Music Magazine Contents - Analysis: Q

Music Magazine Contents - Analysis 

Q

The ‘Q’ logo is presented in the top left-hand corner of the page. It is shown in the consistent house style as it is on a red background and in a white font which allows it to stand out on the page due to the bright colours. The logo is placed on the page to allow the reader to become familiar with the magazine and recognise it more often and so the magazine can define that it is the official version.

The title states ‘contents’ to allow the reader to understand the purpose of the page. It is written in the largest, boldest font to allow it to stand out on the page. Furthermore, it is written in a simple sans serif font to appeal to the younger targeted reader and generally make it easier to read. Sans serif font is used throughout the entire contents page for simplicity apart from one piece of text to allow it to stand out on the page. It is also written in a white font in front of a black background so that it stands out in contrast for added noticeability.

There is a column down the left-hand side of the page including the title of each page linked with its corresponding page number to allow the reader to immediately visit the pages they have most interest in. This eliminates confusion and enables the reader to understand what they can expect to be on each page.

Beneath each page title, a small description of what you can expect to be on the page is included to describe the articles which are exclusive to this issue of the magazine. This will allow the reader to decide whether or not they wish to visit this page. The descriptions are often intriguing and don’t give much away to entice the reader to discover more by reading the content.

The types of articles are sectioned in different boxes depending on what content the page incorporates. For instance, on this contents page they have sections such as ‘Features’ and ‘Every Month’. This allows the content of the page to be organised and easier for the reader to find their desired page.

A buzz word is incorporated alongside the popular band ‘Oasis’ as it states ‘Oasis Special!’ This will intrigue the audience to discover this ‘special’ content. Furthermore, there is a section titled ‘Q Review’. This is a catchy title as it contains a rhyme which will be recognisable for the reader and draw their attention to this section of the page. It also states ‘The World’s Biggest and Best Music Guide’. This will allow the audience to trust the review section and wish to continue reading to discover what makes it the biggest and best in the world.

The prominent image is evident on the page due to its large size although the page is primarily text dominated. They have made it large to correspond with the cover of the magazine to allow the reader to understand this is the main article within the magazine to target fans of the band ‘The Courteeners’. Each band member is glancing directly towards the camera which acts as a personal pronoun as they are looking directly at the reader personally and enticing them into the magazine. In terms of mise en scene, they are dressed in relatively casual attire to appear to be normal people.

The colour scheme corresponds to the colour scheme of the front cover for consistency. It consists of red, black and white. The red font is the brightest and most noticeable so it is used for the pieces of text which require to stand out the most.

 

Music magazine covers - analysis: Kerrang!

Kerrang!

The masthead includes a shattered and cracked font to portray the fierce and hard rock bands which will be incorporated within the magazine due to their rebellious sides. The title is the same on each ‘Kerrang!’ magazine so it is an iconic feature which will be recognisable to the reader due to the familiarity. There is also a plug feature which is superimposed over the masthead which suggests that it is so recognisable to the audience that they are confident they will be able to read it as it is recognisable and familiar.

 

Plugs present enticing and intriguing articles from within the magazine to make people wish to read the content to discover more. For instance, it states “Poster special: Blink 182”. People will wish to buy the magazine to receive this poster. There is also a chance to win prizes. As a plug, it lists the prizes you can win from buying the magazine to entice more buyers.

At the top of the page, there is a banner stating “Kerrang! Relentless energy tour 2010: line-up revealed!” This is an intriguing statement as the intended audience will be likely to wish to discover all of the bands on the tour. The banner is sectioned at the top of the page so that it is noticeable to the reader and they will be intrigued immediately.

 

The colour scheme consists of blue, black, white and yellow. The blue and black colours are relatively dull and dark to represent the dark and aggressive aspect of the metal music genre. However, the white and yellow colours are used to stand out in contrast to the dark background for text so that certain pieces of text are more noticeable to the reader. Furthermore, using a colour scheme allows for consistency throughout the magazine and it becomes an iconic feature of each ‘Kerrang!’ magazine.

All fonts used are simple sans serif fonts which should, stereotypically appeal to the audience. Furthermore, the key features of the title and prominent feature article for ‘Lostprophets’ are written in a distorted white font. This makes the text appear shattered and cracked to represent the rebellious side of the metal and rock genre of music. Also, the important text is written in larger, bold fonts and in the colour red which is the most noticeable against the darker background colour so they stand out to the reader.

The image presents the band ‘Lostprophets’. In terms of mise en scene, they are all presented in black coloured clothing and all appear to have a relatively moody facial expression. Also, the leader of the band is positioned in front of the other members in the centre and his hair is black and covers part of his face. These are features of rock bands as it gives them a gothic look to appeal to fans of this style of music. Moreover, each band member is looking directly towards the camera as a personal pronoun as they are looking at the audience and enticing them to buy the magazine.

