Music Magazine

sIn The UK Research

• Reader Profile – Median Age 22• Circulation – 44,013• Readership – 421,000• ABC1 Profile – 52%• Published by – Bauer Media • Price – £2.20 • Released – Weekly• 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.’ - Nichola Browne – Editor

Masthead – Bold, large, readable font which covers the full width of the magazine cover. Using black and white colouring, the masthead runs behind the main image which shows that the magazine is so recognisable the full masthead doesn’t have to be shown. The masthead looks like its been stencilled which is similar to how bands tag their equipment. It also looks like its been shattered because the music is so loud.

Main Photo – Medium long shot which is the main focus of the magazine cover. All looking directly at the camera with the main singer of the group in the front as he is perceived as the most important one of the band. They all look like they are fun and upbeat which is similar to the genre of the magazine.

Other photos – mix between medium long shots and a medium close up which shows who the articles in the magazine are going to be about.

Information about other stories – smaller yet still easily readable font along the bottom of the front cover.

Main cover line – in clear font which is over the bottom of the main photo which is on the cover. This shows that the 2 are linked and go together to make up the main story of the magazine.

Other cover lines – in clear font which is either directly under the photo, or is on top of the photo like for the main cover line, so it makes it clear what is inside the magazine.

Barcode and price in bottom right corner of magazine which is easy to see which is something all magazines must have.

The colour scheme of the magazine is black, white, green, red and yellow; this makes the important aspects of the magazine to stand out. Also this allows the magazine to appeal to a male audience due to the colours which have been used. All upper case letters are used, this demonstrates the masculinity and boldness of both the magazine and the music.

Free posters are also advertised which would draw readers in, also it causes the magazine to appeal to younger people who are the audience of the magazine.

Contents page uses three column layout which makes it easier to read than if it was in one huge long list.

Main story – takes up around a third of the contents page and covers 2 columns in width. This captures the readers focus on the main story in the magazine.

Other photos are used to illustrate other main stories in the magazine which the reader should read.

Headings are used to break down the different genres of stories within the magazine, this makes it clear to the reader as to what the context of the articles will be.

The issue number and cover date are clear in the top right corner which is something all magazines must inform the reader about.

There is a photo of the editor presumably with one of the acts he interviewed for the magazine followed by a note from the editor down the left hand side column about what the magazine includes and what has had to be done in order for the issue to be published.

There is a small paragraph under the note from the editor which gives credit to those who helped the magazine be put together. Also the editor has personally signed it off to make it more personalised for the reader.

the header uses a similar design as the masthead of the magazine, which is followed by a strap line which is a hyperbole to over exaggerate how much is in the magazine.

Page numbers are displayed to the left of the titles of the pages in the magazine. Also they are clearly displayed over the photos to show what page in the magazine the photos relate to.

The double page spread, like the contents page, uses a three column layout which makes it easier to read than if it was in one huge long list. Even the left hand page is structured on a column basis. The text is also broken down into paragraphs. It is also colour coded to match the main musician’s clothes colours. The text is also wrapped around the photo of the musician.

The main cover line is a quote from the interview with the musician it is about. The font is clear and easily readable and takes up a large proportion on the first page which causes it to grab the readers attention and focus, making them want to read the article. This is a pull quote used which draws the reader in. it also pulls a quote out of the main text and highlights them. Mixture of fonts is used which may suggest that the musician as to who it is about is possibly mixed up.

The main image of the spread is the musician who the article is about, it covers the around the same amount of spare as the main cover line but also spills onto the next page. This shows the reader exactly who the article is about.

Only one other image is used which shows the band all together, this suggests that the main focus is of the article is the responses from the interview not looking at the person as to who the article is about.

There is a strapline under the main cover line of the article which provides the reader with a summary as to what the article is about. This allows the reader to read the strapline then decide if they want to read the article in order to receive more details.

There is a pull quote used which draws the reader in. it also pulls a quote out of the main text and highlights them. The pull quote is also placed in a gap between the main chunk of text and the photo of the musician.

