FRONT COVER ANALYSIS
NME
The magazine, NME (first published in 1952[1]), is considered to relate to rock music, while also incorporating the indie and alternative [1] genre. Their target audience is young people between the ages of 17 and 30 who enjoy these genres.
The masthead means New Musical Express [1]. The masthead used is recognizable due to the acronym being individual and unique, this allows the magazine to be identifiable to its readers as the short and catchy masthead is dissimilar to other magazines', which are typically long and full words. The masthead is located on the left, upper side of the page, this is because it is convenient due to the image filling the centre of the top of the page, allowing it to be seen. Despite it being partially covered, even unfamiliar subjects, due to the acronyms full title being written below, understand the masthead. In addition, even if the viewer does not know the recognizable masthead, the full title's presence allows new buyers to understand the magazine's name.
The masthead typography is bold and square. This is mostly to produce a clear, understandable piece of text. This is, firstly, to present a magazine which will be understandable at first glance (and therefore possibly increasing the likelihood of sales, presenting an dea of easy reading), and secondly, to provide a contrast to the actual text of the masthead which can be described as difficult to understand due to it's abbreviation, so as to not put off the reader by presentingthe idea of complexity. The masthead is presented as the most important and noticeable piece of text due to the fact that it is the largest font on the page. This is because it
isessential that the name of themagazine is the most detectable when searching for the magazine and also when recognising what the magazine is (which may lead to re-purchase). Lastly, the masthead is coloured in Red, which suggests prominence and emphasises its importance; this supports the previous point and compliments the page theme, which will be later referred to when discussing page colouring.
The strap line describing a piece of content in the magazine highlights one of the key features in the magazine. It includes an icon so as to draw attention from possible fans and therefore increase the possibility of purchase. The use of the word 'exclusive' attracts the target audience as it implies that an exposé of new information will be found in the article, which is intriguing. In addition, the icon is described as a 'hip-hop megastar' so as to create an illusion of immense popularity and exaggerates the star's successfulness to catch attention and encourage people who may not know the artist to read the article. Lastly, the use of the hip-hop icon in a magazine primarily associated with rock music allows the target audience to become wider, appealing to a larger group of people and promoting more sales.
The strap line typography is the same font as the masthead, again, creating an image of effortless entertainment and also to allow the reader to see and understand the text due to its slightly smaller size. The colouring of the strap line is split into two, this is to highlight the key parts of the text. The black writing shows that there is a never before seen interview on a well-known artist. The colouring differs from most other text on the page, which highlights the statement. However, the dark colour in addition to the relation between the other areas of text which are coloured black (minor parts of the cover), it is suggested that this part of the strap line is less important than the following. The second half of the strap line is red suggesting more relevance and attracting the reader's eye more. In addition, the highlighting of the hip-hop reference allows fans of the genre to notice the text more easily. It can, however, be argued that a main colouring on the page is red, suggesting that this part of the strap line is not being highlighted but simply following the colour scheme. While this may be true the major and most relevant points are coloured in red on the cover therefore this suggests that the text was supposed to be a key attention point. This will be further explained when describing the colour scheme.
The cover lines mention many names of successful artists who are popular with young people. This applies to their target audience while also relating to people who enjoy other genres. They do this by mentioning artists who work in a range of genres, such as 'Skrillex' who works with many artists of other music styles. In addition, they include statements such as 'meet the man behind the monster' while not actually mentioning a name, this implies that there is an interesting article, however leaves the reader to feel the need to buy or look in the magazine due to their anticipation.
The cover line typography includes key points in red to draw the eye of the reader. In addition, this style reflects the features of the page's colour scheme that will be related to later in the analysis. The key points are also enlarged which has the same effect of attracting the reader. However, the less important text, which explains the red statements, is in black. This presents the text as less prominent yet still important, as the colouring is still quite bold. In all, the cover lines have a smaller font size than most articles on the page, which allows them not to distract from the main article. The main article uses similar techniques as the less important cover lines in using anticipation and artists' names to provoke purchases. However, uses the colour blue (which is different from the other colours on the page) to draw attention to the key part of the page.The cover lines mention many names of successful artists who are popular with young people. This applies to their target audience while also relating to people who enjoy other genres. They do this by mentioning artists who work in a range of genres, such as 'Skrillex' who works with many artists of other music styles. In addition, the
include statements such as 'meetthe man behind the monster' while not actually mentioning a name, this implies that there is an interesting article, however leaves the reader to feel the need to buy or look in the magazine due to their anticipation.The cover line typography includes key points in red to draw the eye of the reader. In addition, this style reflects the features of the page's colour scheme that will be related to later in the analysis. The key points are also enlarged which has the same effect of attracting the reader. However, the less important text, which explains the red statements, is in black. This presents the text as less prominent yet still important, as the colouring is still quite bold. In all, the cover lines have a smaller font size than most articles on the page, which allows them not to distract from the main article. The main article uses similar techniques as the less important cover lines in using anticipation and artists' names to provoke purchases. However, uses the colour blue (which is different from the other colours on the page) to draw attention to the key part of the page.
