Market Research

WHAT MUSIC MAGAZINE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE UK?

Price: £2.20Circulation:33, 024 (Jan- Jun '14)Readership:293,000 (July-Dec '13)Publisher: Bauer Media GroupTarget Audience: 15-24 years old –56.1%25-34 years old – 21.5%35-44 years old – 13.4%45-54 years old – 1.8%55-64 years old – 1.8%65+ years old - 0.1%Mission statement: “Kerrang! will ensure that we are constantly appealing to our spectrum of readers. From the younger teenage readers who are more open to different genres of rock music – from emo to thrash etc, to the readers who respect Kerrang! as an authority when it comes to our scene’s heritage bands. Each issue will include a balance of bands and scenes to guarantee that we’re providing for our readers’ need for variety and their passionate appetite for their favourite bands as well as their desire to be introduced to new music within our world. We will focus on the BIGGEST things that are going on in our world each week, as well as guaranteeing that we are giving our main base of younger readers everything they need to get into, on top of this the interest in older, harder bands, cementing our role as an educator.”

The masthead is in red text which stands out against the white background which draws in audience as it’s very eye-catching. This particular colour scheme which using a mix of yellow, red, black and white are bright, vibrant colours which appeal to a younger audience. Also the cracks which shoot out through the text make the text appear explosive and fits well with the genre of rock.

FRONT COVER ANALYSIS Incentives are used to draw their audience in which makes it more likely for them to purchase it. It also tells us that the magazine is aimed at a younger audience as the incentives are something that people around that age group are likely to want, especially as the younger end of the readers (ages 15-25) have the larger percentage of purchasing Kerrang! making the posters and tickets a positive market move. Also the majority of the target audience will be students so the fact that they can win tickets for free also draws them in. Also a buzz word has been used to make the give away appear exciting and more appealing to the reader.

The text on the front cover is in block capitals which makes it bold and stands out to the audience, it also makes it look modern and sleek which appeals to the large majority of their audience who are young and are themselves modern

The central image is in front of the masthead which makes it stand out the magazine and draws the audiences main focus onto the image, it is also a medium long shot as it’s a visually pleasing shot which isn’t too close or too far from the image, it’s also an eye line shot which engages with the audience more. The pose of the men also intrigues the audience as it makes them wonder why the subject on the right is putting his hand over the left subjects mouth and also why he has a finger over his own mouth suggesting he’s keeping something a secret, this then draws the audience to the explanatory text “the secrets of a rock phenomenon” which explains the pose of the two subjects.

The pull quotes also draw the audience in and make them want to read on meaning they’ll buy the magazine. The pull quotes are usually quotes which can sound extremely interesting on their own to encourage people to buy the magazine and read on.

The main cover line also draws the audience in, just like the masthead the font is large and in caps lock with a bright, vibrant colour which catches the eye, the way it is also outlined with black makes it pop out even more. The main headline is usually linked with the central image e.g. the main headline is talking about Linkin Park and the central image is two members from this band.

The barcode and price is small and not eye-catching as it’s not something that needs to stand out to the audience, the price especially is not appealing towards the readers and is something that doesn’t encourage sales.

The sub heading gives the reader an idea of what else is inside the magazine, which can help sell the magazine as it acts as a back up. A particular reader may not necessarily be drawn in by the main focus e.g. Linkin Park, but might be intrigued about the sub heading e.g. Gerard Way Similar to the sub heading, sub images catches the

audiences eye and gives them more of an idea what other things are inside the magazine, again acts as a back-up if they don’t like the main focus

Other cover lines promote other features of the magazine in case the reader isn’t attracted by the main headline making it more likely for people to buy it as they are made aware straight away about other numerous articles.

The layout is a three column which is a common layout used by the majority of magazines, its pleasing to the eye and makes it easy for the reader to follow. The different section are titled and number by page to make it easier for the reader to find the article they wish to read.

CONTENTS ANALYSIS The issue number and cover date is put on at the top to inform the reader, this is more likely to be aimed at regular Kerrang! Readers so that they are aware of the issue date and number.

