A single is a record on which, as a rule, one piece of music is recorded. Sometimes the main song and a remix of it are recorded on one medium. The fashionable concept of "single" today actually appeared almost more than fifty years ago.
What is a single
The records on which musical compositions were recorded have changed several times during their existence. At first, these media were called "gramophone records", later they were called "shellac". At the moment, the most common terms are "vinyl" record.
The first single in the history of the music world appeared in the 1950s. In those distant times, such a term was introduced to simplify the notation. If the disc was called "single", then only one composition could be listened to on it, up to ten songs were recorded on other varieties.
Nowadays, not only vinyl records are called singles, but also CDs and DVDs. The main condition is the content of one musical composition. Additional recording of remixes is allowed, but only those that are modified versions of the main song.
There is an important rule. In order for a record or disc to be called singles, the duration of their sounding should not exceed 20 minutes.
Singles types
Vinyl records have broken popularity records since their inception. Records were used for discos in the 80s, and now they can be seen in the hands of every DJ.
CD singles come in two flavors - standard and maxi singles. In the first case, one or two compositions are recorded on the medium, in the second, you can additionally watch a clip or listen to remixes.
DVD singles are considered to be of the highest quality. In this case, compositions are distinguished by cleaner sound, and clips are distinguished by the best image. Such singles can not only be listened to, but also watched with additional effects, for example, in 3d format.
The so-called virtual singles stand out in a separate category. You can find them only via the Internet. Such compositions are laid out mainly by the performers themselves on the pages of their sites.
Why do I need a single
The main goal of creating a single is to attract the maximum number of audience to a particular performer and his work. Many singles are released in limited editions and fall into the collections of true fans as well as collectors.
The most common advertising stunt is the release of a single before recording an album. The composition is sent to radio stations and appears on sale, thus the audience is interested in the release of the collection in advance. Singles, as a rule, become the leaders of the charts and are most often heard on radio waves.
