E&O Insurance

Errors and Omissions insurance (E&O) is a type of professional liability insurance. It is used to protect companies, employees, or individuals against claims made by clients for inadequate work or negligent actions.

In the music industry, an E&O insurance policy is used to protect the policyholder from third-party claims.

For example, a common use is to give some recourse to television networks, and distributors, from the consequences of a claim for copyright infringement, trademark infringement, or defamation. As a result, they usually require producers to have E&O insurance.

EAN

European Article Numbering codes. EAN codes can be used in Europe for bar codes. In the USA and Europe, UPC codes are normally used.

Ear Training

Ear training is a practice in music education that develops a musician’s ability to recognize and identify various elements of music by ear. This skill is essential for musicians, songwriters, and producers, as it enhances their understanding of pitch, harmony, rhythm, and other musical concepts. Through ear training exercises, musicians learn to accurately identify and reproduce sounds without relying on written music, which improves their musical intuition and adaptability.

Ear training typically focuses on several core areas:

• Pitch Recognition: The ability to identify specific pitches, intervals (the distance between two notes), and scales by listening alone. This skill is crucial for tuning instruments and singing or playing in tune.

• Chord Identification: Recognizing and distinguishing between different types of chords, such as major, minor, diminished, and seventh chords, as well as understanding chord progressions. This ability helps musicians analyze and recreate harmonic structures.

• Rhythm and Timing: Developing a strong sense of timing by recognizing rhythmic patterns and meters. Musicians with good rhythmic ear training can keep steady time, identify beats, and replicate complex rhythms.

• Melodic and Harmonic Dictation: Practicing listening to and then writing down or playing back melodies and harmonies by ear. This improves a musician’s ability to learn and transcribe music quickly.

• Timbre Recognition: Identifying the unique qualities of different instruments and voices. This skill helps in arranging and mixing music by understanding how sounds blend and interact.

  

Ear training is a fundamental skill for improvisation, sight-reading, and songwriting, as it allows musicians to internalize music more deeply. With a well-trained ear, musicians can better communicate, adapt, and respond in live settings, making ear training an invaluable tool for anyone aiming to improve their musical abilities.

Earworm

An “earworm” is a catchy piece of music or melody that gets stuck in your head, often replaying on a loop for hours or even days. Earworms are commonly simple, repetitive tunes that have a hook—a memorable musical phrase that’s easy to remember and hard to shake off.

Earworms can come from various sources, like a song on the radio, a jingle from a commercial, or a catchy line from a movie soundtrack. They are usually easy to sing or hum and have a rhythm or melody that stands out, making them memorable even after only one or two listens. For example, many pop songs are designed to have earworm qualities, often featuring repetitive choruses or rhythms that make them stick in listeners’ minds.

Scientifically, earworms are known as “involuntary musical imagery.” Psychologists believe they occur due to the brain’s tendency to seek and complete familiar patterns. Once a melody is heard and partially remembered, the brain replays it to complete or reinforce the musical pattern, resulting in a loop effect that can be hard to stop.

While earworms are often associated with popular and upbeat songs, they can come from any genre or style. They aren’t necessarily everyone’s favorite songs; even music we don’t particularly enjoy can become an earworm if it has a memorable, repetitive structure.

For musicians and songwriters, understanding what makes a tune “sticky” can be a valuable tool for crafting memorable hooks and melodies. Earworms help music connect with listeners by making it easily recallable, often resulting in greater recognition and popularity for the song or artist.

Echo

A sound effect that creates a delayed repeat of a sound. often used to add depth. One or more discernible images of an original sound as time passes. This acoustic effect is mimicked in electronics by delay effects units.

Echo Chamber

In music and audio production, an echo chamber is a physical space or digital effect used to create natural-sounding reverberation and echo, enhancing a track’s depth and ambiance. Originally, echo chambers were specially designed rooms in recording studios with reflective surfaces, often made of concrete or tile, that allowed sound to bounce and reverberate before being captured by microphones placed within the space. This technique creates a rich, immersive effect that adds warmth, fullness, and spatial dimension to the recording.

Historically, echo chambers were an essential tool in classic recording studios like Abbey Road and Capitol Records, where the chambers were custom-built to achieve distinctive reverberation. Sound from a speaker would be played in the chamber, and as it reverberated, microphones would capture the echoes, which were then blended into the original recording to produce a lush, natural reverb effect. This technique was widely used in the mid-20th century and became a defining feature of many recordings.