Each individual context point has informative pieces of text underneath briefly explaining the context meaning the reader can choose to go to the articles that appeal to them and avoid the ones that don’t without having to read things they do not have interests in.

The masthead is simple and straight to the point and uses the obvious name of ‘contents’ with a short snappy statement so that the reader knows exactly what this page will tell them. The simplicity of this title can be linked in with the target audience. As Kerrang!’s majority target audience ranges from mid teen to late 20’s, then simple and straight forward is the best option. The font and size is eye catching making it one of the first things the audience are drawn too, meaning they’re aware almost instantly what this particular page is about. Again the colours stick to the colour scheme which are bright contrasting colours.

As this is the largest image on the page and takes up almost half of the space, it indicates that one of the main article is on this particular subject. The intriguing and vague sentence underneath the image also draws the audience in and makes them want to read more. The bright coloured text and bold large font also draws the audience as its eye catching and stands out.

Each main article has a page number next to it making it easy for the audience to go straight to the article they are most interested in. Similar to the title this is a very straight forward and simplistic idea which will again appeal to the younger target audience, especially as it means they can save time having to flick through finding the article they desire

The message from the editor adds a very personal touch to the contents page and makes the reader feel like it’s a message personally aimed at them, This is achieved by using words like ‘you’ and caring sentences like ‘I hope’. The language used also adds to this personally touch by using colloquial words such as ‘barmy’. It also briefly informs the reader about the main articles which makes it easy and quick for the audience to find out what’s in the magazine but add more information than what the front cover does.

The secondary images of other artist engage the audience in. This allows the audience to see what will be inside before even reader the whole of the contents page and means they can flick straight to that article. It also encourages the audience to read the contents page as the image will make them curious to its meaning.

The main headline is a pull quote from the article which draws in the audience. The quote used is very interesting and makes the audience want to read on and find out personal information about the lead singer of quite a large band.

The font has also been written in two different colours which match what the singer is wearing, making a colour theme for the article and making it more appealing for the eye. The yellow and white stands out against the dark green background making it more eye-catching and easy to read

The additional note down at the bottom adds a personal touch and is a relatable, positive add showing the audience not only the lead singers thoughts on her life, but for the audience to take her advice. This will appeal to the younger half of the target audience especially as it’s about the lead singer when she was younger.

The main image is of what appears to be the lead singer of the band ‘Tonight Alive’. The article is about her and her personal life. The image captures this and makes the audience aware straight away that the focus is on her. The clothes she is wearing links into the colour scheme again making it obvious that the article is orientated around her, which is emphasized by the fact that she is central of the page, it also makes it look more appealing for the audience as there are no clashing colours.

The sub image shows the whole band to make the audience aware of who they are. The image stands out against the rest of the article as the background colour is red, this is so they audience take notice of who else is apart of the band. At the bottom it also gives the bands name and the list of the members again showing the audience who is in the band.

Another pull quote has been used to encourage the audience to read on and also to indicate what the article is about. The pull quote is interesting and used words such as “excited” to persuade the audience to read on and find out more with a broader context.

Key words such as the bands name and the lead singers names have been written in yellow. This makes the audience immediately aware of who is in the article and also will make the names stay in the readers head because of how highlighted they have been.

Extra information about the band has been added to the end of the article to encourage fans to find out about the bands live shows. This again has been written in yellow to stand out to audience, especially if a reader has just quickly skimmed through the article.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD ANALYSIS The use of drop capitals emphasizes the beginning paragraphs making it clear where each paragraph starts and making an impact on the audience. This is a typical feature in a magazine just like the layout of the columns which shows the magazine conforming to magazine conventions.

Price: £4.99Circulation:48, 353 (Jan- Jun '14)Readership: 339,000 (Jan-Dec '13)Publisher: Bauer Media GroupTarget audience:15 – 24 years old – 35.5%25- 34 years old 26.3%35-44 years old – 19.8%45-54 years old – 13.9%55- 64 years old -3.1%65+ year old – 1.4%

Mission statement: Q is the magazine that brings music alive. It draws together the biggest stars, the most exciting phenomena, the new artists that matter and a healthy dose of irreverence to create an unmissable widescreen picture of what’s really happening in rock and roll right now.