The page number is shown in the bottom right hand corner of the right hand page of the magazine, which relates directly to the contents page.

The language used is slightly formal which shows that the magazine is targeted at young adults around 20years old, who have an understanding of full English, who have a fairly complex vocabulary.

The letter appears to have been ripped out of a notebook, which makes it look as though it is a genuine letter.

• Reader Profile – Median Age 37 • Circulation – 91,678• Readership – 218,000• ABC1 Profile – 66%• Published by – Bauer Media • Price – £4.50 • Released – Monthly • Mission Statement – ‘Mojo is an educator, a living archive and a

trusted source of musical excellence. Mojo provides its audience with an authentic, independent, and emotional connection to the music. Its also the last word on whats good, for music that is timeless, and where to go next. Mojo is loved by its readers, the music industry, and by musicians alike, because it engages them on the subject they love the most. Its basic editorial proposition every month consists of: A definitive, book-like cover feature (i.e. you dont need to read a book on the subject, you can just read Mojo to know everything). An editorially themed cover mounted CD. A 30 page plus reviews section known as Filter, which brings you the best in music that month. Mojo goes in deeper than any other magazine and creates an experience that is immersive, and that the readers can luxuriate in. From The Beatles to Battles, and The Ramones to Radiohead. Classic, sitting comfortably with cutting edge, and quality being the one constant.’ -

Masthead – Bold, large, readable font which covers the full width of the magazine cover. Using black and white colouring, the masthead runs behind the main image which shows that the magazine is so recognisable the full masthead doesn’t have to be shown.

Main cover line – in clear font which is over the bottom of the main photo which is on the cover. This shows that the 2 are linked and go together to make up the main story of the magazine. It also pink which stands out clearly against the black and white colour scheme of the background.

Other photos – thumbnails of musicians which are close ups of their faces.

Information about other stories – smaller yet still easily readable font, which are placed above the main image of the front cover.

Other cover lines – in clear font which are along both sides of the main image of the front cover, so this it makes it clear what is inside the magazine.

The front cover follows a pink, white and black colour scheme. This could be due to the sex pistols using a similar colour scheme on several of their album covers, which could be why Mojo have decided to use a similar colour scheme for their front cover. Also the cover lines use a similar set up as cut out words in order to make a message, like in ransom notes, which is a similar aesthetic to punk music. It is also about music from the past so appeals to people who enjoy older music, or the older generations who enjoyed that music when it was popular.

Main Photo – Medium long shot which is the main focus of the magazine cover. All looking directly at the camera with the main singer of the group in the front as he is perceived as the most important one of the band. They are all look quite scary and serious which is similar to the genre of the magazine and the band.

Barcode and price in bottom right corner of magazine which is easy to see which is something all magazines must have.

All cover lines appear to have been cut out and stuck on the front of the magazine, this is similar to the same style of font used on the sex pistols albums covers.

The issue number and date of the issue are clear displayed along the top of the contents page under the magazine name, which is something all magazines must inform the reader about.

There is a pull quote used which draws the reader in. it also pulls a quote out of the one of the main articles and highlights it.

Headings are used to break down the different genres of stories within the magazine, this makes it clear to the reader as to what the context of the articles will be.

Page numbers are displayed to the left of the titles of the pages in the magazine. They are also a different colour to that of the title of the features which makes them stand out.

The image is a high angle shot of a musician which takes up the right hand side of the contents page. He is also wearing an orange suit which clearly contrasts the pale green of the contents page background.

Contents page uses a two column layout, the text is one column while the photo takes up another column. This makes it easier to read and also the information is limited to key points.

The header repeats the title of the magazine, which is followed by the list of three cities. Memphis and London are famous for their music, while Okemah is the birthplace of Woody Guthrie who there is an article about somewhere in the magazine.

The page number is shown in the bottom right hand corner of the right hand page of the magazine.

The contents page has a sparse layout which appeals to the audience as the amount of writing is minimal.

The main image of the spread is the musicians who the article is about, it covers the whole of the right hand page and also spills onto the next page. This shows the reader exactly who the article is about. It also looks as if it’s a snapshot of the musicians when they are performing on stage, which is reinforced by the lighting along the top of the image.

