Various (EP)

Various (EP) refers to an extended play (EP) record featuring music from multiple artists. This differs from a traditional album or EP by a single artist or band. A "various artists" EP, sometimes also referred to as a "compilation EP" or "sampler EP", gathers tracks from different sources, often with a common theme, genre, record label, or event affiliation.

The purpose of a Various Artists EP can be multifaceted:

• Promotion: It can serve as a promotional tool for showcasing the roster of a record label, introducing emerging artists to a wider audience, or building hype for an upcoming festival or event.

• Genre Exploration: EPs of this nature might focus on a specific genre or subgenre, providing a curated selection of tracks that highlight the diversity within that musical style.

• Themed Collections: Some Various Artists EPs revolve around a specific theme, such as seasonal celebrations, political movements, or tributes to particular artists or styles.

• Soundtrack Snippets: In some cases, Various Artists EPs might feature a selection of songs from a film, television show, or video game soundtrack, offering a condensed version of the complete soundtrack experience.

Unlike a compilation album which typically features a larger number of tracks, an EP (extended play) is characterized by having fewer tracks and a shorter running time, making the "Various (EP)" format a concise and focused offering.