Music Magazine Analysis

NME and Top Of The Pops

Target Audience17 to 30 years of age, the readers are well educated with 78% of their readers in work or education. I would say that people that read this magazine are highly dedicated to music and are more than likely to spend a sum of their disposable income on gigs and concerts which may have been influenced by the magazine, I believe this due to the depth of the content and information of music found in the issues after I read this magazine for research.MASTHEAD

NME, standing for New Music Experience is the first thing people look to when assessing a magazine and it should always stand out on the page taking up roughly 1/5 of the page. NME uses a very bold font on its masthead which stands out well, especially due to the colour scheme of a red font on top of a generally black and white background.MAIN COVERLINEThe main coverline has many features similar to the masthead, it uses the same coloured font and style, This means it also grabs a large amount of attention from the viewer as it jumps out the page. In this issue “NOEL” is in capital letters and larger than the masthead, this means that NME wants this to be the main selling point as it takes up a majority of the page, it could also be saying that Noel Gallagher is bigger than the intstitution. The main coverline usually links to the main image and quote.

DATE AND PRICEThe date and price are usually found next to each other in a small font next to the masthead, they are not usually largely noticed as the dedicated fans are usually aware of the price of the magazine.

COLOUR SCHEMEThe colour scheme of this magazine uses red, black and white. This not only works effectively because the red font on top of a black and white background dominates and controls the page but it also reflects to the type of rock and vintage genre the NME audience would be attracted to. You could also say that the black and white theme brings back the idea that old music era’s are coming back, such as Oasis.

CENTRAL IMAGEThe main image for this issue of NME is notoriously well known Oasis star Noel Gallagher, this represents celebrity endorsement which is evident in every NME magazine. He has the stereotypical stern “rock” look, not giving anything away as to might be contained in his interview. His body is facing away from the camera with his head slightly turned towards the viewer which then leads on to his eyes making direct contact, which represents the usual arrogant, naïve and simple laid back look you would expect from an artist from his genre and Mr Gallagher in particular. This also emphasises the rock genre that this magazine displays due to the recognition Noel Gallagher brings. As the subject entices a direct gaze with the viewer, he also looks very superior as if he is looking down on you.

PUFFSPuffs in this issue are used to full effect in the sense that they must relate to the target audience. And the use of ,big alternative-rock artists, “Arctic Monkeys Sex Tape” is short, snappy and leaves a lot of the story up to the imagination of the reader. Being such a big name in the music industry is going to leave a majority of people, even if you aren’t a dedicated a fan, wondering and having a certain urge to buy the issue,

LAYOUTNME has a common identity when it comes to look at the layout of the magazine. You will generally realise a backward S form when it comes to the eye flow. It will start with your eyes drawn to NME Masthead, then the central, then finally leading on to main coverline.

LayoutThe layout for the contents page of NME is a very sectioned format, trying to keep each article very regimented from one another. It keeps the largest picture to feature the main article of the issue, this being Matthew Murphy’s encounter with rock icon Pete Doherty. This spot is usually reserved for well known iconic rock celebrities such as Keith Richards or Liam Gallagher.

Language / Mode of AddressThe language in the contents also emphasises and enforces what target audience NME are aiming towards, of older teens and young adults as it says “You’re fucked, you need to go to bed”. This not only uses indecent language but also incites the use of alcohol or other substances which shows that there is a relatively mature audience reading the articles. I believe this also offers personality to the magazine and shows that the magazine knows what their dedicated buyers are used to and deemed acceptable by.

MastheadThe masthead gives off a certain Newspaper feel which deters from the previous “Rock and Roll” contents page used. It is very simple and never changes from the “Inside this week” which could make it easily recognizable to its readers. It also makes it obvious that it is a weekly magazine and not a monthly one, this should allow new time readers to know when the next issue is due.

ColourThe colour scheme of the contents page is a simple black and white set up, par to the offer in the bottom right corner where a burgundy square takes place. This differs from the mainly featured red which occurs in the front cover. The new colour scheme gives off a newspaper feel which may deter some of their “hard core” fans.

ListingNME have a simple yet effective way of listing the lesser stories to fill the page, using one word to sum up the story or article followed by the page number. As it uses the word “plus” it makes the reader feel as if they are getting more for their money. This is called a puff.