The page colour scheme includes large amounts of red. Red is presented as the most important colour on the page as the masthead is in this colour as well as the main article, this is done to link all the different key factors together on the page and collectively make them all stand out. The red on the photograph relates to the photograph to the theme of the magazine. This is done to create a consistent colour scheme for the front cover and also to highlight the fact that the photograph is also an important feature of the page. Without this the text may draw attention away from the icon in the photograph. In addition, blue is used to highlight key parts of one specific cover line. This is done to apply prominence like previously stated. The colours blue, red and white are used as they can be seen as male or female colours. The colour blue is typically used in reference to boys, however, the shade of blue is pale and more like turquoise, relating to females also. Red can be linked to masculinity due to its connotations of anger, strength and hunger (eating is more relative to men than women due to the female links to dieting), however, the warmth of the colour relates to femininity due to its implication of nurture. These colours therefore imply that the magazine is meant to target men and women, who may also increase sales due to a wider target audience. The colour white links to innocence, relating to the purity and goodness of music, while also presenting positivity and youth; this links to their target audience.
The iconography used shows the Arctic Monkeys, a popular band who were known by young people very well. In 2012[2], the time that this issue of the magazine was published, the Arctic Monkeys performed at Coachella and also in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. This exhibits the immense popularity of the group at the time and therefore demonstrates why the creators of the magazine wished to use this group on the cover. The icon in the photograph is holding a record, which directly relates the main article, 'The Record That Changed My Life'. This suggests that the icon is passionate about music, which to readers who are not familiar with the artist is positive, as they would wish to read about this when buying a music magazine. In addition, it exhibits to possible buyers who do not regularly purchase the magazine that it is in fact a music magazine.
The photograph type is a medium shot of a singular band member. The photograph was taken in this way because it allows more intricate details of the artist to be recognised, which can suggest character. For example, the pose that the icon is in suggests that he is good looking due to the image exhibiting positives of his physical attributes. This encourages purchase of the magazine as the objectification of celebrities can lead to interest about the artist. Secondly, his band members do not accompany the artist, as he is the lead singer and theoretically the most well known member. This is due to extended screen time in music videos and many other factors. Having the band member which is the most well known on the cover also encourages purchase as possible readers will recognise the artist and then be intrigued as the what the article on this person says.
A highlighted part of the front cover shows a guide to music concerts, which is described as 'ultimate'. They use this word as it presents this feature as the best and most extreme concert guide, which attracts possible readers and encourages more sales. In addition, it climes to include information about 'every release' and 'all the free gigs', claiming that the guide contains 'everything you [the reader] need to know'. This is most likely untrue however the exaggeration urges readers that the guide will be useful and makes the magazine more purchasable. In addition, the typography of the highlighted area includes text of a similar size to the cover lines to emphasise that this piece of text is important and should be noticed. In addition, the large red box makes the text more prominent and therefore allows it to be more eye-catching. In addition the key points in this piece of text are highlighted in black as it stands out largely against the red background making it highly prominent.
ROCK SOUND
The magazine is named 'Rock Sound', referencing it's relating music genre - rock. The magazine aims to be less commercial while also including coverage of well-known icons. This may be appealing to the target audience as many rock fans refrain from associating with conformist ideals. The magazine focuses on pop punk, post-hard-core, metal core, punk, ego, hard-core, heavy metal and extreme metal genres of rock music, with little to no coverage of indie rock, enforcing the idea of rebelling from conformity and using more unusual subgenres. This also encourages sales because the lack of recognition of music magazines relating to the unusual will allow the competition for sales amongst the target audience to be decreased. The tag-line, "For those who like their music loud, extreme and non-conformist", sometimes being used also illustrates this point.
