Textual AnalysisKerrang! Issue #1347

Front Page

ColourThe main colours of this page are white, black and red. Black is usually used in Kerrang! As it is colour

associated with the genre of music the magazine represents. White is likely used to create a contrast to the black and therefore make the text visible and the red is likely used to draw attention to the most

important bits of information on the page.

Layout and designThe large image of the band is layered above the title of the magazine, which might show that they have something featuring in this issue which is more important and different from the usual magazine issue. The name of the band is also positioned with the image, as the text is just under the faces of the band members. This shows the band itself for those who recognize them from the image, and informs those

who do not them that well. The bands showed on the bottom of the page shows the readers who is featured in the magazine, however, because they are under the larger image and are much smaller in

size, it suggests that they are not covered in as much detail as the main band, who has a larger portion of the front cover than the rest.

ImagesThe images on the page show different bands that are featured in this issue of the magazine. The large

image in the middle of the page shows a band which is featured as a main article, likely because they are covered in greater detail. The other images on the bottom show the rest of the artists in the magazine,

Pose, style, hair, makeupThe image of the band has them in a casual outfit and in a pose that was specifically for the image. This pose reflects the style of the band; energetic, not caring and different. Their looks are no different from

their usual, they just as they normally perform, which might be deliberate, in order to show that they are genuine on stage and that this is how they dress every day.

Composition and FramingAs four out five of the models in the main image are looking at the camera, as well as the lead singer of

the band reaching out towards to the camera, it shows interaction with the audience. As the shot is a medium shot, it implies that the band is close to their audience and they are an active band. The image draws the attention of the audience very well, and the images at the bottom informs them about what is

included in the magazine as well.

Written codesThe caption under the Architects title says “We don’t listen to heavy music!”, which should grab the

attention of the readers, as they are a well known band in the heavy music genre. This would make the audience want to read on, as they would want to find out why they would say such a thing, find out the

whole story. Also, the caption saying “We’re here to conquer!” is attention grabbing, as it is a bit intimidating, and

therefore makes the readers want to find out about the whole story, what is happening with this band.

LanguageThere is only limited amounts of text on this page, but the overall language type used in Kerrang! is informal and casual, as it is aimed at teenagers and young adults, it is more suitable for the target

market.

Overall impressionThe image works very well on the front page, as the artists show that they’re young, fun and energetic,

which some audience will relate to, and will draw the readers in. The colour selection is fitting as it fits the music genre and creates a great theme to the magazine.

TheoriesThe theory Representation and Stereotypes by Branston G and Stafford R (2010) can be applied to this magazine cover. As the band shown on the cover represents a certain stereotype of the people who enjoy heavy music and similar, it could end up in the evaluation of the said group. As the image shows the band members acting in an immature fashion, people might make an evaluation of the stereotyped group as all of them would act the same way.

Contents page

ColourThe main colours of this page are black, white and yellow. Once again, black and white are used to create a

contrast in order to make text visible and also to create a theme as well, as a black and white is used as well on the top of the page. Yellow is used to highlight the most important bits of information once again.

Layout and designAs on the top of the page a large title says ‘Contents’, it gives us an idea of what is included in the magazine,

however on the bottom half of the page there’s ‘Kerrang! this week’ it gives us even more content information. As there is specific content placed above the larger chunk of information, it suggests that that bit of information is

more important than the rest, like it is special content. At the bottom, the different type of content is divided and listed under separate titles, such as ‘news’, ‘albums’ and ‘gig guide’. This gives a good idea of what is included in

this release of the magazine, which is the aim of this page.

ImagesThe main image of this page is the performer at the top of the page. This image is in black and white, likely in order to create a colour scheme for the page, which is black, white and yellow. All images on this page show

different artist featured in the magazine except one. These images help give the audience a better idea of what is included and it also sets a style and genre for the magazine by showing the type of artists who appear in the

magazine. As this is the content page of the magazine,

Pose, style, hair, makeupThe large image at the top shows an artist performing in their stage outfit, which is quite unique for the band,

which means that people would recognize them from only looking at their appearance. Their pose suggests that they are in middle of their performance, which shows the audience their image while on stage, suggesting that

they are still active. A smaller image on the left shows an artist in an unusual pose for a magazine, which promotes rebellious behavior

and difference from the norm, which some of the readers would relate to.

