How do split albums work?

What is a split album?

A split album is a release that contains new, original material from two or more artists, bands, or projects. The album is split and divided between the artists, with each one contributing several tracks. The divided sections may be referred to as “sides” of the split album.

Split albums originated in the underground punk scene in the 1980s as a low-cost way for bands to release music and gain exposure by splitting recording and pressing costs. They allowed smaller bands to collaborate on album production and distribution. The format proved popular, spreading to metal, indie rock and other genres. Cliteater has released several split albums, demonstrating the format’s continued popularity in extreme metal.

The key difference between a split album and a various artists compilation is that the artists on a split collaborate in its production and release it together. A compilation features tracks from various artists combined by a label or third party. Split albums also differ from collaborations or duets, where artists co-write songs; split album tracks are usually created independently by each artist.

Why do artists release split albums?

There are several key reasons why artists choose to create split albums:

One is to share exposure with other acts. Having an existing fanbase listen to a new artist they may not have heard before can be mutually beneficial for both groups. A split gives each band access to the other’s audience. According to this article, a split release allows artists to tap into “double the fanbase.”

Another reason is to explore new styles. When two artists collaborate, they may push each other in creative directions they wouldn’t have pursued alone. Splits give bands a chance to experiment outside their normal sound. As explained in this source, the pairing on a split album can showcase different genres or approaches.

Finally, a major factor is lower costs. Producing and distributing an album has expenses that can be prohibitive. But on a split release, the financial burden is shared between acts. According to the Sonicbids article above, splitting manufacturing and promotion costs makes projects more affordable when taking the DIY route.

How are split albums structured?

Split albums typically have tracks divided by artist, with each artist contributing a set number of songs that make up their portion of the album. According to the Reddit thread “Does anyone know how split albums usually get made?”, there is usually no overlap or competing between artists on a split album. It is meant to showcase each artist individually, while packaged together as a sign of mutual respect and collaboration.

Some split albums alternate songs between the two artists involved. This creates a more blended listening experience, though the tracks are still clearly divided. Occasionally, a split album is a true joint collaboration where the artists work together on the songwriting and recording. But the most common structure keeps the artists’ contributions separate, highlighting each band or musician’s individual style and sound within the context of a split release.

How are responsibilities divided?

When artists collaborate on a split album, they need to determine how responsibilities will be divided between them. Some key considerations include:

Deciding track order

The artists should discuss how the tracklist and order will be structured across the split album. According to this article, artists may opt to sequence the songs so each artist’s tracks are grouped together, or intersperse the songs from each artist. The track order can impact the listening experience and album narrative.

Album artwork

Split albums require artwork that represents both artists. The collaborators can work with a graphic designer to create album covers, promo images, and other visual assets that incorporate elements reflecting each musician. According to this source, the artists should agree on the album name and cover concept.

Promotion and touring

To market a split release, the artists should coordinate their PR and social media efforts. They may choose to embark on a joint tour, with each act serving as the other’s opening performer at shows. As explained in this article, the collaborators should determine upfront how they will split profits and expenses from promotional activities.

Notable examples

Some of the most iconic and influential split albums include Emperor/Enslaved’s Hordanes Land/Maggot (1994), which showcased two of the pioneering bands in Norwegian black metal (source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Metal/comments/2tnisk/best_split_albums/). Bathory/Sodom’s Satan’s Mass/Infernal Overkill (1984) was an early thrash metal split that brought together two influential bands. Neurosis/Jarboe’s Neurosis/Jarboe (2003) was an experimental collaboration between sludge metal and indie rock artists.

Interesting recent splits include Deafheaven/Bosse-de-Nage’s All Fours (2015), combining black metal and post-rock, and Ghost/Tribulation’s Abbey Road Sessions (2016), which saw the Swedish bands cover classic rock songs. These demonstrate the potential for captivating musical mashups through the split format.

