Music Magazine Research: Evaluation

Music Magazine Research: Readership Profile

Music Magazine Research: Flat Plan for Two Existing Magazines

Flat Plan for Q magazine:

 Flat Plan for NME Magazine:

Music Magazine Primary Research: Focus Group

What kind of music will your magazine focus on?

Alternative rock. (Specialist magazine)

What will your magazine be called?

ALT ROC

Will you feature a single artist or a band on your Front Cover?

Single – cover whole page, perhaps head cover part of title.

What kind of article will be on your double page spread?

Interview on artist (one on front cover) will be the main story.

What colour scheme will your magazine have?

Black, white and red (dark).

How much will it cost?

£2.00 (perhaps £2.50 as £2 seems quite cheap but the survey showed that as the most popular answer).

From the focus group I have been given plenty of feedback. I struggled to find a name for my magazine and the title ‘ALT ROC’ has been suggested. I like this because it clearly shows the genre of the magazine and in an interesting way. They agreed with the single artist on the cover as it will stand out more, however, it was also suggested to have two artists and show them back-to-back or something similar. I like this idea as I think it will stand out and draw more attention. The focus group also agreed with using an interview on my double page spread as it gives me plenty to write about. The colours black, white and red seemed to be very popular but I may add some other colours, like purple, to vary it slightly. And finally, for my price, the focus group agreed that £2.00 was quite cheap so I will price my magazine at £2.75 which they group said was more realistic.

Music Magazine Primary Research:Questionnaire Analysis

From my questionnaire results, I can see that the most effective way to attract my target audience is to use a popular feature on the cover. This is because having a band/artist who is appealing to my target audience will attract their attention and lead to them buying the magazine.

My survey also showed me that the three most popular features my target audience expect to see are interviews (89%), new releases reviews (89%) and coverage of festivals/gigs (78%). This means that I will try to include such features on my front cover, contents page or my DPS to appeal to my audience.

The results illustrated that the most popular feature on a DPS is Band coverage/interviews (67%) with gigs/festival information just behind (56%). This has suggested to me to create a DPS that includes a major interview with a band/artist and perhaps add a list of festival information at the side or on the contents page.

I received many suggestions of pricing for my magazine with £2.00 being the most popular. However, due to secondary research, I can see that many other music magazines are priced over £3.00. Because of this, I have decided to go against my primary research and raise the price to £2.70 which is a balance between what my target audience wants and what other magazines (competition) are priced at.

My questionnaire showed that my target audience would like to see a band on both the front cover and DPS. This is due to when I asked “What Alternative Rock artists do you like/listen to, if any?” most answers included bands, not single artists and are therefore more popular.

For a colour scheme, my survey showed that my target audience preferred a dark colour scheme (45%) throughout the magazine. this may be because it represents alternative rock the best. From my secondary research I discovered the magazine “Mojo” of which shares the same genre. They too used a dark colour scheme and so from both my primary and secondary research, I can see that a dark colour scheme is best suited.

I have learnt, that for my front cover, a layout that includes a combination of graphic features, a central image, pull quotes and flashes are most popular with my target audience (44%).

I also learnt that the majority of my target audience, if not all, listen to music trough their mobile phones and iPods (100%). From these results, I can conclude that my audience would enjoy seeing a flash, graphic feature, pull quote, etc on my front cover about music through technology. For example, new releases on iTunes for your iPod.

My results show that my target audience prefer their contents page layout to be dominated by text but include a few graphic features (78%). From this result, I may use the convention of a contents list down one side of the page with graphic features on the other side. I may also include anchorage to give meaning to the images as my target audience prefer text.

Finally, my questionnaire showed that my target audience would like the DPS to include a large image (56%) and perhaps some pull quotes (45%). From my secondary research, I found that many DPS’s used full page central images with the article on the page next to it. From these results, I may use a fill page central image and perhaps a pull quote between the article text to make it look more interesting and appealing.

From my questionnaire results, I have gained many suggestions on how to lay out my front page, contents page and DPS, including what colour scheme to use and what articles to include.

