Textual Analysis

Masthead: The masthead for NME is always constant. The red block lettering appears on the front of almost every magazine. The font is very bold and simple however it still stands out to the audience due to the vibrancy of the red against the white and the size of it as a whole. The colour denotations relate to the genre of music the magazine focuses on which is rock music (as do the other colours), however red symbolises rebellion, anger and love which is what rock music is basically based around. Moreover, the masthead has been placed behind the picture image on the front cover, yet it catches the eye for its simplicity, yet effectiveness.

Layout: As I mentioned above, the magazine has been covertly split into 3 main sections. The middle section is primarily used for the photograph, in this case Jarvis Cocker swearing at the camera – direct address. Then on the left hand side there is a subheading and most importantly the magazine name/logo. The reason behind the magazine name being in the top left hand side is because when shops present magazines the top left hand corner can be seen, yet the rest of the magazine cannot be seen and this is why there is magazines all over the UK (and world) with the name in the top left hand corner. Not only that but we read from left to right. This is also why the title is where its placed, and why majority of the sub headings fall on the right hand side. People who are looking for NME will look in the left corner, see it, pick it up and continue to read left to right finding the other articles that will appear somewhere within the magazine.

Feature article photo: The main image, and only image on the magazine follows the black, white and red theme as it appears to be a photograph with a filter on that has made the photo black and white with a rustic effect. This relates to the theme of the ‘return of bands’, emphasising the amount of time and how long ‘we’ have been waiting for new music which is what NME is all about – new music in the indie/rock genre. Furthermore the photo used is actually not from the current time, more reason for the rough/old effect on Jarvis Cocker – the lead singer from ‘PULP’ hence the main headline being about their reunion.

Sub-heading and cover line: There are multiple sub-headings on this particular front cover on both left and right sides. This splits the magazine into 3 sections – left, middle and right. These sub-headings are in a smaller text size not only to fit on the page but to specify that they aren‘t as “important” or central as the main focus article.

Headline & anchorage: Following the theme of red black and white, the text colours have expanded to red and white. The text at the top of the headline has a hand-written look on it that suggests it’s a quote of some sort from a fan. In addition the quote states ‘about f*#king time’ which can be related to the language of their target market/demographic connecting to them with this colloquial language in order to maintain a friendly persona with them. Also these bold colours will make the band name ‘pulp’ stand out to those of interest in the band with smaller text of information and the reason why they are on the front page; a reunion.

Bar code: All magazines have a bar code to indicate the price and the date in which it was published to demonstrate what is/was happening at that moment in time. In this case NME have placed it in the bottom left corner as when companies have the price in big bold writing it doesn’t come across as appealing especially if it is an expensive magazine. However, this NME cover isn’t as recent because now, there is no bar code due to it being completely free.

Front cover is a re-creation of this earlier magazine cover from 1996

Mise en scene: Characters: The main appeal for this magazine is musicians which is why they use people who have been somewhat successful in the music business to star on the front cover. Jarvis Cocker, the lead singer of PULP stars in this issue. The photo used is an old photo from his time of triumph to emphasise the fact it is a reunion/return of the band so there is no new pictures yet, but there is some to come. Moreover people will remember Jarvis Cocker at this stage and recognise a photo of him then in comparison to now as they have returned. The pose he is doing is representing the rebellion of the musicians within the genre NME mainly focus on, rock/indie/alternative which can have a sound of loud, rock n roll type or a more acoustic style. However this issue wants to focus on Pulp. Adding onto that, Jarvis Cockers attitude comes across as a rebellious figure and almost like a bad-influence for the younger generation of NME’s readers, yet they all still want to be like him. Also the pose gives him an edgy look that will engage the audience as he looks cool and most likely is cool and the reader would buy it to find out more of Jarvis Cocker to see how he lives the rock star life style.

