don’t forget about us entirely.”
In the scenario you’re talking about (aka album released, some songs re-released after), it’s all about marketing. It’s a new “set of hype” that’s being generated because they’re in a “new” format.
At the moment, for better or for worse, Taylor is trying to keep herself at the top of the most listened lists and such. Keeping her songs at the top no matter what format. Re-releasing them again means there’s a “new” set of songs to get to the top
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