The masthead, as previously stated, clearly presents the magazine's genre which allows readers searching for a rock magazine to clearly identify this magazine while also making it presentable. Furthering this, it is also apparent that the magazine is devoted to music making it easy to find and therefore creating the possibility of a higher number of sales. The idea of clarity also presents that the magazine will be easy to read and this ease may make the magazine seem more appealing.
The masthead typography presents the name of the magazine as the biggest item of text on page and therefore the most important. This allows readers to clearly recognise which magazine this issue is and also allows the masthead to stand out and be more eye-catching for those searching for a music magazine, increasing the rate of purchase. In addition to this, the masthead is coloured white which allows it to be clear against the black background supporting the previous point. The factors stated previously also support the idea of presentation of ease of reading which was stated. The use of red is also used in the masthead which, firstly, correlates with the page colour scheme so as to not appear disjointed but also presents an idea of importance and immediacy, urging the reader to buy the magazine. The graphics of a red circle with a white circle in it presents the alternative style, with the addition being unusual compared to other magazines' mastheads. This supports the idea of non-conformity. The website is included which is an easy way of incorporating promotion into the front page but also supports the idea of easy use due to its convenience when searching for the website. Square clear capitals are used in bold which also supports this idea. In addition, the square sharp edges may refer to the edgy style of the genres and appealing to the target audience, with the recognition of flaws such as the cut-outs in the text rebelling from societal perception of beauty.
The strapline includes the names of artists in order to appeal to their fans and therefore possibly promote sales and also to present the subgenres which the magazine references appealing to fans of them, both of which encourage sale.
The strapline typography presents the text in red and white which is, firstly, done to structure the layout of the strapline, with the different colours differentiating the different bands, and secondly, presents the idea of importance due to the will to have the texts individually recognised. These factors draw attention, therefore allowing the techniques included in the previous paragraph to be recognised. It may also be argued that the importance is also highlighted by the text following the page's colour scheme of red and white suggesting significance however this will be discussed later. The text font also linked to following the page's format so as not to present the idea that the text is the main part of the magazine and so as not to make the page look disjointed. Lastly, the text is small on the page so as not to distract from main article which is more important.
The cover lines use the same technique as the strapline, using artists' names to appeal to their audience which was already analysed. They also include quotes such as 'get personal', implying intimate details about the icon. This is done with intent to increase the rate of purchase as people are inquisitive of others' lives. Other quotations from the cover lines are 'cross-dressing' which is perceived as an interesting topic and highlights the idea of abnormality and non-conformity which is appealing to the target audience, and 'united by fate' which is an intentionally vague statement leaving the reader to be anticipant of what the circumstance was that was described as fate, encouraging them to buy the magazine and read the article. These quotations also support the idea of interest in others' lives increasing rate of purchase.
The cover lines for the main article refer to the Black Veil Brides in order to promote the magazine's popularity however that will be referred to in the section which discusses iconography. The quote ' we represent the ultimate outcasts' relates to the target audience who typically see themselves as outcasts due to their unusual interests and views. In addition, the target audience find the magazine more appealing because typically there are not many aspects of media which relate to them. This increases the possibility of the viewer purchasing the magazine.
The cover line typography in the first section presents the more important text as medium/large and red. This colour implies immediacy and attracts attention, however the size of the text suggests that although the text is important and should be noticed, it is not the key part of the page and should not distract from the main article. Secondly, the smaller white text is presented as less immediate, however still clear against the dark background.
The cover line typography in the second section presents the text as medium/small implying that it is less important and ensuring that it does not distract from key features of the page, such as the main article cover line or the photograph. In addition, the white and red text mimics the techniques used in the strapline, following the colour scheme, creating clarity and to individually highlight to show importance.
The cover line typography for the main article includes the colour blue; this colour does not follow the page's colour scheme, highlighting the text as it is highly important and the part of the page which should be the most recognisable. In addition, the unusual & alternative colour choice compared to the page's theme may reflect the band's style and the theme of their fans that are part of the target audience. The difference in font also has these effects. The large font highlights the text showing that it is the most important article and should be recognised. The white text is clear on the black background and because the text is highlighted in this way it is clearly important.