Colour scheme: the colour scheme emphasises the genre of music and the attitude and style of the musicians in the magazine. The colours red, white and black all have a different interpretation/denotation. Black – Dark, depressing and sadness – this is what musicians sometimes base their own songs onWhite - purity, virginity and peace – another few topics songs are focussed onRed – rebellion, love, anger and danger – this is potentially the most interpreted colour for a rock based magazine. Their songs and attidue towards life and the way they make their impression is usually rebellion as they want to come across as ‘cool’ and that they don’t care. The red writing is placed across Jarvis Cockers body almost as if it is a warning to not get too close due to his rebellious approach and really adds more of a meaning to the photo.

Costumes: Jarvis Cocker is simply wearing a shirt and a blazer. However, his shirt is buttoned down and he hasn’t got a tie on. This emphasises his attitude and personality once again, implying he doesn’t really care what people think of him, he’s a musician he can do what he wants. However the fact he is wearing a suit could imply that he is a part of the ABC1 class status, indicating (stereotypically) money and intelligence, which contrasts with the gesture he gives the camera and his facial expressions representing his attitude.

Fonts and language: NME uses very simplistic fonts to show the magazines simplicity yet effectiveness through its success. The font is bold and not very creative yet it doesn’t need to be as it comes across professional and easily put together to make a great magazine. The language the magazine use is mainly colloquial and socialect within the large group of indie rock ‘n’ roll lovers. For example the names of bands appear on the front cover which may not make any sense to some people yet those that are somewhat related to this style of music magazine will. In addition there is a use of slight cursing within slang that certain people will understand. It says “about f*#king time” which blocks out the actual swear word yet we know it is still there. This is another example on the rebellion as magazines wouldn’t have swearing on the front cover, yet NME have used a ‘quote’ yet attempted to “hide” the word however not very discretely on purpose.

Layout: This particular magazine contents page is resembles a newspaper layout. This includes the font and the different columns to separate the poles apart articles. The numbers of the pages are sized bigger so it is obvious which page they are on so if the buyer was purchasing the magazine for a particular reason that was displayed on the front, it is most likely going to be within the contents page, directing them to where they will find it. On each other the articles below/the establishing photo of the artist/feature is a small pull quote to draw the reader in as if the editor or writer wants to tease the audience to a taster of what it is about in order for them to go forth and read or buy the magazine if they are just browsing or ‘flicking through’ which is known as the cover line giving additional information.

Images: There are 7 images on this page all different sizes. The reason for this is that the bigger sizes are more likely to be the ‘main’ articles so the artist it may be about will be easily recognised. Moreover there is a segment for even more articles in a small column at the bottom titled ‘Plus’. This enhances the smaller images to become important to the reader as well as there is more than what we see on the first page.

Advertisement/offers: in the bottom right corner there is an offer to buy a years subscription of NME for a certain price in order to save some money. It is an idea for a Christmas present and states at the top ‘that’s Christmas sorted then’ which is an estimate guess of what the reader will say when they see the offer. Also in order for the offer to stand out and catch the attention of the reader, it is in a bold red box with a white font that goes against the black and white theme of the rest of the page, however still stays in the colour scheme of the front cover.

Masthead: The masthead of this contents page isn’t the ‘NME’ logo, in fact it is simply stating ‘inside this week’ to direct the reader to where they need to be in order to find the articles they are looking for. Once again the text is bold and simple yet it does its job of catching our eye as it is all capital letters, block black writing on a white background. Moreover the text actually states ‘INSIDE THIS WEEK’, which is something that represents the fact that it is a weekly paper so if it is a new-time buyer they will be notified that it is a weekly issue and may convince them slightly to keep an eye out for the next one for new articles.

Mise-en-scene

Colour scheme: The colours used within the contents page reflect on the typical outlook of a newspaper (majority of it being black and white with the odd bit of colour within the images. The newspaper look to the contents page enhances the retro feel to the magazine due to the ‘return’ of the popular band from the 80s-90s era. Moreover, the reason behind having the colour scheme and layout of a newspaper expands the fact that newspapers were once the only source of media, yet now there is a large variety of media campaigns we can use to discover and promote their magazine.

Camera work: There has been different types of shots to establish the artists that are within the magazine. There is some that are medium shots and others that are long shots. The different types of camera work emphasises the different artists in the magazine as NME don't necessarily focus on one genre all the time so that is why different camera shots have been used, to express the range of artists/genres included.

