Music Magazine Analysis

Analysing front covers of popular magazine covers

Main Imagery;The use of a singular close up head shot of the artist in which the issue is circulated around has a poignant and stark effect; the artist has direct eye contact with the reader creating an illusion effect. The subject (Florence Welch) does not adopt a striking facial expression; her mouth is slightly ajar illustrating a natural pose denoting serenity and placidness. The use of a single image opposed to superimposition implies the status of the magazine; less is more effective on the reader.

Masthead;The colour and positioning of the masthead changes for this particular magazine; it changes due to the message each issue is trying to convey. Tied with the image, it denotes simplicity and mirrors the demure and clarity of the front cover. The cover of the masthead also is delineated in the buzz lines/words; it all correlates in a superfluous manner, creating a classical and sleek appeal.

Strapline;The quote underneath the masthead, “New Musical Express” has connotations with a variety of meanings; ‘new’ implies the exclusivity of the product – you won’t find any other music magazines in the market with the same ‘hot off the press’ news as them. ‘Express’ illustrates that the articles/features in the magazine are ‘au courant’ and contemporary; it adheres to the same privileged unshared news that only this magazine will give you.

NME

Colour;The use of monogamous black and white colours contrast against Florence’s vibrant red hair in order to create a clash between what is traditionally expected and what you get. This portrays the eclecticism of the magazine; it defies natural imagery and creates a conflict of tradition.

Direct Quote;Having a direct quote from the artist in which the issue is circulated around creates a synonymous relation between the audience and the artist; the subject of ‘The X Factor’ is a worldwide recognised show creating common ground for the reader.

Articles;Having a summary of the main article hints to the reader what the issue will be circulating; ‘The state of music today by…’ implies that the article was created/written by the list of people on the feature. This will allure anyone that follows or idolizes these artists; this attracts a wider demographic of people.Typography;

The use of all the letters being capitalised on the front cover implores a sense of urgency in the cover; it reinforces the current and exclusive nature of the press.

UNCUTMasthead;The masthead for this issue of ‘Uncut’ allows the artist in which the issue is circulated around to superimpose the title; creating a visual, almost 3D effect. It highlights the artist (Mick Jagger), emphasising his role in this issue. The colour of the masthead blends into the colour scheme of the issue, retaining a retro, monotone palate, whilst the shaded effect on each letter reinforces the 3D appeal of the cover.

Feature article;Using buzzwords amongst the feature article such as “exclusive” and “plus” imply urgency and exclusivity; the reader is enticed into knowing what others don’t. The feature article is also highlighted with a backdrop in order to attain a stand out effect; the other articles merely lay over the background image. This again focuses the main target of the magazine issue.

Freebies;The use of freebies in not only music magazines but among the entire magazine sector is an increasingly popular technique to secure more sales; music magazines tend to go for CDs. The disc in this issue “Rocks Off” denotes that the demographic for this magazine are perhaps those with interest in Rock/Metal music. The freebie disc does not correlate with the feature artist, it adheres with the genre of the music magazine making it relatable and desirable.

Banner;Having a strip overlaying the top of the magazine enables the magazine to have another exclusive story dominating the page; as space is taken up on the front cover via the free CD. The name of “Paul Weller” is highlighted in white in an attempt to highlight how quirky this article is; an artist reviewing another artist.

Articles;The articles that aren’t the feature of the magazine are listed among the right hand side of the magazine; the more ‘important’ features are along the left hand side. However, names of artists in which the articles refer to are also highlighted in a different colour in order to attract a demographic in which follow/like these artists - by making their names stand out.

Main Imagery;The main image is of the artist (Mick Jagger) in which the issue is circulated around; adhering to the scheme of the issue. His pose is slightly obscure – his eyes are gazing beyond the reader, his head tilted on an upwards gradient with his mouth ajar as if he were about to sing. He is also holding a microphone in his right hand, adhering to the photographs focus; to make the subject look as if he were performing. The image being in black and white suggest that the artist is of an older generation; also, rock and metal music tend to highlight mute colours and palates.

Difference in demographics between magazines

N M E• The use of Florence Welch on the front cover implies

that the demographic is those more interested in mainstream music; ‘Florence + The Machine’ is commonly featured in music press.

• The colour palate being black, white and red suggest that the demographic is more modern and edgy; usually music magazines feature a conglomeration of colours/images to conjure attention to the cover.

• The image is quirky and innovative; it doesn’t adhere to regular codes and conventions of music magazines as Florence’s face f il ls almost every space of the cover, reinforcing the younger, edgier demographic.

U N C U T• Having Mick Jagger as the revolving focus of the

magazine entices an older, mature generation, as rock music nowadays is regarded as a niche audience to attract.

• The use of a freebie i llustrates the plummeting interest in purchasing magazines; the demographic is for those perhaps of a working or middle class standing as it is money saving /economic.

• The colour scheme of this issue of Uncut is monotone and demure; the black and white correlates with the genre of music and the yellow succeeds in making ar ticles stand out as the focal point, attracting perhaps an older generation due to its simplicity.