Every issue features agenda-setting star interviews, the month’s biggest moments in music, and fascinating investigations into the wider world of rock and roll. Each month Q’s comprehensive reviews section gives the last word on all the most important new releases and reissues – and feeds Q’s readers’ hunger for new music to enjoy.

Q’s reviews section is the ultimate critical overview of music. And magazine’s unrivalled access brings its readers up close and personal with the stars who set the agenda. Q is the ultimate rock and roll read.

FRONT COVER ANALYSIS The masthead of Q is placed on the left hand side of the page, this could be for a number of different reasons, one being that people read from left to right starting from the top going down. Another reason is that magazine are usually placed along shelves in rows so that the only thing that can be seen at first sight is the top half of the magazine.

The main cover line is in a larger font than the masthead making it instantly obvious to the reader what one of the main articles will be about. The black font against the white background really makes it pop out and draws the audience's eye to it. The serif font also gives the magazine a more sophisticated and modern look which again will appeal to the particular target audience which hits around the ages of 20 – 35. Unlike Kerrang! Magazine, Q’s target audience average out at a slightly older age so the use of freebies and bright colours are unnecessary. The strap underneath the main cover line is a play on words of a Take That song which will attract fans of the band and make them question what the article is about, especially as it’s suggesting that the band are getting back or are already back together.

The bar code and price, like most magazines, is small and not eye catching so the audience will not be drawn to it which is the idea as obviously the price is not something the publisher wants to do.

The usage of words like exclusive make the audience think the information in the article is exclusive to Q magazine which will encourage people to buy it.

The colour scheme is also very eye-catching but not done in a childish, overly bright way, all colours used compliment each other and are not too contrasting making it more appealing to the eye and suits the target audience.

The strap underneath the main cover line is a play on words of a Take That song which will attract fans of the band and make them question what the article is about, especially as it’s suggesting that the band are getting back or are already back together.

The menu strip promotes other features of the magazine which will increase the chances of people purchasing the magazine if they aren’t interested in the main article this is because the magazine is giving them a variety of other options inside the magazine which they may be interested in. Unlike magazines such as Kerrang!, Q has listed the other features in a neat, simple way which again will appeal to the target audience and won’t be to much of an overload.

Just like the rest of the front cover, the sub heading has a simplistic style and colours that are not overly bright for the target audience. The bold font and large text will draw in the audience and will make them intrigued about the article, especially as the heading is very vague and doesn’t give anything away which will encouraged purchases

The main image is one of the featured band. The image is shot in a studio with just a plain white background which keeps to the simple theme. It also means that no attention is drawn away from the main subjects. The image shows all five members dressed in matching clothes which show unity, this links in with the title and emphasises the reunion. The clothing they are wearing is simple which links in with the mature theme of the magazine and also draws attention to their facial expressions which are all extremely excitable and happy which is obviously very appealing for the audience.

The masthead is simple and straight to the point and uses the obvious name of ‘contents’ which means that the reader knows exactly what this page will tell them. The month has also been made obvious to the reader which could be useful.

Each point has informative pieces of text underneath explaining what each article is about, meaning the reader can avoid the articles they are not interested in. This also indicates to the reader what they will gain from this addition and who is featured inside.

The layout is different to average context pages like Kerrang! As Q have not stuck to the 3 column set and made it look more quirky and appealing to the eye. They also have not stuck to the colour scheme as eye page number is a different colour, this makes the page numbers stand out more and possibly make them more memorable

Making this the largest image on the page it tells the reader that one of the main articles is on this particular subject. The simple design also means that not much is said about what the article is about, making the reader want to read on and find out. The subject himself is quite moody and suggests that the article is on something serious, it also links in with the target audience, obviously the audience Q aims at would rather see Noel like this than a cheesy, overly happy image.

The secondary images of other artist draws in the audience and also allows them to know what other articles will be included in this addition before even reading page, meaning they can flick straight to that article. It also encourages the audience to read the contents page as the image will make them curious to its meaning.

For the main articles, there is a number next to each one making it easy for the audience to go straight to the article they want.