 For questionnaire questions: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7WY3VDJ

Music Magazine Research: DPS Analysis

Rock Sound:

This double page spread uses the convention of a full page central image which is also a bleed. This is effective because it draws attention to the readers and makes the article more interesting and attractive. There is also a large, bold masthead “Teen Spirit” this is another convention of DPS’s because it is eye-catching and clearly informs the reader of what the article is about; the central image has this effect too. There is drops capital at the beginning of the article text. This makes the text more interesting/attractive. It is also in a different colour to the rest of the article which makes it stand out and so is more appealing and eye-catching. The DPS uses a callout to make it more interesting and appealing. This is a convention in many DPS’s. The page uses a range of colours and fonts to make it look more attractive and interesting. This will draw reader’s attention so they are more likely to read the article.

Q:

This DPS uses a very popular convention of a full page central image. This attracts the audience to the article by making it look more visually appealing and so more interesting. This also allows the reader to instantly know who the article is about. This is effective because they can then easily decide if they want to read the article or not. The DPS uses page numbers which gives the reader additional information and makes it easy for them to navigate the magazine. There is also a drops capital in the article; however it is half way through the text not at the beginning. This has many effects. Firstly, it is more visually appealing and makes the text look more interesting. It may also imply a new location/subject/etc in the story. This is useful because it clearly shows the different sections to the articles and so makes it easier for the reader is looking for a particular part of the story. The DPS includes a header “Florence” which has the same effect as the central image – it allows the reader to know who the article is about and is visually appealing. This DPS uses the beginning of the article as a masthead. It does this by being underlined and larger than the other text. This is attractive to the audience and straight away gains the readers attention so they are more likely to read the rest of the article.

NME:

This DPS includes the typical full page central image which is attractive and eye-catching as well as informative to the audiences – shows them who the article is about.  Another convention is the bold masthead “The Vaccines” which also informs the audiences who the DPS is about. This is expected of a DSP as it automatically tells the reader what they are going to read and so allows them to decide if they want to read it or not. Another convention is the drops capital. In this DPS it is used at the beginning of the article and half way through. This makes the text more eye-catching and therefore interesting. The second drops capital may imply a new location/setting/etc and clearly shows the reader’s of this by standing out. Not only does it stand out by being larger than the other test, but it is also a different colour. This makes it more appealing and so more interesting. There is also a callout within the article which is represented larger and in a different colour. This allows it to stand out and draw the reader’s attention.

Kerrang:

In this double page spread there is a large callout which is used as a masthead “We’re being the best MCR we can be!” This is effective because it draws the reader’s attention and is visually appealing. A typical convention used in this DPS is a full page central image. This is also visually appealing and makes the DPS look more interesting and so is more likely to be read. It also includes graphic features which have the same effect. They also give the reader more information about the band/feature. For example, showing the reader’s what the band members look like and what environment they tend to be in (studio). This is effective because it draws the reader’s attention and gives them a range of images to relate to the text which makes it more interesting and appealing. These graphic features are accompanied by anchorage. This helps create meaning to the images and so make them more interesting and appealing. Another convention is the drops capital used at the beginning of the article. This draws reader’s attention and is visually appealing. The DPS also includes a skyline “World exclusive”. This draws reader’s attention and make the article more appealing and interesting and so more likely; to be read.

Mojo:

This DPS uses a callout/pull quote as a masthead. This is effective because it draws the reader’s attention and makes the DPS look more appealing and interesting. The use of a masthead is a convention in DPS’s as it stands out and so attracts attention as well as informing the reader of what/who the article is bout. There is a skyline at the top of the left page “The 50 Greatest Neil Young Songs”. This gives the reader extra information about the DPS and so allows them to decide of they want to read it or not. It is also visually appealing and makes the article look more interesting. In the skyline the number “50” is shown in a different colour to the rest. This highlights the number and so draw’s the reader to it. This effect is used in the masthead where the words “be there now” are a different colour compared to the rest of the masthead. This may signify an important aspect of the singer and so relate to the audience which is appealing and eye-catching and so makes them more likely to read the DPS. Another convention is the use of a full page central image. This is attractive and eye-catching and so interests the reader and makes the DPS look more appealing and interesting. Accompanying this central image is an anchorage. This helps create meaning for the image and is used in many magazines. Another convention is the drops capital at the beginning of the article. This is eye-catching and so draws the reader’s attention and makes them more likely to read it. The singers name and others have been highlighted in a different colour to the text. This draws the reader’s attention and reminds them of who the article is about. This is effective because it allows the reader to be tempted into reading the article by being reminded who they are reading about.