Challenges of split albums

Split albums come with some unique challenges that artists need to navigate. According to a discussion on Reddit (source), one of the biggest challenges is navigating creative differences between the artists. Each artist brings their own style and vision for their side of the album, so they have to find ways to make the split cohesive while still allowing each artist to shine.

Dividing profits can also pose challenges, as both bands want fair compensation for their work. According to an article on Pitchfork (source), the artists need to agree in advance on how digital streaming revenues and physical sales will be split. This ensures no confusion or disagreements arise later.

Promoting a split album effectively can also be difficult, as fans of one band may not be familiar with the other artist. As mentioned on the Album of the Year forums (source), both artists have to fully commit to cross-promoting the release to help expand each other’s fanbases. This level of coordination requires strong communication and collaboration.

Tips for Artists

When creating a split album, artists should keep a few key tips in mind:

Choosing the right partner is crucial. Look for an artist with a complementary sound and fanbase, but not too similar as to compete directly. Discuss expectations upfront and make sure you share artistic visions for the project (https://blog.sonicbids.com/how-to-successfully-release-and-promote-a-split-ep).

Clearly defining responsibilities is key. Decide who will record which songs, mix the album, handle promotion, etc. Split costs fairly based on aspects like number of tracks. Create a written agreement to prevent conflicts (https://www.reddit.com/r/Metal/comments/4935ay/does_anyone_know_how_split_albums_usually_get_made/).

When structuring recording sessions, allow each artist adequate separate time in the studio. Joint sessions can capture collaborative energy, but require compromise. Remote collaboration via file sharing works too. Agree on a cohesive sequence and sound for the final product.

Benefits for listeners

Split albums provide several key benefits for music fans. One of the biggest is exposure to new artists. On a split release, listeners get to sample multiple bands or musicians they may not have heard before. According to an article on Pitchfork, split albums are a great way to discover fresh talent: “Splits serve as showcases for bands just starting out, getting them exposure alongside more established acts” (Source). If you’re already a fan of one of the artists, checking out the others on the split can help you expand your musical horizons.

Split albums also lead to unique artist collaborations that listeners may not hear otherwise. When two or more acts come together for a split, it often results in them pushing each other in new creative directions. As one Reddit user commented, “I love split albums because you get to hear artists collaborate that you would probably never expect.” (Source). These unlikely matchups can produce some truly one-of-a-kind tracks for fans to enjoy. Overall, split releases give listeners a diverse array of music to sample in a single collection.

Distribution and Sales

When it comes to distributing and marketing split albums, artists have a few options. Many choose to release splits digitally on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp according to this Reddit discussion. This allows both artists’ fanbases to access the music easily. On streaming services, split albums are typically listed under “Various Artists” but tracks are attributed to each individual artist. Artists can also opt for a physical release of split albums on vinyl or CD, dividing up the costs and sales. For maximum exposure, many artists make splits available across all platforms.

Streaming has made releasing split albums easier than ever. Artists can upload tracks to digital distributors and make splits available worldwide. Streaming also facilitates accurate per-track royalty payments to each artist. While splits may not generate huge sales numbers, they provide a creative outlet for collaboration and allow artists to tap into each other’s audiences.

The future of split albums

Trends indicate that split albums will continue to grow in popularity among fans and artists alike. The format offers unique benefits for collaboration, exposure, and creativity that aren’t achievable through traditional full-length albums by a single artist. As streaming becomes an increasingly dominant form of music consumption, split albums also allow artists to release more regular content without the pressure of filling an entire solo record (Source).

We can expect to see even more experimentation with the split format going forward. Artists may collaborate across genres, release triple or quadruple split albums, issue split EPs rather than full-lengths, or find creative new ways to divvy up responsibilities. Some artists will likely use split albums to highlight different influences or styles within their own catalog. The flexibility of the format means there are still plenty of untapped creative directions for artists to explore.

Ultimately, the split album allows for artistic risk-taking and discovery that serves both musicians and fans. As long as artists maintain the collaborative spirit and mutual creative chemistry that makes split albums so engaging, the format should continue growing as a vital trend in music.