There are two smaller images to link with the plug features positioned in the bottom left-hand corner of the page. These present bands which will have fans. The fans of these bands will be likely to wish to read the content of the magazine to discover more about them.

Music magazine covers - analysis: Top of the Pops

Top of the Pops

The masthead is written in large, bold writing so that it stands out as the title of the page. It is also written in a sparkly pink font to, stereotypically, appeal to the target audience of young girls to persuade them to purchase the magazine. This is an iconic and recognisable aspect of the magazine which will be recognisable to the intended audience. Furthermore, it is superimposed over the top of the main image so that it stands out to the reader and is evidently noticeable on the page.

Plugs are used to present enticing and intriguing articles from within the magazine to make people wish to read the content to discover more. For instance, it states “Gaga at school – her secrets uncovered”. This is intriguing and will make the audience wish to discover more about this article by reading the content of the magazine.

The colour scheme consists of various shades of pink and purple and white as these are, stereotypically, colours which will appeal to young girls who are in the intended audience. To express more important and intriguing aspects of content, the text is written in a colour which stands out in contrast to the background so it is noticeable. Furthermore, using a colour scheme allows for consistency throughout the magazine and it becomes an iconic feature of each ‘Top of the Pops’ magazine.

There are approximately three different fonts used on the cover. The majority is written in a simple sans serif font to appeal to the younger audience. However, to include variation different fonts are used. Also, the important text is written in larger, bold fonts and in the colour red which is the most noticeable against the darker background colour so they stand out to the reader.

The main image on the cover of the magazine presents pop star ‘Jessie J’. She is looking directly towards the camera which acts as a personal pronoun as she is looking directly towards the reader and personally enticing them to buy the magazine. In terms of mise en scene, she has dark eye makeup and bright coloured lipstick to act as a role model to young girls and to inspire them to look like her.

Alongside the plugs, smaller images are used to allow the reader to see features of the content. This will intrigue them more as they are presenting well-known icons that will have young girls who are fans of them. Therefore, they will purchase the magazine in order to discover more about these artists.

 

Various language features have been included on the cover as a rhetorical question is used. It states “Who’s the fittest?” This is suggestive that they are asking each member of the public personally and the target market will be more likely to buy the magazine as it acts as a personal pronoun. Furthermore, quotes are incorporated to allow the reader to believe that all information they are reading is accurate and they can hear from these icons personally.

At the top of the page, there is a banner stating “QUIZ! Is she stealing your crush?” The banner is noticeable as it is at the top of the page and sectioned from the rest of the page as it has a different coloured background so it stands out. It is also an enticing article which should appeal to the target audience of young girls.

Music magazine covers - analysis: Vibe

Vibe

For the masthead, the word ‘vibe’ relates to music and is, therefore, a suitable title for a music magazine. The title is written in a very large and bold font so that it is prominently noticeable to the audience as it is the largest piece of text on the page. It is also written in the iconic style as presented on each ‘Vibe’ magazine due to the font, size and colour. Therefore, the prominent image is able to be superimposed over the masthead as it is such a popular magazine so the majority of the intended audience will recognise the magazine.

There are many plugs and cover lines regarding various other rappers which will appeal to the target audience. For instance, one states “Behind J-z’s New York takeover”. These plugs will appeal to the fans of each artist and they will be intrigued to read the content of the magazine to discover more about them.

The prominent image on the cover of the magazine presents the rapper ‘T.I’ and successfully represents the genre of the ‘gangster’ image due to mise en scene. This is presented through the posture, attire and facial expression of the artist. He is portrayed wearing a cap and jewellery while conveying a relatively aggressive facial expression and posture. Furthermore, he is looking directly towards the camera from a straight angle which can act as a personal pronoun as it appears like she is looking directly at the reader and enticing them to purchase the magazine.

All of the writing on the magazine cover is written in a simple sans serif font. It doesn’t appear to be too formal and will, therefore, appeal to the younger intended audience. Also, the important text is written in larger, bold fonts and in the colour red which is the most noticeable against the darker background colour so they stand out to the reader.

The colour scheme consists of red, white and blue. Due to the fact that the red colour is more prominent and stands out in contrast to the darker coloured background, it is used to present the enticing and more important pieces of text such as names of artists and the title. This will ensure the audience will notice these pieces of writing to entice them to buy the magazine in order to discover more. Also, the colour scheme is relatively dark to allow for a more intriguing and mysterious effect for the cover. Furthermore, using a colour scheme allows for consistency throughout the magazine and it becomes an iconic feature of each ‘Vibe’ magazine.

The barcode is a series of widths which allow the magazine to be scanned and paid for at the shop. However, this magazine is attempting to include a more modern feature as it has incorporated a code which can be scanned using a smartphone to take the reader to the website for the magazine in order to discover more. 

There is a banner at the top of the page stating “2010 in review: all that was cool, crazy and crass”. This is an intriguing statement as the intended audience will be likely to wish to discover all of the ‘cool’ things that happened. The banner is sectioned at the top of the page so that it is noticeable to the reader and they will be intrigued immediately.