Music Magazine Reasearch: Contents Page Analysis

Rock Sound:

This contents page uses a large central image to look attractive and draw reader’s attention. This is a convention for front covers, but not necessarily contents pages. This is because contents pages tend to use many graphic features to look interesting and give visual information. However, this page does use a contents list which is a typical convention of contents pages. This is effective because it allows the reader to easily navigate themselves to their desired page due to the clear format. This list also uses two colours to distinguish the text (information) from the page numbers. This, again, makes it easy and clear for the reader to use. There is a variety of fonts which distinguish the sub-titles from the text. This allows the sub-titles to stand out and so draw attention to the reader which makes it easier for them to find what they want. The contents page includes a large(ish) bold masthead. This is a convention of contents pages because it gives the reader as much information as they need and in a clear way. Fro example, this masthead advertises the name of the magazine “Rock Sound” and so constantly remind them of what they are reading. However, many contents pages use the masthead “Contents” on their contents pages. This is a more used convention but gives the same effect. There is an issue number and date below the masthead, this, again, gives the reader repeated information that would have been on the front cover. This reminds the reader of such information as well as looking attractive and professional. Finally, the contents page includes a pull quote accompanied by a page number in large, bold font. This implies a ‘big’ story/article and so is made to look more appealing by being larger and so standing out.

Q:

This contents page uses many typical conventions for a magazine contents page. Fro example, it uses many graphic features as well as a large central image. This allows the reader to gain information visually and so is appealing to many and attractive. The use of a central image implies it is the main article due to it being bigger than the other graphic features and so stands out and draws the reader’s attention. Another convention is the contents list. This allows a clear navigation through the magazine which is appealing to readers. There is also a bold masthead “Q Contents” which tells the reader where they are in the magazine and so gives extra information which is attractive and appealing. There is also an issue number next to the masthead which has the same effect. The contents page uses a variety of fonts, font sizes and font colours. This distinguishes all the texts from each other (sub-titles, page numbers, information and main titles) which allows clear and easy use of the page due to certain texts, like page numbers, standing out. This is important and effective because it clearly shows the reader the most important text which allows them to use the contents page effectively.

NME:

This contents page includes a large masthead “NME This Week” which is a convention of magazines as it draws the reader’s attention by standing out. This is appealing to readers because it shows us what the page is, which is what we expect in a magazine, especially on a contents page. It is also attractive and forms the page. The page also uses a contents list which is anther convention of contents pages. This is because it allows clear navigation which is appealing to readers. There is also a band index in list form. This form also allows easy navigation and is clear to see. However, a band index is not a convention of a contents page, but is an extra feature from NME. This is appealing as it makes the magazine different to others and so stands out from its competition. Another convention this contents page uses is a large central image. This implies it is the main story because it is the largest picture as well as being the only page number to be accompanied by an image. This is typical of magazines because it draws the reader’s attention to it and so makes it more likely to be read. There is also a small graphic feature which is used to add visual information to an advert. This is effective because it draws out attention to the advert and so makes it more likely to be used. There is a range font size as well as different fonts and colours. This distinguishes the different texts and so make them clear to read. This is appealing to reader’s because it is simple to use/read and so can be done anywhere without having to think.

Kerrang:

This contents page uses many graphic features which is visually appealing and allows the reader to easily navigate themselves through the magazine in a fun way due to less reading. The magazine has chosen to use more images compared to text as a way to display their contents. This is effective because it allows the reader to have a visual idea of each page and so make a decision based on which image is attractive to them. However, the contents page also uses text; for example, each image is given a small about of information and a sub-title. This allows the reader to have even more information about the different pages which is appealing as they can decide what they want to read in an easier way. There is also a contents list which is a convention of contents pages. This gives the reader even more information about the magazine and in a clear way. Another convention is the bold masthead “Contents” which is visually appealing and gives the reader extra information about where they are in the magazine. Underneath the masthead is an issue number and date. This has the same effect as the masthead as it gives extra information to the reader as well as being attractive. This contents page includes an editor’s note (which no other contents page I’ve looked at includes). This is effective as it appeals to the reader because they feel they are being personally addressed which supports the uses and gratification theory of personal relationships. The contents page uses a pull quote just below the masthead. This is effective because it is entertaining. It is also accompanied by a page number which makes that page more likely to be viewed because the pull quote gains the reader’s interest and so they will want to read the whole article.

