Codes & Conventions ofa Music Magazine

Olivia Bent

MastheadThe masthead is usually a one word title and it is one of the most important features of the magazine. This is because the readers will be able to recognise the masthead and identify which magazine it belongs to. It is the largest text on the page and will have its own unique font which will be appropriate for the genre of music that the magazine includes.

Main ImageThe artist in the image always has direct address, which is when the person looks down the camera lens- therefore having the effect that the artists eyes are looking at you no matter where you are stood in the room. The clothes that the artist is wearing will reflect the type of music that they produce/perform. Also, on each main image of a music magazine no matter if it is classical or rock music, the artist will have some sort of an attitude. The image is usually a medium close up or close up. Both high and low angles are used.

Multiple Cover linesMultiple cover lines introduce what bands and artists are going to be featured in the magazine.

Main Cover lineThe main cover line anchors the meaning of the image. It is usually the name of the artist and then a smaller subline. For example, the bottom left image shows the cover line ‘Oasis’ with the subline, ‘The full story…so far.’