Difference Between Normal and Radio Edition in Music

Normal vs Radio Edition in Music

Recorded music is one form of entertainment that enables an appreciation of music. It is considered more convenient and more accessible to the public than live music or performances.

Recorded music starts with what is called “normal edition.” What this means exactly is that the recorded music or song is raw, unedited, or unmodified. It is simply music that has not been altered in any way and is not yet released to the public airwaves in mediums like radio, music stores, or even online. The normal edition of recorded music does not have any cuts and is often lengthy with its original form, lyrics, and sound still retained.

When the recorded music is set for public release, it undergoes many types of alteration. The length of the music can be cut short, and the form, sound, and voice can be manipulated. Certain words or language considered to be rude, profane, controversial, or questionable may even be censored in consideration of the public’s mood and sensitivity. After all, the public is the entity who will consume the music as part of their lives.

After all the alterations have been made, the recorded music now becomes “radio edition.” Back in the early days, recorded music was released first in radio stations only, thus the coining of the term “radio edition.” But nowadays, there are many channels where recorded music is released.

Normal editions of recorded music are not released for public use and are kept by music studios.  On the other hand, radio editions are meant to be released publicly, especially to the followers of the artist who made the recording. Since normal editions are not released, they cannot be a source of profit for both the recording company and the artist. Only the radio edition that circulates to the public makes profit.

Also, there is only one version of a normal edition. It is considered as the “master copy” of any radio edition. The radio edition can be one or two, depending on the situation. Both radio editions can be different in form or arrangement.

Summary:

1. “Normal edition” and “radio edition” in music are two states of recorded music.
2. “Normal edition” is defined as the raw and original version of the recorded music. It contains no alternations of any kind. On the other hand, “radio edition” is the edited version of the same recorded music. The name infers that the edition will be released in radio stations for public consumption.
3. “Normal edition” also means that the recorded music is not yet or is pending for release while “radio edition” implies that the music is available in public airwaves.
4. The reason for the discrepancy between the two versions is the censorship due to public sensitivity. There are agencies or music studios that censor recorded music for profane or ill remarks that are not suitable for children or sensitive people. The radio edition is meant for public enjoyment; thus, to avoid conflict or misinterpretation of the music and ensure its success, some alterations have to be in place. Some music producers feel that a shorter time length or a different style is better suited to the song to make it more marketable.
5. Usually, there is only one normal edition. Radio editions can be one or two versions of the music depending on the music studio, the artist, or the demand of the fans.
6. Normal editions of recorded music are not designed for circulation. They also do not make money. In contrast, radio editions are meant to be promulgated and to promote the artists and the music. This promotion will lead to song or album sales, the profit from which is anticipated by music studios, producers, and recording artists.

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