Mojo:

This contents page is very simple but uses many typical conventions for a contents page. Firstly, it includes a contents list which uses two different font sizes and colours. This is effective because it is clear and so allows the reader to easily navigate themselves through the magazine. The different colours distinguish the page number from the sub-titles and so, again, make it easy for the reader to use as well as be attractive. The use of different font sizes has the same effect but also implies which text is most important. For example, the sub-title is more important than the information text under it. The contents list also includes a cover story which has been separated to the rest of the list by two lines and a title “Cover Story”. This is not a necessarily a typical way of separating the main story to the smaller ones but making the main story stand out is. This is because it draws the reader’s attention and looks more appealing and important. Another convention is the large central image. This is eye-catching and implies a large article. This is effective because more people are likely to read the article because the image gains their attention. However, there are no graphic features on the page, but this makes the central images stand out even more. This is accompanied by as pull quote is also gains the reader’s attention and so makes the article even more appealing. There is a masthead at the top of the page “Mojo” advertising the title of the magazine. This is attractive and a convention for magazines. There is also an issue number and date which give the reader more information about the magazine and is visually appealing.

Music Magazine Reaserch: Front Cover Analysis

Rock Sound

1.      Conventions:

Rock Sound uses many conventions. For example, the large masthead is a feature used on most magazine front covers; this means the audience expect to see it as it may draw their attention to the magazine. Another convention is the large central image of the band. Many magazines use this to pull the reader in and temp them to buy the magazine. Music magazines are most famous for doing this and, like this magazine, use the main subject as the central image to draw in audiences. This works well as people who enjoy the chosen artist/Band will be more attracted to the cover. The use of a flash is a popular convention on magazines. These appear more on gossip magazines as it allows the front cover to tease the audience with more information and in an eye-catching way. Other features that are used so regularly they have become standard are bar codes, dates, price, issue numbers and, due to technological advancements, the magazines web-address. As Rock Sound magazine shows, these are normally very small and in the corner of the page (here, they are in the bottom right corner). This magazine includes a header at the top of the page. This can be considered a convention as many magazines use it to give extra information or advertise. Fro example, in this case, it advertises a free CD, exclusive news and a chance to win a guitar (competition). This attracts readers as it clearly shows what the magazine has to offer. Another convention Rock Hard magazine uses is a Buzz word. It includes the word “Exclusive” in the header. This attracts audiences as they feel they are the first ones to receive this new knowledge. The cover also uses plugs and cover lines. These have been represented in a list form which makes it easier for the reader to understand and so more attractive. They also provide extra information about the magazines content which allows the reader to decide if they want to buy the magazine or not.

2.      Representation:

The band on Rock Sound’s front cover is being represented as the main subject of the magazine. This is because their image is being used as the background (central image) and so dominates the page. This attracts audiences as it stands out and will attract any fans of the band as they will see the band image straight away.

The magazine is represented in quite a dark way. This is because the central (dominant) image is black and white and the text colour is white and mint green which are not considered very bold colours. This perfectly represents the genre of the magazine (rock) as we link rock with dark colours.

3.      Audience:

The audience of the magazine is approximately 16 to 25 year olds who are interested in rock music. The magazine may attract a few readers who are slightly older than this, but due to the variety of fun fonts, it would attract younger/teenage readers.

4.      Genre:

The genre of the magazine is rock. This is shown through the use of dark colours and the title “Rock Sound”. It is also shown through its content, for example, “Songs for the death” as rock is normally linked with death. The font is bold and ‘sharp’ which represents rock as the music, too, is very ‘sharp’. The generic convention of the front cover being dark is used. Audiences have begun to expect rock magazines to be dark as it represents that genre of music.

5.      Style:

The front cover is very dark and ‘cold’. This reflects rock music well and is very stylish for that genre. This is due to the black and white central image and dull coloured text. This also links with the typography because it is quite messy and scratchy.

The covers USP is its exclusive information on popular rock bands/artists. We can imply this by its use of buzz words “Exclusive” and its large central image of a band. The image implies it will have a big article/story on the band because they dominate the page, implying they are most important.