The page colour scheme uses the colour black to relate to rock music, this is because stereotypically rock musicians wear dark clothing, use monotone background colours and also use props such as amplifiers which are usually dark colours. This clearly presents the idea of rock music to the viewer of the cover and therefore encourages them to purchase the magazine. The colour red can be associated with fire, therefore reflecting an explosive, exiting and energetic theme to the magazine which relates to the music associated and therefore appeals to the target audience who are fans of the genre. In addition, the explosive nature could relate to men stereotypically, while also being an emotionally intense colour which is very warm, presenting nurture and stereotypically relating to women; this therefore applies to both genders. The colour white may have been used to present the purity of the music, as if it is good and has not been tainted but also clearly shows up against the colour black. This enhances the idea previously referred to which presents ease of reading and also attracts the target audience. The yellow used on the page, while standing out on a black background and contrasting with the colour red making them both stand out, the colour resembles the gold used on a key, creating the idea that the yellow text presents key features.
The iconography used presents the Black Veil Brides because the band is popular within the subculture of target audience. This encourages the target audience to buy the magazine as they are interested in the band. Andy Biersack who is used on the cover is also considered to be attractive amongst the fans of the subculture, therefore encouraging purchase due to the viewer’s taking interest in the icon's life and also the fan base being large. This singular member of band is the lead singer and therefore likely the most well-known or 'face of band'. The expression of the icon is a screaming pose; this relates to 'screamo' which is the subgenre of rock that the Black Veil Brides produce. In addition, it also reflects genre of the music magazine, making it clear to the viewer what genre the magazine is associated with. Secondly, the icon is slightly smiling reflecting excitement presenting the exiting music referenced in the magazine and the magazine's thrilling factor which encourages sales as the target audience see the magazine s more appealing. The fact that Biersack is wearing makeup exhibits the style of the magazine and genre, encouraging purchase of the target audience who find this style interesting and appealing. In addition, it suggests that the music is edgy and alternative while not conforming to social acceptability as a man wearing makeup is unusual; this would encourage the target audience to read the magazine as they are with these ideals.
The photograph type is a medium close-up, allowing the viewer to see the icon's facial expression clearer which highlights the points made about it above, with the features of his face emphases to portray the emotion which convey to the viewer the style of music and therefore the target audience's subculture.
KERRANG!
The magazine, Kerrang!, is a music magazine devoted to rock music. The target audience are heavy rock fans with a median age 22.
The masthead comes from the onomatopoeic word that comes from the sound that is made when playing a power chord on a distorted electric guitar. This explains that the magazine is devoted to rock music, making it clear to possible buyers in target audience that this magazine is meant for them. It also makes it clear to people searching for a music magazine that this magazine is devoted to music.
The masthead typography presents the text as the biggest on page and therefore most important. The black colouring presents the masthead as clear against the white background, presenting the idea of an easy read and therefore making the magazine appealing. In addition, the use of yellow relates to the page's colour scheme while drawing attention to the masthead; the use of colouring will be discussed later. The font's square, damaged looking capitals, which are bold, are clear in order for the reader to recognise what the text says and allows the name to be read easily - relating to easy reading. In addition, the square sharp edges may refer to the edginess of the genre and therefore relating to the reader and encouraging purchase. In addition the cut appearance also relates to genre as looks unkempt, messy which reflects the genre's style while also mimicking the onomatopoeic relation to music by appearing as though strings are across the text in lines. This reflects the genre to possible buyers also.
The strapline uses artists' names to appeal to their fans and therefore encourage them to purchase the magazine. The phrase 'rock's biggest bullshitters exposed' appeals to curiosity of human nature which urges viewers to buy the magazine in order to find out who was being spoken badly of.
The strapline typography presents white text, emphasising the importance as it stands out against its black background. In addition the black background is used against the text in order to make the text clear, signifying its importance while partitioning the section in order to not distract from the key feature which is in the larger section; this will be discussed further later. The text is small on the page which is also not to distract from main article. The same text is used to follow theme of page. A yellow star is included, partitioning the pieces of text so as to present clarity and highlight the text individually; this presents the idea of importance. The use of colour draws attention, implying that the stars (popular celebrities) are in the article which the strapline refers to. This urges people to buy the magazine as it presents the idea of the most popular and culturally relevant people being referred to.