Characters: On the contents page, the sub-images are used to show the reader who the articles are about. This indicates the reader to where they need to be to read about a particular musician as that is what all of the characters are on this contents page. This is an obvious point to make, but since it is a music magazine a main convention is photography of the musicians whether that is a photo from a photoshoot/studio or from a live show - either way it makes the appearance of the musician and initial interpretation of the musician successful.

Costumes: The items of clothing, in certain ways represent the style of the artist. Once again, the clothes they wear also have a very bland and plain impression as they are block colours that link within the magazines front cover. Moreover this could be the magazine emphasising that although they may be successful in the music business, they don't have to wear bright bold colours to prove that. Furthermore this focuses on the fact that the musicians in the magazine - at the end of the day - are just regular individuals and their chilled out rock star style attitude doesn't have to be expressed through colour. Simple but effective is a key phrase for the entire magazine and majority of NME’s issues.

Layout: the magazine text is split into columns which fill the page up so there are barley any gaps and is very busy, however it is still clear and set out professionally. This layout could be a representation of how the bands lifestyle works; very busy, yet still working out well. Furthermore, it is a slight resemblance to a diary with the text and snippets of their lives captured in the photographs.

Pull quote: The pull quote is in a larger text size, different font and has a block background of black and green, blending with colours within the picture. The use of a pull quote draws the reader in and gives a short extract of what is inside the sea of text on the page. Usually the quote is from the band itself which entitles a connection between the musician and the reader as it is as if the artist is speaking on his behalf to them personally, letting them into their lifestyle by saying he likes a ‘glass of wine’ every now and then.

Main image: The image used is of a band ‘The National’ which the article is based on. The reason behind the image being at a concert with plenty in the crowd is that this will make them come across as a well-known band, in which the reader should have some recognition to as the image enhances and encourages a sense of success. The colours within the photo are mainly black due to their clothes and the thickness of the crowd. Adding onto that, the bright lights represent the bright future ahead for the band which is somewhat established beneath as there is an image of them with Barak Obama. The main image used also signifies the bands style, whether that be music or fashion. The mise en scene links with this as rock stars stereotypically wear all black and stand on stage without thinking twice about how many people are out their because it’s their ‘cool’ attitude towards the lifestyle or it will break their ego and reputation of cool, inspiring rockers.

Who is the text aimed at?The text is aimed at people aged from 18-30 which is a varied age range and quite a big gap. NME ensure that all of their target demographic are covered and have some relatable text or a suitable article etc. They do this by using both current bands that are newly successful and bands that may have been constant since the 90’s or early 00’s. In the issue I am analysing, the cover image is of Jarvis Cocker (frontman of Pulp). Pulp were mostly successful in the 80’s and 90’s and their return is the main focus article. Moreover this is the reasoning behind the old/retro looking photograph used. The assumptions made of the audience has been implied within the context of the magazine including the colour scheme as if it was full of bright pink colours and floral designs it would most likely be for a younger girl, so the design of the magazine does reflect the contents of the NME.

Where will the audience receive the magazine?This particular magazine (at the time of the release) would’ve been able to purchase it from different retail stores etc. however currently the magazine is free and priceless and it states on the website: “Readers will also be able to pick up issues from 140 Topman stores, 121 HMV stores, 13 Academy Music Group live venues and 75 independent record stores.” These places also relate to the audience as this is where their target market go to shop for music or clothing which was found in research.