This cover reflects a dark personality due to its colour scheme and genre.

6.      Main Image and Background image:

The central image/background image takes over the whole front page and so dominates the cover, implying it is most important. The image is a mixture of a low angled shot and an eye level shot. This is because the band members in the background are standing straight and so looking down at us, but the lead singer is bending down to our height, creating an eye level shot. This implies they are superior to us but perhaps don’t want to be.

The main image is in black and white, which allows the text on top to be seen easily and also reflects the genre. The lighting is coming from above and is fairly low key. This has created shadowing which emphasises the darkness and connotes the rock genre. No props are used in the main image, just the band members. This is simple and so does makes the main the main subject and avoids distraction.

7.      Typography:

There is a variety of fonts on the front cover of Rock Sound; however, they are all bold and slightly ‘messy’. For example, “My Chemical Romance” is very rough and sketchy (the bands symbol) and the font used for the plugs includes smudges and cracks. These represent the genre of rock very well as rock, too, is scratchy and, metaphorically, may include cracks as it is a very dark and depressing genre. This is very effective as it should attract the audience as it reflects the genre that they are interested in.

8.      Iconography:

The central image could imply a very deep meaning. This is because the lead singer of the band is looking straight into the camera, and so straight into the reader’s eyes. This implies he is looking into you which is quite intimidating. The rest of the band are looking down at the reader which, again, is intimidating and may imply the band are more superior.

However, the artist in the small graphic feature has his arm open to the side, implying he is open with us and so respects us. However, he is holding a bottle of champagne which may imply he has a high status, or due to the way he is holding the bottle, along with his sleeve of tattoos, he may look quite violent. This reflects the genre of rock as it is also violent.

9.      Masthead:

The masthead “Rock Sound” implies the brand is rock related and the genre is rock. It is very large and bold which makes it stand out and so may represent the genre as standing out and being ‘wild’. This can also be said for the brand. The masthead is white but includes a few cracks, this may represent the brand and genre as old and so has been around for a long time (which has created cracks), but also exciting and ‘still going strong’ (due to the white which implies freshness and immortality).

10.  Colour:

The front cover uses dark colours, with the exception of the mint green font. However, even this colour isn’t very bright and so represents the magazine as slightly depressing and dark, therefore implying its genre is rock. These colours link/represent rock music as both are cold, depressing and slightly scary. This may imply the mode of address will be fairly formal because a formal register is quite like the colour scheme – ‘sharp’ and intimidating.

Q:

1.      Conventions:

Q magazine’s front cover a large masthead which is seen as a convention, however, they have positioned it at the bottom which contradicts the convention and most magazines have their masthead at the top of the page. The cover includes buzz words “Exclusive” and pull quotes/call outs “Noel was a tit. I’m very happy…” which are typical of a magazine front page to draw attention to the magazine. The cover also includes a flash, plugs and cover lines, again used to draw the reader’s attention to the magazines content. There is a bar code and price which all magazines include. These are used so often they have become standard and the reader expects to see them. A large central image of the artist is used. This is a convention for most music magazines as it draws attention and stands out.

2.      Representation:

The artist is being represented as almost ‘god-like’ due to the large image being a close up of his face and his glasses reflected the rest of his band who are looking at him. This may imply he is superior to his band and to us.

The magazine is being represented as quite bright, due to the colour scheme of red, but also one-sided to the artist, implying the magazine looks up to him. Apart from the red font, the colour scheme is quite plain; implying the magazine is ‘grown-up’ and so is more directed at adults. This represents it as serious but also amusing and can ‘make a joke’ due to the red.

3.      Audience:

The audience for this magazine is approximately 16 to 40 year olds who are interested in a range of music. However, Q tends to focus more on indie, alternative rock music and less on hip-hop and R&B music.

4.      Genre:

Q magazine includes a range of genres but favourites itself towards indie, alternative and pop-rock music. It includes new releases of music as well as older bands/artists and is not predominantly one genre. This is shown through its neutral colour scheme – bright but quite plain – and so doesn’t represent a particular genre by using a particular colour. It’s also represented by their slogan “Discover great music” which doesn’t specify a genre, implying they do not focus on a certain type of music.