Today, physical echo chambers are less common, with digital reverb and echo effects replacing them in most modern studios. Digital echo chambers simulate the effect by using algorithms to replicate the sound of reverberation in a controlled space, offering flexibility and precision in how reverb and echo are applied to a track.

In addition to its literal meaning, “echo chamber” can also refer to social media or group settings where only similar ideas or opinions are reinforced, though in music, it primarily describes a method for achieving natural reverb. Whether physical or digital, echo chambers are essential for creating depth and texture in music, helping artists and producers add atmosphere that enhances the listening experience.

Edit Master

An edit master is the final, polished version of a recorded track or album that has undergone all necessary editing processes before it is ready for distribution or further mastering. It includes the final adjustments to timing, pitch, effects, and other edits needed to ensure a cohesive, high-quality product. In the music production workflow, the edit master is a crucial step, as it serves as the blueprint for the mastering engineer, who will apply the finishing touches for commercial release.

The creation of an edit master involves various editing processes, which may include:

• Timing Corrections: Adjusting any rhythm inconsistencies in the performance to ensure that all elements are in sync.

• Pitch Corrections: Applying subtle tuning to vocals or instruments as needed to achieve the best intonation.

• Noise Reduction and Clean-up: Removing any unwanted sounds or artifacts, such as clicks, pops, or background noise.

• Crossfading and Seamless Transitions: For albums, ensuring smooth transitions between tracks, especially for live recordings or concept albums where one track flows into the next.

• Arrangement Edits: Fine-tuning the arrangement, such as trimming or extending sections, to achieve the desired flow and impact.

The edit master is often produced after mixing, where each track is balanced and processed, but before final mastering. In mastering, the track’s overall loudness, EQ, and dynamics are optimized for various formats (digital streaming, vinyl, CD, etc.). Thus, the edit master must be error-free and as close to the artist’s vision as possible since it serves as the foundation for the mastered version.

For artists, producers, and engineers, creating an edit master is a critical stage that ensures the recorded material is cohesive, professional, and ready for mastering and release.

Edits

In music, “edits” refer to modified versions of a track created for specific purposes or audiences. These versions can be shorter, altered, or remixed to suit particular formats, styles, or listener preferences, commonly seen in radio, clubs, and streaming.

Some popular types of edits include:

• Radio Edit: A version tailored for radio play, typically shortened and adjusted to meet broadcast standards. Radio edits often remove explicit content, trim instrumental sections, and sometimes adjust song structures for a more radio-friendly sound.

• Club Edit: Designed for DJs and club environments, these edits may extend intros or breakdowns, making it easier for DJs to mix the track into a set. Club edits often emphasize bass and rhythm, focusing on energy and danceability.

• Clean/Explicit Edits: Clean edits remove or censor explicit language to make a track suitable for all audiences, often used for radio or family-friendly events. Explicit edits, on the other hand, contain uncensored lyrics, typically released alongside clean versions to give listeners a choice.

• Extended Edit: This edit expands the track, adding extra sections or lengthening instrumental parts, making it ideal for DJ sets or environments where longer versions are preferred.

• Instrumental Edit: A version of the track without the vocal parts, often used in commercials, karaoke, or by remixers and DJs looking to add their own elements.

Edits serve diverse needs, offering flexibility for music to fit various platforms, settings, and audiences. They can boost a track’s reach and impact by allowing it to be heard in different ways, while also providing creative options for artists, DJs, and producers to connect with their audience.

Effect Pedal

An effect pedal, also known as a stompbox, is a small, foot-operated device used by musicians—most commonly guitarists and bassists—to alter the sound of their instrument. Each pedal is designed to produce a specific effect, such as distortion, reverb, delay, or chorus, which adds depth, texture, or a unique character to the instrument’s natural tone. Effect pedals play a crucial role in modern music across all genres, allowing artists to create distinctive sounds and expand their creative possibilities.

Effect pedals are connected between the instrument and the amplifier, allowing the signal to pass through the pedal and be modified before reaching the amp. Musicians control the effect by pressing down on the pedal, often toggling it on or off with a single step. Most pedals also have adjustable knobs for tweaking parameters, such as volume, tone, speed, or depth, allowing musicians to fine-tune the effect to their liking.

Popular types of effect pedals include:

• Distortion/Overdrive: Adds grit and intensity to the sound, creating a heavier tone. Distortion is commonly used in rock, metal, and punk.

• Reverb: Simulates the sound of an echo or space, adding ambiance as if the music were played in a larger room or hall.

