Denotation/connotation analysis of the front and back cover of the digipak

Icona Pop

The name of the artist’s is ‘Icona Pop’, the connotation could be from the word ‘Icon’ which is a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration. This could thus suggest that they are a duo worthy of imitation and following for their target audience.

The font used on the cover is best described as pixelated and thus quite electronic, as it looks like a computerised font, which connotes the electronic genre.

The physical appearance of the stars are quite odd as one is standing above the other and both appear to be naked, where one is covering the other’s breast. It appears as a mid-shot, from a straight angle. One of the artist’s eyes are closed and the other is had direct mode of address. This connotes the individual yet intimate relationship, not only of the duo, but also of that to their audience.

The dominant image within the front cover is featuring both the artist’s, making them both appear equally as important. The title of the album is “this is” and it is also covering one of the artist’s breast. The fact that it’s positioned in the bottom middle of the cover signifies its importance.

Dominant colours include grey, white and black. These connote quite a dark feel, which is possibly what the artists are trying to give off. The colours are quite abstract and they show that the music is not likely to be about love, but they’re quite neutral.

At the back of the digipak, there is a list of songs on the CD. They’re positioned in the very centre, making them seem as the most important thing on that side of the digipak.

The colours here remain dark and simple. However, the font has changed from the simple, pixelated look, to a fancier one, possibly connoting handwriting.This still communicates the simplicity of the CD, but in a more interesting way, due to the variation of font.

The record labels are Big Beat Records and Atlantic Records. Both these record labels are of US origin and are a part of the Warner Music Group. Both also specify in Dance music, clearly connoting the genre of Icona Pop.

The artists fit into the genre of Dance and Electronic dance music which is signified by the simplest things, like the use of computerised font.

The target audience for this CD cover would be teenagers and young adults as it’s quite simple and it’s the genre of music mostly this type of audience prefers.

Attitudes and values associated with this genre include uniqueness and dancing. The songs are usually quite up-beat and ear catching, including easy lyrics which catch the audience’s attention.