CONTENTS ANALYSIS

The simple white background with black text will appeal to the target age, unlike kerrang! who’s target audience like to see bright, contrasting colours with a large amount of images, Q’s audience will appeal more to less hectic and more simplistic ideas.

The use of the highlighted word “PLUS” emphasized with a black speech bubble gives the elusion of getting so much more for your money. It also encourages the reader to see what else is included.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD ANALYSIS

Rather than the colour scheme stick to the magazines chosen colours, this article follows the artists owns colour scheme and colour also relate to one of his well known songs ‘purple rain’. This will appeal to fans and make the article more personal.

The main headline immediately makes the audience aware of what the article is about. It is bold, eye-catching and the white text stands out against the image which will draw in the audience. The title also then links in and starts the article off nicely, making it more interesting.

The use of a drop capital emphasizes the beginning paragraphs making it clear where each paragraph starts and making an impact on the audience, This is a typical feature in a magazine just like the layout of the columns which shows the magazine conforming to magazine conventions.

The main image is of the artist who is featured in the article.. The clothes he is wearing links into the colour scheme again making it obvious that the article is all about him, which is emphasized by the size of the image, it also makes it look more appealing for the audience as there are no clashing colours, again we know the colours are associated with this artist heavily

There are no other images on the page, this follows the simplistic layout appealing to a modern but older generation and also making full focus on the main image, meaning there are no distractions to take away the attention. This also emphasizes the fact that the whole article is all about him, unlike some articles where there are images other bands or people associated with the artist, the focus is all on this one artist and this artist alone

The font has also been written in simple black against white style, this makes it very easy for the audience to read the article without any struggle, and the simplistic, not clashing colours are very appealing to the eye

The page number has been clearly labelled in the bottom right corner to make it easy for the audience to find the page, the Q logo has also been used to keep the magazine theme running, even if it is not largely noticeable.

Price: £4.60Circulation:70, 667 (Jan- Jun '14)Readership: 210,000 (Jul-Dec '13)Publisher: Bauer Media GroupTarget Audience:15- 24 years old – 24%25-34 years old – 17.1%35- 44 years old – 17.2%45-54 years old – 28.8%55-64 years old – 10.4%65+ years old – 2.5%Mission statement: At MOJO we cover the good stuff. Our award-winning editorial team prides itself in delivering a magazine that is packed with insight, passion, and revelatory encounters with the greatest musicians of all-time, be they established or emerging musicians. The magazine is loved by its readers and artists alike because it engages them on the subject they love the most: music itself.Every month MOJO brings you a definitive cover feature on an iconic act; a bespoke CD (especially compiled by the editorial team or a major musician in MOJO’s world); and our famous reviews section, the Filter, which brings you 30 pages-plus of the best of that month’s music, both classic and contemporary.MOJO’s previous guest editors range from David Bowie to Tom Waits via Noel Gallagher and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, showcasing the magazine’s breadth and iconic status among musicians. From The Beatles to The Black Keys, from Led Zeppelin to Laura Marling, from Fleetwood Mac to Flying Lotus.MOJO is not only Britain’s biggest selling music magazine, it is an immersive experience. At MOJO we invite you to lose yourself in music every month. Join us at www.mojo4music.com for a daily download of what’s going on or to simply find out more about our magazine.

FRONT COVER ANALYSIS The main image is central to the magazine and is the first thing the audience will see as it’s in front of the masthead and almost looks stood up on the page, it’s and engages with the audience more. The image immediately makes the audience aware of what one of the main articles is going to be about. The only other image on the page is quite small in the top left corner, this means the attention is not taken away from the main image.

The masthead is in white text which stands out against the vibrant blue background which draws in audience as it’s very eye-catching. This particular colour scheme blue, black and white are eye-catching yet not overly bright which appeal to a modern but mature audience. This contrasts against the Kerrang! Magazine who’s bright colour scheme appeals to a young audience easily drawn in with vibrant, eye-catching colours

The simple but effect layout and colours will engage the target audience, as its modern but not to young looking, appealing to the majority of the audience who are middle aged. The bands featured in the magazine have all been chosen to appeal to the older audience, this engages the audience and shows that they’re appealing to the older generations taste of music.