This is also represented through the typography used. The cover includes bold, plain font in sophisticated colours like gold, black, red and white. These are very neutral colours for a magazine as they are popular for all genres due to the colours standing out over background images.

5.      Style:

The cover is stylish as it is quite plain and so neutral. This gives it a sophisticated represented which implies style. 

The magazines USP is “great music” and by using a large close up of an artist, implies it has a big story on them, giving them the USP/advantage over other magazines who do not have the story.

The front cover reflects a mature personality due to the use of a simple layout and plain colours. However, the use of red adds excitement and perhaps implies humour, allowing the magazine to not look boring.

6.      Main Image and Background image:

The main image is a close up and eye level shot of an artist. It includes a plain background and so focuses on the artist. His band are shown in the reflection of his glasses which allows the audience to see the whole band but implies Liam is the leader. The bands outfits are very winter-based due to the use of scarfs and buttoned up coats. This may imply their style of music – comfortable and familiar. The background colour is a gradient of grey to white. This is quite dull and so doesn’t distract the reader from the text and central image. The image uses artificial lighting which doesn’t cast a shadow, implying there is no darkness in the magazines content and are not bias towards dark/rock music. The artist is wearing a pair of reflective glasses. This may imply he is hiding behind them, or behind is image. It also gives him mystery and so power as eyes gives away the most emotion and we can’t see them. The setting is a studio which, again, causes less distraction from the artist.

7.      Typography:

Q’s front cover uses only two fonts, both very simple. This makes them easy to read and allows them to not over-power each other. However, it does use a range of colours to allow them to stand out against each other and draw the reader’s attention to certain words, for example, “Liam’s” in bright red. There is also a variety in font size which defines the ‘big’ stories to the small ones. It also allows the bigger fonts to stand out and so grab out attention. This is effective because it catches the reader’s eye and makes them more likely to take an interest in the magazine. The typography reflects the genre perfectly because it includes a variety of fonts, colours and sizes similar to the magazine including a variety of genres and so represents its diversity. The mode of address is quite personal and friendly “Your new favourite band”. This makes the reader feel special and loved and so will enjoy the magazine more.

8.      Iconography:

By the cover only using one image that dominates the page, it implies that the subject is very important and powerful. It implies the artist is very well known and deserves his position on the page. The use of a close up brings the audience closer to the subject, this connotes that we, the audience, get to find out more about him and so feel that we are closer to him (Personal relationship need in the uses and gratifications theory).

9.      Masthead:

The masthead is positioned in the top left corner and due to it only being one word, is very large and in a red box. This allows it to still stand out. It is not as traditional as most mastheads, due to it only being one letter, but it keeps the convention of being large and bold. Because it is very simple, it implies maturity which reflects the magazines genre of a lot old older/’mature’ music. However, it also contrasts with the genre because Q includes a range of genres which implies the magazine to be quite busy, not simple, as the masthead shows.

10.  Colour:

The front colour uses very simple colours of red, black, white and gold. These colours connote maturity and simplicity, implying the audience may be older and so more mature. However, the red is exciting and stands out which represents the younger readers and the ‘child within the adult’ (their immature side). Because the magazine cover uses a variety of colours, it reflects the magazines variety of music genres. The range of colours could imply a range of ways the writers communicate with us and so more than one mode of address.

NME:

1.      Conventions:

NME front cover uses a bold masthead at the top of the page which is a convention in magazines, as it is a short title; it only covers half the width of the page but is still a traditional and standard feature. The cover also has a skyline/header above the title which many other magazines include. This draws the reader’s attention and gives them extra information. There is a large central image of two artists (band) on the page which is commonly used on all music magazines because it draws audience’s attention, especially if the like the artists featured. The cover includes a flash, cover lines and plugs which, again, are used commonly on magazines and so is a convention. NME has also included a bar code, date, web-address and price in the bottom right corner. Magazines include these to give the reader the information needed to purchase the magazine and so are the most popular convention.

2.      Representation:

The artists on the cover have been placed back-to-back. At first glance we may imply this suggests rivalry, but due to them being in a new group, it may suggest they are supporting each other. The magazine is representing itself as very ‘rock n roll’ by using a lot of red font and a non-glossy cover. This gives it a 50’s look which was the height of rock n roll.