Composition and FramingThe first thing the audience will look at when glancing at the page is the large image at the top, which is quite

attention grabbing. After that, the smaller images and the titles informing us of what is included in the issue and then the block of text will be noticed last. This is a great design as through the use of images the audience will

know straight away the content of the issue of the magazine.

Written codesOne of the content headings on the page says ‘Rock’s not dead!’ which would grab the attention of the audience

as it is contradictive to a common phrase which states ‘Rock is dead’. This suggests that this is type of music genre is still available and going, which would make the fans of such music want to find out why this has been

stated in the magazine.

LanguageInformal and casual language is a feautre of Kerrang! as it makes the readers feel more comfortable reading the magazine as they can relate more easily if the style of language is what they are used to on a daily basis. This is used by the creators of the magazine to relate to their target audience more, therefore make the magazine more

effective and therefore more successful.

Overall impressionThis page has achieves its purpose of informing the audience of what is included in this issue of the magazine in a very effective way. The images used inform the readers straight away of the list of things featured and the small amounts of text gives just enough information so that the audience get a bit of context on the story and makes

them want them want to read so they could find out the whole story.

Double page spread

ColourWarm colours are common in the images on the page, which would be related to summer when festivals are usually happening. This suggests that the band on these p[ages are active and are attending tours still, which is backed up by the context of the images. Once again white and black are used to create a strong contrast for the text to be easily readable for the audience. A red background for the quote from

the lead artist of the band highlights it and shows the importance of it.

Layout and designAs all of the images on the page are positioned above the chunk of text, it might be implying that activities, events and people themselves are more important than what people have to say, or the

common phrase a ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. The images are laid out across the page in an unorganised way, which might reflect the style of the band, meaning that they are non caring and living

the life in the moment (while on tour).

ImagesThe images show the band on tour, performing and showing them ‘behind the scenes’. It gives us an idea

of what their life is like and also sets the image and style of the band in our minds straight away. As these images are showing the band during their tour, it is likely telling the readers that they are an active

band and that they are still performing.

Pose, style, hair, makeupOne of the images capture the lead singer of the band mid-air during a performance, which shows the

audience how they perform at their gigs, which could also give them an idea of the genre of music they produce. This pose also shows that they are energetic during their performances, which implies that they

are great at live performances.

Composition and FramingAs all of the images are placed on top of the pages, the audience will look at the images first, and then

the block of text on the bottom of the page. As

Written codesThe caption saying ‘People feel a real connection to what we’re doing’ implies that the band is close to their fan base, knowing what they are expected to do and how they are expected to perform. It could also mean that their fan base is loyal and they believe that their work is important for these people.

LanguageAs most of the page involves giving information about the band, the language is quite formal, however as it is Kerrang!, it still has that casual feel. Also, because some of the text involves quotes from the artists, it reflects the style of the band. The way they respond to the questions of the interview would show the

readers how they talk and this would relate to their lifestyle.

Overall impressionThis double page spread has quite a unique layout, however it works, as the visual information and the

text is divided on the page. The images give a great representation of the band’s genre and their lifestyle and the text gives the readers a detailed description of the band. Although there is a lot of text on the

page, the fans of the band would more than likely read through it, and those who do not know the band would possibly be tempted to read at least some of the text in order to find out more about the band

which is shown in the pictures.

TheoriesMaslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory can be applied to this article by Abraham Maslow (1954). As the article shows images of the band performing at a concert, the fan base can be seen, who are seen here as a group who have a common interest and therefore are considered ‘as one’ to a degree. As the audience of this magazine are people who would be interested in similar type of music, they would want the be a part of such group in order to partially fulfil the ‘belonging and affection needs’ of the hierarchy in the theory.