The cover lines use the phrase 'reader's poll', suggesting the audience's involvement. It applies to the curiosity of one's peers, making the possible buyers want to buy the magazine. In addition it may urge the readers to want to get involved and therefore do the same. The phrase 'who rocked your world in 2008' is also used, bringing back memories by the reader, urging them to buy the magazine in order to further the reminiscing. In addition, the audience is intrigued as to what the answer is, which also encourages purchase. The use of images hint to the answer; this implies that the reader is getting a preview and makes them feel as though they are being treated, this makes them feel positively to the magazine. Opposing, the reader is tempted to buy the magazine by the preview as it intrigues the reader even more buy only telling them a small portion of the answer. Both of these factors encourage the reader to buy the magazine. In addition, the fans of these bands will be intrigued as to if the band is considered one of the best bands in 2008 or not, urging them to buy the magazine. The cover line describes there to be '5 Free Posters',
which implies thatportions of the magazine are not charged for, even though this is most likely not entirely true, this encourages purchase. The main article references Fall Out Boy, the band, appealing to their fans however this will be further related to when discussing iconography. The term 'fame, freak- outs and fatherhood' attracts the target audience and urges purchase for many reasons. Firstly, fame relates to the popularity of the band and how it copes with the intense following. Young people are therefore attracted to the magazine as it is interesting to know what it would feel like to be famous. This is caused by the natural desire to be well known so a first-hand account is the closest they can get. 'Freak-outs' relates to the anger, breakdowns, struggles and aggravation experienced by the band. This relates to natural instincts to see others in a negative way and to make they feel superior. 'Fatherhood' relates to the families of the band, encouraging the readers who are curious as to how being a father and being in band works to buy the magazine. In addition, female fans enjoy seeing fatherly side of members as it is unusual for rock band members.
The cover line typography uses a gold banner, highlighting the importance of the text. In addition, the small text is used not to distract from the main article. A red circle is used in order to relate to fame as it is symbolic of a red carpet, seeming appealing to a reader. Black text is used as it shows up clearly on a yellow background, highlighting its importance. White text is used for the same reason, as it shows up well on its red background and also makes it seem important. The bordering sections off the cover lines from the main articles cover line so as to present their importance and states that they are key parts of the magazine.
The main cover line uses white which shows up well on the black in photograph. This allows the text to be highlighted, further suggesting its importance. In addition to this, the text is the largest on the page, this suggests that this article is the key selling point and therefore the most important part of the front cover. The colour yellow relates to fame which attracts the reader, however this will be explained in greater detail later. The black background highlights the text and allows the section to follow the page's colour scheme. The smaller text although still presented as important, is lesser in size so as to not distract form band's name which as previously explained increases the selling rate.
The page colour scheme uses the colour black which stereotypically relates to rock music for reasons that are previously explained. In addition, the magazine uses the same techniques as the rock sound front cover to relate to target audience and people who like rock music. The white is used as it shows up clearly against the black and also gives an impression of purity and good to represent the music and magazine. The yellow used stands up on the black, while attracting attention due to its bright and vivid colouring, while contrasting with red to make the colours stand out. In addition, the colour suggests a key feature due to it relating to the colour of a golden key. Lastly the colour suggests fame due to the idea of yellow stars being used, relating to celebrities which can be referred to as 'stars'. This attracts the reader as they will be interested by current and relevant icons that are popular amongst the culture.
The iconography used presents 'Fall Out Boy' because the band is popular in the subculture of target audience. The whole band is shown in the photograph as it presents a more recognisable image, with the band being seen as a collective producer; this encourages sales as many will recognise the band and therefore become interested. The expressions of the members include a serious tone, which suggests that the band are serious about their work and therefore are more professional. In addition the use of smiling suggests excitement and happiness which creates a positive image of the band and the magazine. The band is wearing eyeliner to exhibit the style of the culture which they appeal to. The makeup encourages people who are in the culture and who like the style to purchase the magazine as they feel that it relates to them. In addition, the use of a man wearing makeup may present the idea of non-conformity which applies to the target audience.
The photograph type which is used is a medium close-up, allowing the viewer to see the band's facial expressions clearer, portraying emotion and exhibiting the style which is presented using clothing and makeup. This presents that the magazine is relative to music which applies to this culture and therefore encourages the target audience to be drawn to the magazine.