3.      Audience:

The audience for this magazine would be 16-30/40 year olds who are interested in a range of music but mainly indie, alternative rock.

4.      Genre:

The magazine isn’t technically genre specific, but is sided towards indie, alternative rock music. This is shown through the range of colours – red, white, black and yellow – but red is the dominant, implying it is slightly bias towards rock n roll as that is the colour associated with it. The main image represents this genre by it including two artists who are dressed in an alternative rock way – Beatles hair and collared coats – and by them being back-to-back could imply support which many rock n roll artists (e.g. Oasis) also use. The mode of address is friendly due to humour “Ding! Ding!” and personal address “we’ve found for you”. This connotes many genres which imply the magazine isn’t specific. This is also shown through the range of font sizes and colours which represent diversity.

5.      Style:

The magazine is very stylish by it being a traditional magazine format. Its USP is the latest music news and due to the large central image of two musicians, we can presume it will include a large article on them which will attract many readers who are interested in the band.

6.      Main Image and Background image:

The main image is a mid shot of two artists. It dominates the page but the band is slightly to the right, allowing the text to be seen clearly over the setting. They are wearing dark clothes which doesn’t over power the text, making the cover easy to read but still interesting. The lighting is artificial, creating no shadows which keeps the cover neutral to all genres – not darkness to imply rock, etc.

7.      Typography:

The mode of address is personal and amusing “we’ve found for you”. The typography reflects the genre by it being a variety of fonts/size/colour and so a variety of genres. This is effective because it clearly shows the genre of the magazine and so attracts certain people to it.

8.      Iconography:

The picture implies the band support each other by them resting against each other. Under the artists the cover lines says “First major interview” this supports the bands relationship with each other as they are new and so need to help each other. The positioning of the image (central) connotes that the subjects are most important and so dominate the page.

9.      Masthead:

The masthead is bold and large which implies the brand is big and powerful. It is also quite short, perhaps linking to ‘shot and sweet’, however, underneath the masthead it states “New Musical Express” which shows what the acronym masthead represents. This could imply the magazine has been around for a while and so is able to shorten the title. This reflects the genre as music has also ‘been around for a while’. The term “New Musical” implies new music and so reflects the genre of not being specific to a type of music but just being informative of new music.

10.  Colour:

They colour scheme is red, white, yellow and black which seem quite popular for music magazines, especially alternative rock magazines, implying that, although this magazine isn’t genre specific, it favourites alternative music. This may also imply the mode of address is quite broad and there is a variety of colours and so a range of ways the writers address the readers.

Kerrang:

1.      Conventions:

The conventions of this magazine are a large masthead at the top of the page which has become a standard feature of magazines so the title stands out and is noticed. Also, the use of a large central image of a musician to draw audience’s attention. There is also a bar code, issue number, price and date in the bottom right corner. All magazines include these and so are the biggest conventions. The cover includes flashes and buzz words like “Exclusive” and “Plus”. These are used regularity to attract reader’s attention, as well as plugs, cover lines and pull quotes. These, again, attract the reader’s attention and give them more information about the magazines content. The front page uses a header above the masthead which draws attention by giving information about the content which isn’t normally there (one-off).

2.      Representation:

The artist on the cover is shown in an iconic way due to us looking up at him (low angle). This represents him as powerful and so attracts the reader to the magazine.

The magazine represents itself as impressive and slightly boastful by it representing the artists in such an iconic way which makes them seem very proud to show it. The use of a fairly busy layout implies they have a lot to offer and so represents them as very serious about music but can still have fun with it.

3.      Audience:

The audience is 16 to 25 year olds who are interested in rock music. 

4.      Genre:

The genre of the magazine is rock, which is shown through the content “7-day rock guide” and the graphic feature of a hard-core rock band. It is also represented through the typography of bold, cracking text which implies rock as it isn’t neat but is broken and ‘hard-core’. The mode of address is informative and not very personal, this may imply the seriousness the magazine feels about their music.

5.      Style:

The style is very typical of a rock magazine, however it includes bright colours like yellow which are eye catching and so stand out. Its USP is lots of information on rock music, especially on “Green Day’s tour”. This reflects a very passionate personality on rock music as it advertises so much of its content so readers know what they are getting.

