What Does LP Mean in Music?
If you've spent any time digging through vinyl records, browsing Spotify releases, or listening to classic albums, you've probably come across the term LP. But what exactly does it mean in music, and how is it different from an EP or a single?
At Future Sound Academy, we get this question often from students who are learning to DJ or starting to release their own tracks. Whether you're a producer, DJ, or just a music lover, here's a simple breakdown of what LP means and how it fits into the wider world of music.
LP Meaning: Long Play
LP stands for Long Play. It refers to a full-length album, traditionally pressed on a 12-inch vinyl record that plays at 33 1⁄3 RPM. LPs typically contain eight or more tracks and offer a longer listening experience than singles or EPs.
Originally introduced in the late 1940s by Columbia Records, LPs revolutionised how music was consumed. Before LPs, most music was released on shorter records with limited playback time. The LP format allowed artists to tell a more complete story across multiple tracks, paving the way for the album as a creative body of work.
LP vs EP vs Single
Here’s how the LP compares to other common music formats:
Single
A single is usually one main track, sometimes with a B-side or remix. Singles are used to promote upcoming albums or give fans a taste of an artist’s latest direction.
EP (Extended Play)
An EP typically contains three to five tracks. It’s longer than a single but shorter than an LP. Many new artists release EPs to showcase a specific sound or experiment with ideas before committing to a full album.
LP (Long Play)
An LP includes eight or more tracks, often 30 to 60 minutes of music. This is considered a complete album and is usually seen as a major artistic statement.
Why LPs Matter to DJs and Producers
For DJs and producers, LPs are more than just a format. They offer:
A deeper understanding of an artist’s sound and progression
More track options for creative mixing or sampling
Insights into track sequencing and how energy is managed over time
If you're learning to DJ, digging into LPs can help you discover not just club hits, but the lesser-known gems that make your sets stand out.
We often encourage our students to study albums from genres like house, techno, hip hop, funk, and ambient to hear how full-length records flow and evolve. It's one thing to know how to mix tracks, but understanding how music is structured across an entire LP is a powerful skill.
Modern Use of LPs in the Digital Age
Even though streaming services have changed how music is consumed, LPs are still relevant. Artists today still release digital albums and call them LPs, especially when the project has:
A cohesive theme or concept
A full-length tracklist
A start-to-finish journey or story
While you might not always see vinyl involved, the term LP continues to carry weight, especially in dance music, where vinyl culture is still respected and valued.
Final Thoughts
The LP is more than just a music format. It represents the idea of a complete body of work, carefully crafted by an artist or group. Whether you are building your record collection, preparing DJ sets, or learning to produce your first project, understanding what an LP is and why it matters can help you approach music with more depth and appreciation.
At Future Sound Academy, we offer hands-on DJ lessons and courses for DJs that go beyond just mixing. We explore the art of track selection, set-building, and understanding the full arc of an LP so you can develop your own voice behind the decks.
Looking to level up your music knowledge? Join us in-studio in Warrington or check out our upcoming online courses.