The main cover line is covers the majority of the left hand page, the font is clear and easily readable this causes it to grab the readers attention and focus, making them want to read the article. ‘Enjoy Yourself’ is also the title of one of the musicians songs which may draw readers in who are fans of the band or who liked the song in which the title is drawn from.

There is a strapline under the main cover line of the article which provides the reader with a summary as to what the article is about. This allows the reader to read the strapline then decide if they want to read the article in order to receive more details.

The double page spread has no real structure, however it has minimal writing on it this makes it easier to read. It is also follows the same colour scheme as the image used in the text (black&white). This may suggest that the band are old fashioned and classic as until the 1860s black and white photography was used. In addition, they are a multi-cultural band and made a statement by being a combination of black and white individuals which may have influenced the colour scheme. The text is also wrapped around the photo of the musician. Also the checked black and white theme of the spread reflects the genre of the music.

The border along the bottom of the page relates to the musicians as to who the article is about as it was something they use on their album covers. It reaffirms to the audience as to who the article is about, and it also acts as an advert within the magazine which may encourage fans of the musicians to buy the magazine.

There is a caption towards the bottom of the image which tells the reader as to what the image is of and who the image is of.

The page number is shown in the bottom right hand corner of the right hand page of the magazine, which relates directly to the contents page.

The language used is quite formal which shows that the magazine is targeted at young adults around 25 years old, who understand full English and have an complex vocabulary.

• Reader Profile – Male 68%, Female 32%, Median Age 29

• Circulation – 89,450• Readership – 550,000• ABC1 Profile – 72%• Published by – Bauer Media• Price – £3.90• Released – Monthly • Mission Statement – ‘Q is a bastian for music of

substance – guiding its readers through just the good stuff in all forms of music each month via its unparalleled access and Q Review, the world’s biggest and best music guide.’ - Paul Rees – Editor-in-Chief

Masthead – Bold, large, readable font which is clearly displayed din the top left hand corner. Using red and white colouring, the masthead runs behind the main image which shows that the magazine is so recognisable the full masthead doesn’t have to be shown. Q is a could be a reference to queuing up a record, therefore Q is about music.

Main Photo – a medium long stot is used which is the main focus of the magazine cover. All looking directly at the camera with the main singer of the group in the front as he is perceived as the most important one of the band. the musicians are looking straight at the reader which creates a personal relationship for the reader, which may suggest that the article in which the musicians are featured is quite personal. They are all look quite serious which is similar to the genre of the music which the magazine is about, as the magazine is about music of ‘substance’. The image looks staged which suggests it has been taken in a studio which would cause the mise-en-scene, camera angle and lighting to be highly controlled. Also their instruments are not shown which suggests that the article about them is more about them as a group rather than their music.

Barcode and price in bottom right corner of magazine which is easy to see which is something all magazines must have.

Other photos – thumbnail of a musician which is a close up of their face.

Other cover lines – there is no main cover line, however there are several over cover lines. The cover lines are in clear font which are along both sides of the main image of the front cover, so that it makes it clear what is inside the magazine. Also, the backgrounds for the cover lines match the masthead.

All writing on the magazine follows a red, white, black and grey colour scheme. This makes the writing all easily readable. Also the front cover follows a three column layout, there is cover lines in the left and right hand columns while the main image on the cover fills the middle column. Also the colour scheme appeals to a masculine audience.

The exclusive CD, will encourage people to buy the magazine as they get a free CD which isn't available anywhere else.

The purple circle which is linked with the article on prince is used as purple is commonly associated with prince.

Contents page uses three column layout which makes it easier to read than if it was in one huge long list. The main colours used are black, white and red which is the same colour scheme as is used in the magazines logo.

Page numbers are displayed to the on top of/next to photos/titles of stories which shows clearly what page the stories are on. They are also a different colour to that of the title of the features which makes them stand out. The colours which are used are toned down which allows the magazine to appeal to an older more mature readership.

