Music Magazine Case Study

Total Guitar September 2013 issue

The Front CoverThe cover comes across as very stylish, with lots of writing and names of songs and bands to try and attract people who are interested in music. The main focus is on the cover image; guitars, therefore giving an image of Eddie van Halen's guitar. A very popular guitarist, for this genre of magazine. The guitar also crosses into the masthead and therefore drawing attention to the title.

The background is a greyish colour, and from the looks of things was taken in a small room somewhere with the flash on. The main things which stand out on the cover is the words “Sign Here!” and the magazine’s title (Total Guitar). The title appears to be bold with strips of paint missing, again giving the connotation of aged, classical rock, fitting well with Van Halen's guitar.

The words “Sign Here!”, are buzz words, and is featured in a puff. Representing an opportunity, as if the magazine can benefit, therefore calling out to the audience.Furthermore, underneath the words “Sign Here!”, it says “You Need”, in the text below, implying that is essential to have what the magazine is offering to you.

The phrase “Learn to Play”, is a callout, offering the audience a chance to learn, this would appeal to guitarists. It has popular artists of the time of release in bold underneath to highlight what you can potentially learn.

The Contents PageThe contents page is a lot more basic than the cover. This continues the use of large pictures designed to make the cover story (Guitars) stand out. Furthermore the cover story image crosses over onto another image, representing importance over another article. Therefore highlighting the importance of guitars to this magazine.There are only 2 other pictures, 1 being of a person playing guitar in the “workout” section, someone holding a guitar, which says “Jimmy Eat World”, this suggests a possible interview. These pictures are located to the right of the contents page whilst the small print listing the magazine contents the bottom.

The colour scheme is fairly basic. Uses of red, black, . This is a continuation of the same colour cohesion of the cover. However the cover does uses blue/yellow callouts. This basic colour cohesion creates a simplistic, rockish look, commonly associated with guitars.

Single Page SpreadOn this single page spread, there is a continuation of the same colour cohesion as seen in the contents page and front cover, and like the front cover it uses the colour yellow to highlight callouts. The callout says, “On the Up”, this represents success, and shows iconography, as it is showing how people (the Ruen brothers) have been successful.

In the article featuring the Ruen brothers, it starts with the word “IF”, in bold and capitals, calling out to the reader. This signifies chance, and that the success of the Ruen brothers is repeatable for others.

On this single page spread it has the main story about “the Ruen brother”, with a background of black, and the side article with background of white, this signifies a different topic, or talking point. Moreover, the side articles are only features in black and white, with a red line separating them , where as the “Ruen Brother” article includes a greater colours cohesion with colours such as, red, yellow, black and white, representing that it is an article of greater importance and that is more interesting.

Photography styleRepresentationOn the single page spread one of the side article features a picture of a music artist looking out of a car window, with the reflection of trees in the window, show the artists as always on the move.

IconographyOn the front cover one of the side images, is some playing guitar. The image features a mic and spot light, giving the impression that the person is on stage. This could suggest fame, therefore a potential icon, as everyone one wants to be known.

SemioticsOn the single page spread, the “Ruen Brother” are where black, one of which a black leather jacket, with a white top. Here costume has been used to give an older feel, possibly 80s

FramingIn the image of the artist in the car the edge of the window is framing the artist he is the main focus of the image.

Background researchAudience/ DemographicThis magazine, appeals to those interested the genre of rock. Especially in guitar and those interested in learning how to play more songs.This is achieved by involving music notation for musicians to read and play new popular songs.Furthermore it gives prices of popular artists guitars and therefore giving guitarist an opportunity to buy them.

How it fulfils UGTThe magazine fulfils the uses and Gratification Theory by using conventions to fit the genre.For example it uses visual tips e.g. learn to play. It also offers insides on new guitar, and being able to buy guitar the same as icon rock figures e.g. Eddie van Halen

Institutions usedThe institution of Total guitar is aimed at selling certain products, advertising up-coming brands, and educating musicians on how to play the new and upcoming popular songs.

The Language StyleWhat’s it likeThis magazine uses various interviews of upcoming artists and reviews of tours, albums, and guitars. Its quite a chilled and laid back feel. This informality is what attracts the audience into reading the articles.

How does it relate/address to audienceBy giving the reviews of tour and albums, it gives various opinions, this also increase the marketing of other merchandise.Furthermore there is reviews of guitars, and pricings giving people a chance to buy. This is a always a large catch. This fits well with the genre, because guitars are the main instrument used, therefore main people that play guitar will be interested in the magazine.