Masthead: The masthead is simply the name of the magazine that is just below the top of the magazine page spread across the entire width of the page. It is in a bold, capitalised font that really stands out due to the vibrant yellow colour. The contrast of the happy yellow colour and the cracked/smashed title emphasises the fact that this magazine if based on angry styled music, which makes the particular audience happy. In addition the masthead is in the background in comparison to the other elements and conventions found on this particular magazine. At the end of ‘KERRANG’ there is an exclamation mark which stresses the fact that a lot of the musicians that the magazine focuses on have loud voices to represent their style of music and attitude as well. Top banner: At the top of the page, there is a section where certain aspects of the contents are promoted. For example it states ‘6 AMAZING POSTERS’ which the company have used a pre-modified adjective to express the fact that these aren’t just simple posters, they are amazing posters. These are also know as buzzwords. There are many other buzzwords applied on this page such as ‘world exclusive’ in which makes the reader feel more persuaded to buy it as it is “world exclusive” and gives the impression to the potential buyer that it is a one-off and is basically a must! Moreover these buzzwords are usually bolder, a different colour to show that it is something important and draws the attention to the certain article that may be of certain interest to the target demographic that I detected in my magazine research.

Main picture: The main picture is a two shot of 2 men from the band that is boldly titled ‘ASKING ALEXANDRIA’ below them. One member of the band is in the foreground of the picture, the other being in the back ground. The band itself actually has 5 members, yet only 2 are displayed on the cover. This could be linked to the hierarchy of the band, implying that these two members are the most popular or recognisable (most likely to be the singer or guitarist as they are stereotypically remembered the most).

Colour scheme: The colours used on this particular cover are black, white, yellow and red. These colours represent the type of music they play and goes even deeper to the what the lyrics of songs are most commonly based on. Black represents the darkness of the music and the musicians style in fashion as well so the colours balance out with what they are wearing. The red in the design allows the danger of the sound of music to be implied, yet love is within the song lyrics whether that be positively or negatively. Finally the yellow adds a sense of excitement and happiness the style of music may bring to the readers who are of some interest in the magazine.

Layout: The KERRANG! layout is split into two sections horizontally in which one she is bigger than the other. The bigger side of the magazine is where the photo is displayed to express its importance to the reader or potential buyer in the store. On the other side there is some text in which is displaying the different articles in the magazine. KERRANG! have distributed them down the left hand side of the magazine. The reason behind them doing this is so when the magazines are stacked on shelves, and we read from left to right, the articles will be visible and more likely to catch the attention of the audience. The same applies to the actual masthead/title.

Sub-images: The magazine has included smaller pictures on top of the main image to tease the audience and give a taster of what is to come if they are to continue reading the magazine. Moreover the additional photos add a sense of a busy atmosphere. This implies that the magazine in full of different articles and is jam-packed of information and features that will attract the particular audience I detected/discovered during my music magazine research. The craziness of the front cover emphasises the way the musicians act on stage and with the contrast of bold colours raises the loudness of the overview which is a way to represent the music choice of the magazine.

Masthead: The magazine have used block text for the masthead which makes it stands out and clear that this is the title and the ‘CONTENTS’ page. Moreover, there is a black shadow behind the heading as well which contrasts to the white text. Even though we read from left to right, ‘KERRANG!’ have positioned the text in the top right hand corner. Usually the contents would start at the left and make its way to the right, yet ‘KERRANG!’ have done it differently. This could be interpreted as that this magazine isn’t your typical magazine and they can break he stereotypes and rules if they want to – enhancing the rebellion.Colour scheme: The contents page has continued from the front cover and stuck with the same colour scheme. This includes the red, black, white and yellow. The ‘buzzwords’/smaller headings to inform and attract the reader are in a bold black text with a yellow highlight behind them. If the page was to only include black white and a speck of red, it would be very minimal and not very exciting to the eye. Therefore, the magazine company have done this to add a sense of excitement to the page to make it look more inviting and less cynical. Layout: The content page has been organised in a way as I exclaimed before was slightly different to the usual contents layout relating to the segments of the magazine. In this case the main text is at the right hand-side of the page and in a long column. To the left of this is a larger illustration in which the page is split/ripped in half. This is splitting up 2 separate articles and the ripped effect could represent a possible rivalry between the 2 bands presented in the 2 sections. At th bottom of the page and within the column of contents, there are some sub images which concentrate on guiding the reader and giving a snippet of what is involved in the context

Sub-images: The sub images on the contents page are located on the right hand side of the page. They are particularly small due to the hopeful effect of giving a small taster on what is in the magazine such as articles about certain musicians/bands that fall in the pop-punk/rock genre. These photos all have some slight tint of red it to brighten up the page alongside the yellow, moreover the red will stand out against the black and white so the people in the photograph will be recognised easily.