Photos are used to illustrate the main stories in the magazine which the reader should read. They are a combination of medium shots and long shots. These illustrate to the reader who the story is about in case they are unsure of a particular acts name, yet know what they look like.

Main story –takes up a large amount of space. It has the biggest picture and is displayed at the top of the contents page, this causes it to be the first thing the reader sees when opening the magazine to the contents page.

The review box uses a rhyme, ‘the Q Review’, this catches the readers attention and may encourage them to read it. Also there is a bold outline for the text box, this makes it stand out against the rest of the page and catches the readers attention.

Information about other stories – smaller yet still in a readable font, which are placed along the bottom of the contents page. The page numbers are in a different colour and the title of the artist who the story about is in bolder text compared to the line of information about what the story is about.

The double page spread, like the contents page, uses a three column layout which makes it easier to read than if it was in one huge long list. Even the left hand page is structured on a column basis. The text is also broken down into paragraphs. It is also colour coded to match the main musician’s clothes colours and the lighting used in the photo, these are also the colours we associate with the musician.

The main cover line is covers the majority of the left hand page, the font is clear and easily readable this causes it to grab the readers attention and focus, making them want to read the article. It is wrapped around the photo of the musician however does overlap with the photo in places. The tie dye used in the cover line may be used as a way of reflecting prince’s personality as an artist.

There is a caption towards the top of the image which tells the reader as to what the image is of and who the image is of.

The only image of the spread is of the musician who the article is about, it covers the whole of the left hand page and also spills onto the next page. This shows the reader exactly who the article is about. It also looks as if it’s a snapshot of the musician when he is performing on stage. This shows the reader that the article is going to be about the musicians music and not about their personal life.

A drop cap is also used to start the article, which is a prominent way of drawing the reader in.

The page number is shown in the bottom right hand corner of the right hand page of the magazine, which relates directly to the contents page.

The language used is quite formal which shows that the magazine is targeted at young adults around 30years old, who have a full understanding of correct English and who understand very complex vocabulary.

Conventions Of Music Magazines: According To My

ResearchFront Cover• Barcode• Price • Magazine

Name (Masthead)

• A Main Cover Line & Other Cover Lines

• A Main Photo & Other Photos (link to cover lines)

Double Page Spread• A Main Picture• Picture Caption• A Main Cover

Line• Page Number• Strapline• Column Layout

Contents Page• Photos • Page Numbers• Summary's Of

Articles• Column Layout• Issue Information

Market Research

Questionnaire Analysis

The majority of my respondents are aged between 16-20 years old, this means that my survey reflects the view of teenagers which suggests that my readers will be teenagers which will effect the articles featured in my magazine and the language used in my magazine.

More females than males completed my questionnaire which means that my survey will reflect a female viewpoint more than it will a male view point. This suggests that my readers are more likely to be female, this will influence the colour schemes used in my magazine and also the types of articles which are featured in my magazine.

The most popular types of music according to my questionnaire are Rock, Pop & Alternative, which are all genres which are covered by the music charts in the UK. Therefore I will select the genre of my magazine to feature chart music as it will include all of the popular types of music, as found from my questionnaire.

The majority of my respondents don’t buy music magazines, this suggests that I need to create a music magazine which stands out and will have a larger readership, this may encourage more people to purchase music magazines.

The majority of my respondents download their music free online, this suggests that they like freebees and don’t like spending money if they don’t have to. Due to this I will offer free music, free giveaways within my magazine and free competitions which may encourage more people to buy my magazine.

The majority of my respondents think that there are enough different music magazines out already, due to this I will take inspiration from existing magazines but I will improve upon them, for example I will make mine cheaper which a better format and layout. This may encourage more people to buy my music magazine over the current competition.

The majority of my respondents think that my magazine should be between £1-£3. therefore I will market my magazine to fall between this price bracket in order to attract the most readers.

Unfortunately I had very few serious responses to this question as people used it as an opportunity to mess around. However I received one serious response which told me to find a niche audience and sell to there advantages, due to this I will style my magazine in a way which will attract my target audience. Also I will advertise products which will appeal to my target audience.