Are Albums Obsolete? Releasing Singles vs. Albums as an Indie Artist
In today's fast-paced music world, it’s a question almost every independent artist wrestles with:
"Are albums still relevant, or should I just release singles?"
With attention spans shrinking, streaming platforms prioritizing fresh content, and listeners discovering music one track at a time, it’s tempting to wonder if albums are becoming a thing of the past.
But the truth is - both singles and albums still have a place. It’s all about knowing your goals, your audience, and your stage of growth as an artist.
Let’s break it down.
Releasing Singles: The Modern Standard for Growth
Singles are, without a doubt, the primary currency of the modern music industry. Why? Because platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and YouTube reward constant, consistent activity - not long gaps between big drops.
Pros of Releasing Singles:
Frequent touchpoints with your audience = stay top of mind
Better for algorithmic growth (Spotify’s Release Radar, Discover Weekly, etc.)
More promotional opportunities (each single can have its own mini-campaign)
Lower upfront cost compared to producing an entire album
Cons of Releasing Singles:
Harder to tell a deeper, cohesive artistic story
Each release can feel isolated without a bigger narrative
Risk of "churn and burn" - constantly needing new content to stay visible
Releasing Albums: Building a Bigger Artistic Statement
Albums aren’t dead - not by a long shot. But they serve a different purpose today than they did 20 years ago.
Albums are about creating a world for your listeners - a deeper, immersive experience that shows who you are as an artist, not just what your latest track sounds like.
Pros of Releasing Albums:
Builds credibility (especially with press, industry, and serious music fans)
Allows for storytelling across multiple songs
Can create a major marketing moment (if planned properly)
Gives die-hard fans more to dive into and connect with
Cons of Releasing Albums:
Requires significantly more time and money to produce
Long gaps between releases can hurt streaming momentum
Risk of songs getting buried - many listeners only skim an album unless a track gets playlisted
Strategies for Releasing Singles or Albums
Depending on your goals, here are smart ways to approach each option:
If You’re Releasing Singles:
Drip-feed singles over several months instead of dumping them all at once
Focus on one song at a time with strong visual content (video, lyric video, reels)
Build toward a larger project (like eventually bundling singles into an EP or album)
Use each single to grow playlists, followers, and engagement metrics
If You’re Releasing an Album:
Release 2–4 singles before dropping the full album
Plan a long lead-up: teasers, storytelling, behind-the-scenes content
Treat the album launch like an event - give people a reason to care
Continue promoting individual tracks after release to keep momentum alive
Pro tip: Even if you’re album-focused, think single-mindedly when it comes to marketing individual tracks.
So… Are Albums Obsolete?
Short answer: No. Longer answer: They’re just used differently now.
Albums are no longer the only way to break as an artist — but for many fans, they’re still the ultimate proof that you’re serious, credible, and committed to your craft. Singles drive growth. Albums deepen loyalty.
It’s not either-or…. it’s both, used intentionally at the right time.
If you’re still building your audience, start with singles.
Focus on getting consistent, growing your fanbase, and getting noticed by algorithms and media.
Think in 3–6 month cycles of regular releases, promoting each one like it’s a big deal.
Once you have a growing following and engaged listeners asking for more? That’s your green light to build an EP or full album - something that cements your artistic identity and gives your biggest fans something to dive deeper into.
Build attention with singles. Build legacy with albums.
Play the long game, and you’ll be way ahead of the curve.