Buzzwords/sections: The actual information on what is in the magazine isn't the typical layout of page number and title. This certain contents page has been set out under different titles; NEWS, FEATURES, LIVES, REVIEWS & GIGS. This has then split different stories into the categories by giving additional information of what’s in store for the target demographic reader.

Illustrations: The illustrations on the page give a slight rebellious feel as if someone had graffitied the page or taken over a doodled on the page. This includes the ‘contents’ title itself, which looks like its been drawn on.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

Main image: The image on the pages covers the entire frame. The band are all wearing similar clothing that match the colour scheme that has been continuous throughout the magazine (black and white). None of the band members appear to be wearing yellow which is a colour that also features within the magazine, however the window frame and wall that is within the background of the image has a yellow tint that does show a sign of fitting with the scheme, yet it isn't very vibrant. However, the editor would've chosen this as a vibrant yellow has the chance of washing out the text in the masthead.

Masthead: The masthead is a play on words with the bands name ‘mallory knox’. The ‘Knox’ part of the masthead is in a bold, big, yellow font that stands out in comparison to the ‘opportunity’ part. The magazine creators have done this so people who may have heard of the band will immediately recognise KNOX and continue reading about the UK alternative rock band.

Text: The text/article itself is in the bottom right corner. The article is placed here so it doesn't cover any of the bands faces. This is an interpretation of the band are important and have some status to have a large image printed on the double page spread. Questions asked are printed in a bolder text and the response is normal, this is representing the different speakers to make it clearer and easier for the reader to understand.

Quotation: The quotation on the right page gives an insider of the article, teasing the audience as once they have read it, they will want to find out what the context behind it was. In addition, the actual quote itself is talking about the album being a ‘slap in the face’ hinting that there is a new album/music coming soon, giving the band some promotion to the audience who have interest in music etc.

Colour scheme(/mise en scene): The colour scheme once again follows the black, white and yellow theme. As i mentioned before the actual main image uses that scheme, but the text and information on the page has done this also. The ‘characters’ (band members) have a dress code of black and white which is very simple, yet has a chilled out effect on how the band come across personality-wise. Moreover the direct address of the members show they're endearing and want to catch the attention of the readers to expand their “fan-base”/listener count.

Main image: The image used for the front cover is of Cheryl (Cole at the time of issue). Cheryl doesn't necessarily fit within the category/genres of music that Q usually have their main focus on.However, in the picture she isn't posing in a very innocent pop-singer way. By this I mean she gives a more rebellious look to the camera and her persona entirely which is a way the magazine have shown their attitude and style. It is almost as if the magazine can change the pop star into a rebelling rock star! Adding onto that She is directly looking at the camera giving direct address to the reader o draw them in. Adding onto that, the target audience of the male gender will be attracted to this magazine due to cheryl being on the front, yet women will also as she may be seen as a role model or as ‘goals’ which is a term used by many teenagers currently.

Masthead/logo: Q magazine have a very simplistic title ‘Q’ which appears in the same way on majority of the magazines. ( A bold, white ‘Q’ within a red box). This enforces a easy recognition for the readers to catch in the corner of their eye as it is something that will stick in the mind due to its simplicity and boldness.

Colour scheme: The colours used are based on the logo itself and the stereotype of rock stars clothing choices; red, white (logo) and black. Not only does the colours fall in the image of cheryl such as her make up, what she is wearing, her hair and background etc. but the text on the front cover also stays within the theme (with the additional bit of grey.) Red represents the danger of Cheryls new rock star ways and the black is the stereotype of rockstars clothing and rebellion which the magazine has turned cheryl cole into through this magazine.

