Front cover of music magazine

Analysisx4

The connotations of the masthead reveal that the magazine is about new music that is alternative to mainstream music. This implies that new talent and musicians will be showcased in the magazine. The abbreviated name also subverts conventional magazine names and is also positioned on the left hand side of the copy suggesting converting the norms of traditional magazines.

The front cover is mainly dominated by the picture of the band with the rest of the text and other images positioned around them. The female is featured central while the other band mates behind her creating a matriarchal band and also connoting that she is probably the face of the band and its promotion. High lighting is used in contrast to their dark clothing and they are looking directly into the camera showing a fierce and bold visage. This may be used to intrigue readers and is compatible with the tag line below.

The target audience for this magazine seems to range from teenagers aged 15 to 25 and most likely older. I think this attracts both male and female readers but the cover is heavily dominated with male artists which may suggest there are more men readers than women.

The language used here resembles conflict, presumably the fight against mainstream music. The quotation marks used here entices readers to find out what the celebrities are saying. The use of alliteration used in the tagline dramatizes the words attracting the audience and embedding them in their minds.

The main house style colours are black red and white connoting alternative conventions. It reflects rebellion and creates a sense of uniqueness .The bands name is oversized and in capitals emphasizing what the main cover story is going to be about.

The front cover does have some layout conventions such as the strip with the main article and pictures other than the main image to show other aspects of the magazine such as posters and new bands.

The connotations of the masthead may be the onomatopoeia of rock instruments such as bass and guitar. It may also mean the expression of something loud which may suggest that the magazine voices people’s opinions.

The main house style colours are red, white and black which symbolises gothic subcultures and reflects rebellion. This may suggest the magazine is unique and different from others. The size of the article heading are slightly bigger than the synopsis of the article. This may be used to emphasise the topic of the article and encourages readers to buy the magazine.

The language used is very persuasive and dramatic. This is established by each of the articles headings ending with exclamation marks. The quotation marks encourage readers to buy the magazine to see what the celebrities are saying. The words exposed and exclusive suggest news that can be viewed via this magazine.

The photo of the celebrity is shown with high lighting. He is positioned with his hands in a punching position which may show uniqueness and connote he is dark and dangerous which may entice viewers. He is looking directly into the camera to engage with the readers and draw them in.

The target audience for this magazine seems to range from teenagers aged 15 to 25 and possibly older. It also may appeal to people who are interested in rock or unique music and mainly be for men. This may be connoted from the amount of artist s who are popular in this genre.

The front cover does have some layout conventions such as the strip with the main article and pictures other than the main image to show other aspects of the magazine such as posters and new bands.

The connotations of the masthead may be linked to a dance move but also linked to rotation i.e. Various music artists. It sounds contemporary and modern which reflects its target audience.

The main house style colours are black and blue which is in contrast with the image and the masthead. The colours are maintained to produce a simplistic and relative layout emphasising the sophistication of the magazine.

The language used is very confrontational and dramatic. This is established by each of the articles headings e.g. ‘what the hell happened’. The language used also does not show any favouring to a particular genre highlighting its acceptance of all genres.

The photo of the celebrity is shown with high lighting. She is positioned slightly bending forward with her hands displayed nonchalantly. This may reflect her laidback attitude and also the magazine’s attitude.

The target audience for this magazine seems to range from young adults aged 18 to 25 and possibly older. It also may appeal to people who are interested in multi genre music and equally unisex. This may be connoted from the various amount of artist s appear on the cover who are representative of different genres. The front cover does have

some layout conventions such as subsidiary headlines but overall is subverting other conventions such as not having banners or strips. Even the masthead is positioned on the left hand side rather than being in the top centre.

Kerrang Magazine- Pair analysis

By Vineeta and Dwaine

What genre does the magazine cover?

The genre the magazine covers is rock. This is seen by the bands and musicians mentioned who cover rock tracks. The colours also connote rock colours such as the emphasis on black.

What are the connotations of the masthead?

The connotations of the masthead may be the onomatopoeia of rock instruments such as drums and guitars. The title may connote the intensity of music and reflects loud music.

What can you say about the language techniques used by the headline and sell

lines?

The sell lines are written colloquially and forceful. The ‘touch down’ is a pun for the sport which is reflected with the costumes the band are wearing and also it connotes that they have landed in the uk. The band’s name is written in capital letters to emphasise the feature article is about the band. The exclamation marks show which articles are important or more appealing to the audience.

What can you say about the layout style particularly style and size of fonts and colour scheme?

The colours are presented as gothic and the house style colours of black, red and white may connote destruction and rock music. The size of the masthead and the band’s name is equal, this may suggest what type of music the magazine represents. It has a conventional layout with the singer predominantly seen with the guitars and drum players behind him.

What can you say about the use of photography?

The photography shows the position of the band where the lead singer, guitarist and drummer would usually position themselves on stage.

Does the front cover feature any other layout conventions?

The magazine cover mainly has images therefore there is a lack of sell lines. The strip of pictures below show extras that you can get which is a selling point.

Who are the target audience? Why?

The target audience are rock lovers and love music which consists of mainly drums and guitars.