• Delay: Produces a repeat of the original sound at set intervals, creating an echo effect that can range from subtle to dramatic.

• Chorus: Makes a single instrument sound like multiple instruments playing in unison, adding a rich, shimmering quality.

• Wah-Wah: Produces a vocal-like “wah” sound by shifting the tone frequency, famously used in funk and rock.

Effect pedals allow musicians to shape and personalize their sound, offering endless opportunities for experimentation. Whether used individually or in combination, pedals are essential tools for creating dynamic and engaging music.

Eighth Note

See 1/8 Note

Electronic Press Kit/EPK

A computer/web version of an artist’s publicity material, their Press Kit. The kit typically includes a biography, photos, artwork, showreel(s), artist news, press clippings, etc.

Check out Songstuff’s article section for advice on “How to Create a Press Kit or Electronic Press Kit“.

EMI (Electric and Musical Industries)

EMI, short for Electric and Musical Industries, was a major British record label and one of the most influential companies in the history of the music industry. Founded in 1931, EMI grew to become a powerhouse in the music world, signing and distributing music from some of the most iconic artists and bands of all time. EMI’s influence spanned decades, with an impressive roster that included The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, David Bowie, and Coldplay, among others.

EMI operated as both a record label and a music publishing company. It was responsible for discovering, producing, and promoting artists and, through EMI Music Publishing, managing songwriting rights and royalties. Throughout the 20th century, EMI was known for its role in advancing recording technology, working on innovative projects that helped shape the sound of modern music. For instance, EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London became legendary for groundbreaking recording techniques used by The Beatles and other influential artists.

In 2012, after years of financial challenges, EMI was acquired and split between two major competitors: Universal Music Group acquired EMI’s recorded music division, and Sony/ATV (now known as Sony Music Publishing) took over EMI Music Publishing. Despite no longer existing as an independent label, the EMI brand and legacy live on through its impact on music history, its iconic artists, and the classic recordings it helped create.

EMI’s influence remains an important chapter in the music industry, and its catalog continues to reach new generations of listeners through reissues, remasters, and the iconic music that defined eras.

EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)

In audio and music production, EMI stands for Electromagnetic Interference, a type of disturbance that occurs when electromagnetic fields disrupt the normal function of electronic audio equipment. EMI is commonly caused by nearby electronic devices, power lines, radio signals, or even cell phones, and it can result in unwanted noise, hums, or static in audio recordings or live sound systems.

EMI is a frequent concern in both studio and live sound environments, where a clean audio signal is essential. It can affect instruments, microphones, amplifiers, mixing consoles, and any other electronic audio gear. For example, guitar pickups can sometimes pick up radio signals, creating an audible interference known as “hum” or “buzz,” especially when using high-gain or distortion effects. This interference can be particularly noticeable when recording in urban areas or near broadcasting towers.

To reduce EMI, audio engineers and musicians often take several precautions, such as:

• Using Shielded Cables: Shielded or balanced cables (like XLR or TRS) are designed to reduce EMI by protecting the audio signal with an insulating layer.

• Grounding Equipment: Proper grounding of audio equipment can prevent interference by giving excess electromagnetic energy a safe path to dissipate.

• Separating Power and Audio Cables: Running audio cables away from power lines helps minimize interference, as power cables can carry electromagnetic signals that interfere with audio.

For musicians and audio engineers, understanding and managing EMI is crucial for maintaining high-quality sound. By identifying and minimizing EMI, they can ensure a clean, interference-free audio signal, which is essential for professional recordings and live performances.

Encore

An encore is an additional performance given at the end of a concert or show, usually in response to enthusiastic applause and calls for more from the audience. It’s a way for the performer to thank the audience for their energy and appreciation by offering an extra song or two after the planned setlist is completed. Encores are a tradition in live music and have become an expected part of many performances, especially in popular music, rock, and classical concerts.

The encore is often one of the most memorable moments of a show, as it feels spontaneous and special. Artists typically save fan-favorite songs, hit singles, or emotionally resonant tracks for the encore, creating a sense of climax and closure. Some bands and musicians plan encores in advance, while others keep them more flexible, choosing songs based on the night’s atmosphere and audience reaction.

While encores are generally welcomed and anticipated, not all performers choose to include them. Some artists prefer to stick to a single, cohesive set, while others embrace the tradition by performing multiple encores if the crowd’s response is particularly strong. In large concerts, it’s common for the stage lights to dim after the main set, with the audience cheering and chanting in hopes of an encore until the artist returns to the stage.

