NMEMUSIC MAGAZINE ANALYSIS

BACKGROUNDNME Editor Mike Williams

Frequency Weekly

Circulation 23,924

First issue 7 March 1952

Company IPC Media (Time Inc.)

Country United Kingdom

Language English

Website www.nme.com

NME is formally known as New Musical Express which was created by Theodore Lloyd-Jones. It is based in the UK and since March 1952, has been published weekly.

Likewise to many other music magazines, it started off as a newspaper and over the years of 1980, gradually changed.

It became the best-selling British music newspaper in the 70s and has portrayed a varied amount of music artists/bands from all different backgrounds and genres. An online version of NME magazine was

launched in 1996. In the present, it is the worlds biggest music site with over 7 million users per month.

FRONT COVERThe first thing that will catch the eye of possible customers is the masthead: NME. This is because it is in bold red capitals, with an outline of black and white. This masthead is always located in the top left hand corner so people will know what magazine they are looking at with ease, and follows conventions as its on the left third – the third that will always be showing on the shelf. In this particular case and like many other issues of NME, the artist is covering the masthead very slightly; this meaning that they are important and to make it feel as if they are actually leaving the front cover and welcoming us in directly.

The top of the page has a brief description of what a section of the magazine might entitle. It uses words such as ‘special’ to make it feel like it is just a one off and this particular issue is of value. It is also in black bold writing to make it stand out amongst the rest of the text.

The header is then followed by a list of other artists. These are a very varied group of people which shows although a rapper is on being portrayed, they represent other genres too which would work well for the magazine as it means they would be appealing to a bigger audience. They use the word ‘starring’ especially to make the readers feel they are buying a magazine to read out very important famous people, and not just average every day singers. Also they have stuck to the house style of red black and white, and incorporated it in to a pattern to interest. The image on the page is very ‘in your face’. It sums up the environment of the music as it has a background of graffiti which often represents rap/hip-hop, likewise to the clothes being worn – including trainers, chain, tank top. The actions he is doing shows that he is light hearted and wants to make people feel welcome to read the magazine.

The biggest text on the page is the name of the artist, which is similar to all the other issues. Although its white I feel it contrasts well with the background and looks almost 3D cause of the shadowing. It also isn’t straight and shows that the rapper himself, and the music he produces do not always follow the conventions.In this particular issue they have used a grab line from the artist, to show the audience what he/her are all about. It uses words such as ‘man’ so show it is informal and fun – which would relate to the people wanting to buy this magazine.

CONTENTS PAGEThe whole left side of this page is dedicated to telling you what artists the magazine is going to show and what pages they will appear on. It is very simple but effective if the audience have picked the magazine for one particular band.

The banner on the page is the same throughout literally every issue. It has the masthead of the company: NME and the rest of the text in bold writing. Not only this but it also sticks to the house style and colour theme of what was shown on the front cover.

The date is on the contents page, however this may vary on different magazines. It is clear and easy to locate.

The photos on the contents represent what the magazine is all about and what music it is mainly trying to portray. These photographs may not be showing the featuring artist, but others that will also be shown throughout. This certain contents page has instruments and live acts which shows the genre correctly.

Promotion on the magazine to sell itself and make people subscribe so it becomes a monthly occurrence. This is convenient and a good way to save money on advertising.

A mini article to show what the photos above are about. This is unusual on a contents page and would only be effective for certain purposes. However it uses a bold attracting title so people are more obliged to read it and be interested.

The index is clear across the right hand side. It is sectioned in to different categories and that is made to stand out by black backgrounds on white bold capital text.

The pages are all labelled in bold, then have an extra description underneath to ensure the readers they know what pages they want to read. It continues to stick the house style further as it uses all the colours, red, black and white.

‘Extra’ pages to make the audience feel they are getting more for their money.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREADThe first thing that captures your attention on this page is the image. There is only one but I think it works best like this because it is in your face and shows you directly what the artist enjoys being like. The background shows it is linked to the front cover because it follows the same background and similar clothing.

Empty alcohol bottles suggest a ‘rock n roll’ life style, and shows the artist has edge. There is a stereo also which is necessary as it is a music magazine. The two relating together could relate to the audience liking to go out, live their life and party.

The jacket he is wearing is very fitting as not only does it match the colour scheme, but makes the photo stand out even more. Red is seen as danger and this could excite the readers.

The page number is on the left bottom hand size, It is promoting itself by writing NME/page number/date –this is a necessity so it is easy to locate and people know what they are reading.

The paragraph talks about gossip, upcoming gigs, previous music events. This is generally what most music magazines are about and covers all the main facts about the artists.

Subheading to give the readers a little more information on article and what it is about.

The heading relates to the artist and wouldn't make sense if it wasn't written along side Dizzie Rascal. It is out of line which also shows he doesn't always stick to conventions.

HOUSE STYLE/ ETHOSThe masthead on all NME is in the same location – always top left hand corner usually taking up the first half. It follows the same fonts and colours every issue and this makes the magazine recognisable to public.

The text varies throughout and will change depending on the artist/genre trying to be portrayed. However it is always clear and stands out amongst images.

The colour scheme generally stays the same - Red, black and white. This is good because they stand out and will work with whatever genre the magazine wants to portray. Its bright and attractive.

Every issue has one featured artist or band which will be shown further in the magazine. It then has other information and bands surrounding it.