Music magazine covers - Analysis: Billboard

Billboard

The masthead is written in large, bold writing so that it stands out as the title of the page. It is also presented in the iconic ‘Billboard’ style with the primary colours (red, blue and yellow) to fill the inside of certain letters. This is a recognisable aspect of the magazine which will be recognisable to the intended audience. Furthermore, the prominent image is superimposed over the masthead as it is such a popular magazine so the majority of the intended audience will recognise the magazine.

Plugs present enticing and intriguing articles from within the magazine to make people wish to read the content to discover more. For instance, it states “CHART HEAT”; people will wish to gain an understanding of current chart music which will appeal to the intended target audience.

On the image, Taylor Swift is looking directly towards the camera which can act as a personal pronoun as it appears like she is looking directly at the reader. Furthermore, the photograph is positioned in the centre of the page as it is the prominent feature of the cover. It is also superimposed over the masthead of the magazine as ‘Billboard’ is a popular magazine and is confident that the reader will know the title. In terms of mise en scene, she has white clothing, blonde hair and pale makeup to link with the purity of the colour scheme.

The colour scheme is relatively pure and calm colours which consist of yellow, white and black. The white colour stands out most in contrast to the background so it is, therefore, used to present the more important and intriguing pieces of text. Furthermore, using a colour scheme allows for consistency throughout the magazine and it becomes an iconic feature of each ‘Billboard’ magazine.

All of the writing on the magazine cover is written in a simple sans serif font. It doesn’t appear to be too formal and will, therefore, appeal to the younger intended audience. Moreover, the more important information is written in a larger, bold font so that it stands out on the page.

 

For the cover lines, the prominent cover line presents the text stating ‘Taylor Swift’ in the largest and most noticeable font on the page so that it stands out to the audience. It is evidently the main story from within the magazine and will entice more readers to find out more. It also includes a small description of what the content will include in a smaller font to explain to the reader what they will read about.

Music Magazine Covers - Analysis: Q

Music Magazine Covers - Analysis: Q

Q

The masthead is written in an iconic style as presented on each ‘Q’ magazine cover (with a red background and in a white font so that the title stands out in contrast to the vibrant background colour). This makes the masthead recognisable and noticeable to the reader. The masthead is also monolithic as it is simply one word. Therefore, it is simple and eye catching which is further emphasised as it is the largest letter on the cover.

Plugs are used present enticing and intriguing articles from within the magazine to make people wish to read the content to discover more. For instance, it states “2010 previewed – the best new acts”; people will wish to gain an understanding of who the best new acts are.

The colour scheme consists of red, white and grey. Red is the brightest colour which stands out in contrast to the darker colours. Therefore, it is used to portray the more intriguing parts on the cover so that they are the most noticeable features. They are powerful colours to imply the power of the artist presented. Furthermore, using a colour scheme allows for consistency throughout the magazine and it becomes an iconic feature of each ‘Q’ magazine.

The slogan is the same on each ‘Q’ magazine and it states “The UK’s biggest music magazine”. This is a memorable slogan and it is also enticing; if it is the biggest, the public will wish to read it to discover what makes it so good. It is also written in a banner at the top of the page so it is noticeable to the reader.

All of the writing on the magazine cover is written in a simple sans serif font. It doesn’t appear to be too formal and will, therefore, appeal to the younger intended audience.

In terms of language, it takes advantage of the reader’s knowledge as it states “3 words… Cheryl Cole Rocks”. This was the name of one of Cheryl Cole’s singles which would allow her fans to relate to this language pun and encourage them to purchase the magazine. Furthermore, the genre of the magazine appears to be rock which is emphasised by the statement “Cheryl Cole ROCKS” to tie in with the rest of the magazine cover.

The image presents the pop icon; Cheryl Cole, dressed in black with dark eye makeup and bright red lipstick which ties in with the colour scheme. The mise en scene of the image suggests that the image is related to rock, perhaps a route which Cheryl Cole wishes to go. This will intrigue the audience to discover more about this. It is a close-up shot from a straight angle as she is looking directly into the camera. This could act as a personal pronoun as she is looking towards the reader to entice them to buy the magazine.

 

 

 

Codes and Conventions research task

My first piece of research for the planning of my music magazine will be analysing various codes and conventions on popular style models of my choice.

 

I chose to analyse 'Billboard', 'Kerrang!', 'Top of the Pops', 'Vibe' and my prominent style model, 'Q' magazine. I chose 'Q' magazine to be my prominent style model due to the fact the content of the magazine presents a similar genre of music which I aim to include within my magazine so I will be able to relate to some of the codes and conventions of this magazine and incorporate or develop them in the production of my final magazine.

 

This will allow me to recognise various features which are commonly used on music magazines which I could include on my own in order to make it successful.