Page layout: The page layout is split into 3 sections horizontally. Left, middle and right. Obviously the middle is where the image is placed for central direct address which is nice and pleasing for the eye as it seems symmetrical. Whereas the text such as subheadings and information on articles and other features of the magazine are on the left and right hand side. Adding onto that, the magazine don't follow the typical placing of the bar code as it is underneath the “Q” logo, not at the bottom due to the positioning of the anchorage.

Page text: The text on the cover has different sizes and uses 2 different fonts and colours. This interprets the different articles and features that are inside the magazine and variety of different things they focus on. Moreover, if the cover was to have one style of text it wouldn't be as exciting or eye catching as the differences give a busy feel showing it is jam-packed full of stuff the target audience will find some interest in. Some of the text is given the effect of a sticker to stand out from the rest and has the similar effect on the reader as the buzz words would. This means the magazine is drawing the reader in by using certain words to encourage the reader to buy the magazine or continue reading, gaining the pride (and profit) of the people buying their magazine.

Main image: The image is placed on the right side of the page. The photograph is of cheryl who also stars on the front cover which emphasises the fact that she is the main focus within the magazine. They have done this to show the respect for a woman being on the front of a rock magazine as this isn't the usual for a rock-style magazine and Q are willing to break their own stereotype. The image is in black and white, this gives the contents page a retro/vintage effect yet her outfit she is wearing is very out-going and unruly, yet this helps her fit with the genre the magazine usually stick to.

Masthead: Once again the ‘Q’ logo is used in the top left corner making it even more recognisable and next to it is the title for the ‘contents’ page. The font is very classical which contrasts to the music, style and attitude the magazine contents actually hold. The title has been applied within a red box which is the editor continuing the colour scheme, ensuring the red stands out amongst the black/white/grey.

Sub-images: The pictures used are also representing certain articles that are in the magazine giving the reader a small insert into what is featured. However the images used both introduce some slight different colours into the frame such as a beige skin tone and blue on the guitar. But, the colour scheme is still followed in the images overall.

Page number indicators: The page numbers are published next to the text, yet they are also blown up into a bigger size and placed next to the image that links the reader to the article they may be wanting to look for based by the photos.

Page text: The majority of the text falls on the left of the page as we read from left to right so when the potential reader is ‘flicking through’ they will see the contents immediately as they begin to open the pages. The article titles are in a bold, all capitals stern font to address to the audience who stars in the magazine, however under the red line there is the cover line in which gives additional information about what that particular musicians article is about.

Main image: The double page spread once again focuses on cheryl as she does star on the front cover. The image used uses the entire frame of the second frame to indicate to the audience who the article is about. She doesn't give the camera direct address but looks dramatically to the side. Not only that but she gives a rebellious attitude again through her outfit and drastic makeup. The spikes and makeup can both be described as sharp which could represent the personality Q have decided to give the female star.

Masthead: The masthead simply states the stars name; the first name in lower case letters and the surname in upper case letters. The magazine use the similar layout with every double page spread based on a musician. This includes the large print of the C over the text, giving the magazine its own originality and makes it unique and makes the reader remember their style of double page spreads. Moreover the reasoning behind the capital letters for her surname at the time could represent the fact her husband was a footballer and they are called by their last name, in this case ‘COLE’ would be printed on the back of his t-shirt in capitals. In addition, it could be the magazines way of telling the male audience that this attractive woman is TAKEN!

Sub-image: Their is a sub image on the left page to give the reader more insight on the musicians appearance and makes it more interesting and exciting to read as if it was a page of text it wouldn't be as endearing as it is with colour and images on the pages. next to the page is a quotation from the star herself about not knowing what she looks like anymore which is quite ironic as the sub image is of her shadowing her face with a hat. The quotation give the reader a quick insight on what is in the article as it is clear to see due to its striking colour and capital letter font.

Page text/layout: The text is on the first page of the two due to the way we read (left to right). It has been disbursed into 3 columns vertically with the large C printed on top but the context still visible. The main image has been placed within its own frame to establish Cheryl as a person so we can see her clearly as if it were to be a small picture of her only covering one page all together it would seem to crowded and not be seen as a ‘big deal’ as this is how they have presented her to be on the front cover, contents and with the big photograph, the double page spread too.