ArticlesThe more interesting articles featured in the magazine are given a larger space concluding with a summary sentence or quote followed by a picture. I think this goes well as it differentiates itself from the stereotypical dull and lifeless contents pages you find in other magazines

Colour SchemeThis double page spread uses the expected black red and white which is mainly featured in the NME franchise. The colour scheme also interacts with the strength of the subjects golden locks.

Conventions.What you would expect from a double page spread, half of the double page being taken up by Florence (the feature) having the image being dominant in comparison to the rest of the spread, then the other half being the story of the feature. Also having a summary question before reaching the main text enticing what the text will be about.

Main ImageThe image featured in this article is of main singer from Florence and the Machines, Florence Welch. The magazine uses her florescent hair as part of the colour scheme which I think links well as you could say it relates to the outlandish style and genre the magazine attempts to reflect in each issue. She looks very empowering having a direct gaze with the camera as if to challenge the reader and emphasises the strong independent woman by being the artist in a band full of men, this means that the small proportion of women that reads the magazine can relate. The feature also links with the text as she is sitting on top of the American flag, showing that she has taken the USA by storm with her music which is stated in the text.

Title“USA got the love” – this title allows the reader to know what the story is going to be about straight away. As the readers are dedicated to the rock and roll lifestyle they will know that “got the love” will be a reference to Florence and the machine song – then as the target audience are supposedly well educated they will make the connection that Florence Welch has taken the American charts over and become a big hit in the states. “USA” being in a larger font expresses the scale of how large the industry is out there.

LayoutThe layout is set in three separate columns. It is done this way so it seems more “reader-friendly” and that it doesn’t feel too daunting for the reader. Having it separated into three columns allows the reader to feel as if there is not as much text involved and encourages them to read all of the article instead of skim-reading it.Enlarged textThe enlarged text is the first bit of writing the reader is attracted to, it sums up what the story is going to be about and usually draws the reader in for more using tragedy or hot news. “Why is Florence Welch lying on her floor attacking herself” This leads an introduction for the main article and draws the reader in.

MastheadTop of the Pops masthead is a clear inclination as to what target audience the magazine is aiming for, first of all the bright pink is a simple connotation that it is aimed at a young female audience this colour on a white background also means that it can be noticed from afar by its readers, as well as a swirly emphasis on the “S” of “POPS” which could be saying that this is the handwriting of a pre-teen. The masthead is also in a very bubbly font which again leads to the characteristics of its readers.

Main Image The main image is of pop sensation Justin Beiber, this shows ultimately what kind of brand of music the magazine is based on and aimed towards. The celebrity endorsement is very effective as almost every pre-teen girl is in love with the Canadian popstar, he uses his sweet enticing eyes as a direct gaze with the viewer to invite them in to the issue, also making it personal to the reader. The main image is dead centre and takes up roughly half of the page, meaning he is going to be the main feature in the story which the target audience will love to read about.

Main CoverlineThe main cover line of this issue links back to the main image of Justin Beiber which is evident due to the name and that it is the stand out piece of text next to Beiber. It says “Justin: “I was bullied!”” which automatically will have girls feeling sorry for the heartthrob.

House stylePink is the main feature colour in the scheme for top of the pops along with black, white and red. The font actually goes against what you would expect the typical young female font of swirls and is in actual fact quite sophisticated, I think this is because young girls feel more mature than they show so they wouldn’t be interested in the swirls and comic sans fonts anymore. The masthead doesn’t differ from issue to issue and has a strong yet bubbly font which would appeal to its audience.

Smaller ImagesAll the smaller images relate to pre-teen topics, stories and celebrities which the target-audience will be interested in, such as heart throb Harry Styles. It also suggests the genre given for the audience as it consists a lot of pop stars from bands such as one direction and JLS. The fact that there is a lot of imagery on the cover implies that it is aimed towards a younger audience.

Mode of addressThe language is very informal and colloquial, this is because the magazine is aimed towards a young demographic and if the text were too complicated the viewers would simply lose interest. The cover uses simple yet catchy language such as “Hitched or Ditched” and “Fitties seeking forgiveness” which again interests the audience and further proves that it is aimed at a young female audience.