6.      Main Image and Background image:

The main image is a low angled mid shot which makes the subject seem powerful and iconic. The lighting has allowed a shadow to be cast under his face which implies darkness which reflects rock. There is also light coming from behind the artist, perhaps implying him as ‘god-like’.

7.      Typography:

The mode of address is informative. This means there is no relationship between the reader and the writer which keeps it professional but doesn’t match the reader’s need to gain companionship.

By the typography being ‘dirty’ and broken, it reflects the genre as rock isn’t seen as neat and tidy but messy and broken. There is a variety of text size and font but all is bold and so stands out and draws attention to itself. This is effective because it clearly reflects the genre and so makes the audience aware of the magazines purpose and draws their attention to it.

8.      Iconography:

The pictures allow the audience to relate the text to visual images which make it more appealing and interesting. They also imply the genre of the magazine.

The positioning of the main image connotes it is the most important subject in the magazine and so draws the reader’s attention and any audience who are a fan of the artist.

9.      Masthead:

The mast head is large and bold so stands out which reflects how rock music stands out compared to other genres. It also includes cracks which imply the cracks in rock music due to it being well used.

10.  Colour:

The cover uses white, yellow, green and black which stand out and draw attention. They are not normally related to rock but Kerrang’s signature colour is yellow and so is branding the magazine. This relates to the formal mode of address because both aren't particularly friendly and comforting but do stand out.

Mojo:

1.      Conventions:

The cover uses a large, bold masthead which is a convention for magazines as it draws the reader’s attention. It also includes a flash and a header with extra information in. there is a large central image on the cover which draws attention to the magazine as it stands out. It also includes a barcode, price and date which are used on all magazines. There are also plugs at the bottom and top of the page is usually place along the side of the page but having plugs is a convention to most magazines.

2.      Representation:

The band are represented as young and new “New band of the year”, however, they re looking down at us (low angle) which implies they are powerful and so perhaps popular. The magazine represents itself as small by not including many plugs and cover lines as so implying that perhaps they don’t have much content or perhaps they rely on reputation and not advertisement.

3.      Audience:

The audience for this magazine are 16 to 25/30 year olds who are interested in rock n roll music.

4.      Genre:

The genre of the magazine is rock n roll; this is shown through the slogan “The rock n roll magazine” as well as through the central image of a rock n roll band. It can also be represented through the typography of bold fonts and plain colours, which emphasis the image. The mode of address is friendly and personal “You’ve got the band you always wanted”. This can represent rock n roll as it reflects its friendly nature but also it cheeky tone.

5.      Style:

The USP of Mojo is latest news on rock n roll music; we can imply this as their main story is of a new band. It reflects a music loving personality that wants to have fun and is passionate about their music. We can tell this from the ‘wacky’ masthead but serious and sophisticated cover line font.

6.      Main Image and Background image:

The main image is a low angled mid shot of a band. This makes the reader look up to the band and so have a positive view on them. The image’s setting is outside due to the background being a cloudy blue sky. This connotes freedom which reflects the genre of the magazine – freedom of rock n roll. The main image fades to a black background which allows the text to be easily seen and emphasises the image. Their costume is quite dark which allows the sky to stand out which emphasises the concept of freedom.

7.      Typography:

The mode of address used is friendly and personal “You’ve got the band you always wanted”. The typography reflects the genre by it being simple but fun which is similar to rock n roll. It is also bold and large which reflects the genres popularity. There is a small variety of font and size which may represent how rock n roll bands are very similar to each other. However, it may also reflect is uniqueness by it being like no other magazine. This is effective because it draws the reader’s attention and makes them feel loved due to being personally addressed.

8.      Iconography:

The central image represents the power of rock n roll by the band looking down at us and so gaining power over us. By it being s central image, it connotes the subject is superior to others. There graphic features at the top connote they are important, as they are at the top, but not as powerful as the central image because they are much smaller.

9.      Masthead:

The masthead is very large and is represented in a ‘wacky’ font. This represents the brand as big and funny and so entertaining. This reflects the genre as it stands out and so is like no other.

10.  Colour:

The colours white, yellow, gold and black are used in this cover. This connotes the magazine has both a fun side – yellow – and a serious, informative side – white and black. This implies the genre is, too, both serious and fun. It also implies the mode of address has a friendly, fun tone but is serious about music and can be informative when needed.