Encores are a powerful way for performers to connect with their fans, giving audiences a sense of personal interaction and a final, often intimate moment with the artist before the show officially ends.

Endorsement

Sometimes called sponsorship. An endorsement is a promotional tool used by equipment manufacturers. They provide their gear at a discounted price, or even for free, to successful and high-profile artists and individual musicians. In return, the manufacturer gains exposure for their products and overall brand, brought about by the use of the product by the artist or musician.

Engineer (Audio Engineer/Sound Engineer)

An audio engineer is a skilled professional responsible for managing the technical aspects of sound recording, production, and live performance. They work with artists, producers, and other music professionals to capture, edit, and refine audio to achieve the desired quality and artistic vision.

Audio engineers wear many hats throughout the music production process. In a studio setting, they handle tasks such as setting up microphones, adjusting levels, and using various effects and EQ (equalization) to shape the sound of each instrument or vocal track. They may also mix tracks, blending multiple audio elements to create a balanced, cohesive sound that aligns with the artist’s intent. In some cases, they are involved in mastering, the final process that prepares a track for distribution by enhancing loudness and clarity.

Live sound engineers, on the other hand, manage audio during concerts and performances, ensuring that the sound is balanced and clear for both the audience and the performers on stage. They control elements like volume, feedback, and effects in real-time, adjusting to the acoustics of different venues and responding to any technical issues that arise during the show.

Audio engineers need a deep understanding of acoustics, signal flow, and various audio equipment, from mixing consoles and digital audio workstations (DAWs) to microphones and effects processors. Their technical expertise, combined with a creative ear, plays a crucial role in transforming raw recordings into polished, professional-quality music.

In short, an audio engineer is a behind-the-scenes expert whose work enhances the listening experience, whether it’s in the studio, at a concert, or streaming from your favorite playlist.

Entertainment Identification Number (EIN)

The Entertainment Identification Number, commonly abbreviated as EIN, is a unique identifier used in the music and entertainment industry, especially within the United States, to distinguish businesses and professionals for tax and business purposes. Though the acronym “EIN” typically stands for Employer Identification Number, in the entertainment industry, it’s often referred to as the Entertainment Identification Number due to its specific use in identifying companies and individuals in creative fields.

An EIN serves as a critical tool for artists, bands, record labels, production companies, and other entities working in entertainment. It is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and allows individuals or organizations to operate as a business. This enables them to file taxes, open business accounts, manage financial records, and even hire employees while keeping personal and business finances separate. For music professionals, having an EIN is essential for tasks like reporting royalties, managing expenses, and engaging in contractual work without needing to share a Social Security Number (SSN), which provides added security and privacy.

For musicians and creatives, the EIN helps legitimize their work as a formal business, making it easier to apply for grants, secure business loans, and establish credibility with collaborators, distributors, and industry partners. It’s especially valuable for independent artists who operate as self-employed entities or small business owners, giving them a streamlined way to handle finances in a professional manner.

In summary, an Entertainment Identification Number is an essential asset for artists and music industry professionals looking to build sustainable, organized, and secure business practices in their careers.

Entertainment Law

An area of commercial law specifically focused on:

• Music
• Theatre
• Sports
• Dance
• Literature
• Architecture
• Visual Arts
• Internet
• Television
• Movies

EP

An Extended Play (EP) record was originally on a 45 rpm 7-inch vinyl single. A typical vinyl single had only one track per side, with the main track being termed the “A-side” and the track on the flip-side being termed the “B-side”.

EP was later used for 12-inch vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs containing two to six tracks.

EPs are marketed as extended play records. Typically a single, or 12” single contains 2 to 4 tracks. An album can be defined in terms of a number of tracks or overall playing time. For ease, you can think of an EP as more than a single, but less than an album.

The relevance of singles, EPs, and LPs is under debate in an age of single-song downloads and a drive to be constantly engaging with fans. In some markets that is leading to drip-feeding songs, one song at a time, which in turn is having an effect on the music itself.

Equalizer (Equaliser)/EQ

An Equalizer(EQ) allows the boosting or cutting of selected frequency bands within an audio signal. There are many different types of equalizers:

• Fixed Frequency
• Graphic
• Paragraphic
• Parametric
• Peaking
• Shelving
• Sweepable
• Three Band
• Two Band

For a fuller description of EQ see our EQ articles by following the links below.