CoverlinesThe coverlines are mainly pink red or black which conforms to the house style of the magazine. Along with the smaller images they all stick to the rule of thirds par to the central image, this makes an easy set-up for the readers to view the page.

PriceThe price for this magazine is quite high at £3.99, this is because it is the childs working class parents who are paying for it with their disposable income, enforcing it is aimed at young pre-work children.

Page NumbersThe page numbers are largely featured on the contents page taking up a fair amount of space, this allows an easy setting for the young audience to understand, with the page numbers being related back to the front page lets the reader to find the story they found most interesting on the cover to easily and effectively find it within the magazine, it is also in pink which not only stays true to the magazines house style but it also stands out on the white so catches the readers gaze.

Subheading the subheadings have a very “girly” font with the twirls and hearts involved reassuring the target audience with the “We <3 Boys” of young females. They tend to stay the same each week with the placement, size, and actual features such as “Celebs & Gossip” and “We <3 Shopping” which becomes part of the Top of the Pops contents page conventions.Mode of addressThe mode of address for this magazine is informal and quite cheesy which shows that a younger audience is intended, the text also talks about adult features such as “finding Mr Right” this allows young pre-teens to feel as if they are conversing into adulthood by talking about mature subjects.

House styleAgain, another feature of the top of the pops house style contains vibrant, feminine colours which catch the eye of the young audience, this also creates a positive outlook on the whole magazine which would usually rub off on the reader. The pink is used throughout the whole magazine and creates a very noticeable identity for the magazine

LayoutThe layout for the contents page is very conventional of any other contents page and of the top of the pops magazine, using the rule of thirds effectively along with a column of three for the listings of the lesser stories. Having the column of three allows the reader to believe there is less writing as it is spread out, which works well for the target audience as they would be disinterested with the large amount of writing.

ImageryThere is a fair amount of imagery on the contents page which isn’t an evident convention of a set contents page, however it spaces the text out well and allows a more fun and quirky way for the audience to interact with the magazine, it also relates to things the audience will be interested in, for example the handbag representing fashion and accessories whilst Aston from JLS represents a “fangirl” appeal for the celebs and gossips column, it also helps having page numbers next to the front cover which has been printed on the contents page as it shows the main articles simply and the page they will be on for the reader.

MastheadSimple “Inside the mag…” works well for this magazine, in a simple yet effective “girly” font in white amongst a pink background sticks to the house style of TOTP, with the information that follows, all that is needed.

Colour schemeThe double page spread sticks to the colour scheme and house style of the Top of the Pops magazine, using the typical pink, black and white whilst inducing fainter and lighter colours to mix in, with the pink being a connotation of a feminine presence in the magazine.

LayoutThe layout for this double page spread is split into 4 different columns and instead of conventional 3 columns you would usually find, having the columns set out like this allows the reader to feel as if there is less text to go through making them more likely to read the whole article. The main feature of Taylor Swift is situated on the far right of the spread taking up roughly 1/3 of the two pages vertically, this immediately shows the reader what and who the article or interview is about without even having to think. The quotation of “No matter what you read, I’m not dating anyone!” is shown at the top of the page taking up 1/3 of the page horizontally. This creates various dimensions for the spread and makes the different shapes a more interesting layout for the reader.

Main ImageThe main image is situated on the far right taking up around 1/3 of the page, she is automatically recognizable to the pop genre so this is another enforcement of the target audience and type of magazine this is. She is looking very sweet and innocent whilst maintaining a direct gaze with the camera, which will reflect onto the young girl reading this magazine, the direct gaze also makes the reader feel comfortable and invited in. It is also the first thing the eye catches which allows the reader to instantly know who the article is about.

Quotation The quotation at the top of the page saying “No matter what you read, I’m not dating anyone!” adds variety and differentiates to other magazine as this acts as the title, this creates a house identity for the magazine. It also tells the viewer the main subject of the following article as well as linking in with the main image. Conventions.

What you would expect from a double page spread, half of the double page being taken up by Florence (the feature) having the image being dominant in comparison to the rest of the spread, then the other half being the story of the feature. Also having a summary question before reaching the main text enticing what the text will be about.