The sub heading gives the reader an idea of what else is inside the magazine, which can help sell the magazine as it acts as a back up. A particular reader may not necessarily be drawn in by the Smilths but could be a big fan of Radiohead for example, giving the reader more information to encourage them to buy it.

Although the barcode is not that obvious and not central meaning the price isn’t the first thing they see, its not as hidden as many magazine, because the target audience is mainly middle aged people, then price is not as much of an issue compared with kerrang! Who has a much younger target audience who consist of mainly students.

The pull quotes also draw the audience in and make them want to read on meaning they’ll buy the magazine. The pull quotes are usually quotes which can sound extremely interesting on their own to encourage people to buy the magazine and read on.

Other cover lines promote other features of the magazine in case the reader isn’t attracted by the main headline making it more likely for people to buy it as they are made aware straight away about other numerous articles.

Incentives are used to draw their audience in which makes it more likely for them to purchase it. It also tells us that the magazine is aiming at a larger audience, not just those who are middle aged, this is because the incentives are something that people around that age group are likely to want, making the CD’s a positive market move. This will also appeal to the students who purchase Mojo, as it is free attracting them in. The fact there are elements to attract all ages will make more people buy the magazine as its appealing to more than one age group.

CONTENTS ANALYSIS The layout is simple and easy to follow, which link in with the older target audience. The colour scheme isn’t too over power and the black on white makes it easy for the audience to read. Each point has brief descriptions underneath explaining what each article is about, meaning the reader can avoid the articles they are not interested in.

Mojo makes it obvious that they are aiming at an older generation, compared to kerrang! There are not any distraction like masses of pictures or big, bold, vibrant colours. The magazine is sophisticated and well suited for its audience.

The main feature is labelled and separate form the rest of the other features, this attracts readers and draws them and is one of the first things that catches the readers eye. It also allows the reader to skip to the biggest and main feature.

The use of a pull quote has been used to encourage the audience to read on and also to indicate what the article is about. More often than not pull quotes are taken to be read out of context and appear to be more interesting, this draws in the audience.

The main image is the only picture on the page which makes it very minimalistic and uncluttered which is a popular style that has been used over the past few years. The minimalistic style ties in well with the target audience, for older generation, over powering magazine are not appealing and too distracting. Because there is only this one image, the attention is all on this artist and indicates what one of the main features will be about.

The tag line underneath the masthead promotes multinational picture ,which widens not only audience but the various types of music. This is appealing and give the magazine a good reputation which again will encourage purchases.

The logo has been repeated again but in a smaller font, however the font is bolder making it stand out and is the first thing the reader will see, and unlike the front cover, it has not been hidden by the main image.

The date and issue number has been labelled, this is mainly at regular readers, and tells them this information for help, e.g. is someone is collecting the magazines, this tells the which issues they have and which year.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD ANALYSIS The main headline immediately makes the audience want to read on, the pull quote is intriguing and eye-catching. This goes along with the colour scheme which makes certain words stand out, again this is eye-catching and appealing to the audience.

The use of a drop capital emphasizes the beginning paragraphs making it clear where each paragraph starts and making an impact on the audience, This is a typical feature in a magazine.

The anchorage on the page gives the reader basic information to make the article easier to understand. Key words such as names have been highlighted to stand out to the audience and separate away from the rest of the text.

There are no other images on the page, this follows the simplistic layout appealing to older readers (which are the majority of Mojo’s audience) and also making full focus on the main image, meaning there are no distractions to take away the attention. The black white also links in with the rest of the article, following the colour scheme. The image itself is one of the artist mid-playing, giving the audience the feel of actually being there.

The layout of the text does not follow the typical few columns like most magazines, instead it is just one column, this style fits in with the rest of the article and makes it look more appealing to the eye, also stands out as being different compared to other magazines.

The font has also been written in simple white against black style, this makes it very easy for the audience to read the article without any struggle, and the simplistic, not clashing colours are very appealing to the eye. Again the simplicity appeals to the target audience.

The selling line at the top of the page gives the audience an impression of the article before reading it and informs them what kind of article it is going to be.