Equalization / Equalisation and EQ Frequencies

Eurodance

Eurodance is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in Europe in the late 1980s and became immensely popular throughout the 1990s. Known for its upbeat tempos, catchy melodies, and distinctive blend of electronic beats, Eurodance combines elements of house, techno, and hi-NRG with influences from pop and disco. Eurodance songs are often characterized by powerful, synthesized basslines, strong four-on-the-floor beats, and a blend of male rap verses and female vocal hooks or choruses.

Typically, Eurodance lyrics focus on themes of love, celebration, and positivity, making the genre a favorite at clubs, parties, and festivals. Some of the most well-known Eurodance acts include artists and groups like 2 Unlimited, Snap!, Ace of Base, and Haddaway. Hits like Rhythm Is a Dancer by Snap! and What is Love by Haddaway became global sensations, defining the sound of Eurodance and bringing it to mainstream audiences around the world.

Musically, Eurodance is distinguished by its energy and accessibility. Songs are often built around simple, repetitive structures, designed to be instantly memorable and danceable. The genre frequently uses synthesizers, drum machines, and heavy bass, with production that emphasizes a polished, commercial sound. Vocals are an essential component of Eurodance, with catchy, singable hooks that make songs easy to remember and enjoyable for crowd sing-alongs.

While its mainstream popularity declined toward the end of the 1990s, Eurodance has remained influential and continues to inspire modern EDM and pop music. The genre has also seen periodic revivals and remains a nostalgic favorite, with its infectious beats and feel-good energy continuing to energize dance floors around the world.

Exciter

An exciter is an audio processing tool used to enhance the brightness, clarity, and presence of a sound by adding harmonic overtones to the original signal. Exciters work by generating high-frequency harmonics, which can make vocals, instruments, or entire mixes sound more vibrant and defined. This effect is especially useful for bringing out details in sounds that might otherwise seem dull or lifeless, helping them stand out in a mix without simply increasing volume.

Exciters are commonly used in music production, mixing, and mastering to achieve several purposes:

• Adding Brightness: By introducing subtle, high-frequency harmonics, exciters add a sense of “air” and openness to a track, making it sound clearer and more polished.

• Enhancing Vocals and Instruments: An exciter can make vocals sound more crisp and present, while also improving the brightness of instruments like acoustic guitars, cymbals, or strings.

• Improving Clarity in a Mix: Exciters can help individual elements cut through a dense mix by giving them a distinctive edge. This effect allows important sounds to be heard more clearly without overwhelming other elements in the mix.

• Compensating for Frequency Loss: Sometimes, when audio is compressed for digital formats or broadcast, certain frequencies can become less prominent. An exciter helps to restore these frequencies, making the audio sound fuller and more balanced.

Exciters work by applying either harmonic synthesis (adding overtones that are not present in the original signal) or frequency-specific distortion (emphasizing certain high frequencies). While exciters can add valuable sparkle to a mix, they should be used sparingly, as overuse can lead to harsh or overly bright sounds.

For producers and engineers, an exciter is a powerful tool for enhancing detail and clarity, giving the final mix a professional, polished finish.

Exclusive Rights

Exclusive Rights are rights granted to a person or entity that prevent others from using that material without permission. A specified activity is only permitted to be carried out by specified people or companies. It is a term often used in contract clauses that bind an artist to a record label or a songwriter to a music publisher.

Extended License

An extended license is a type of music licensing agreement that provides more flexibility and broader usage rights than a standard license. This license is often used when music needs to be utilized in commercial projects or distributed to a wider audience, and it typically allows for uses that a standard license would restrict. Extended licenses are commonly sought by businesses, advertisers, content creators, and production companies who need more freedom in how they use a song or sound.

While a standard license generally limits music usage to personal projects or non-commercial applications, an extended license permits activities such as:

• Commercial Use: Allows the licensed music to be used in paid advertisements, product placements, or other revenue-generating projects.

• Mass Distribution: Covers distribution across various platforms and sometimes permits physical copies, like CDs or DVDs, or digital downloads on a larger scale.

• Broadcasting Rights: Provides permission for the music to be used in radio, television, or online streaming platforms, reaching larger audiences.

• Public Performance: Allows for music to be played in public settings like stores, events, or other commercial venues, expanding exposure and accessibility.

An extended license generally costs more than a standard license due to the increased rights and potential revenue it provides the licensee. Pricing varies depending on the terms, reach, and scale of use, with additional fees often applying to high-profile or widespread commercial campaigns.

In essence, an extended license is ideal for projects that require greater reach and flexibility with licensed music, allowing creators and businesses to use music more freely in ways that help them reach commercial or broad-audience goals while ensuring that the rights holders are fairly compensated.