First & Second Textual Analysis - Billboard Magazine & CosmoGirl

Front Cover (Billboard)

Although Billoboard is a weekly American magazine, I still feel as if it is just the same as your usual ‘Q’ magazines, if not better. It’s often considered to be a purely pop music magazine, featuring the usual exclusive interviews with artists, music charts and un-forgetable stories.

Language

Instantly from the cover do I feel indulged into the magazine due to the radiances of the red and yellow tones. Although there is a lot of dark and black colours, the warm red and yellow tones over shine creating a fireside feel. This initial feel sends of a gentle and relaxing vibe which is invigorating to the mind, clearing it almost. This is exactly the first impressions you wish to receive from a front cover as if you intend to read it for the next hour or so, you need to feel as relaxed as possible.

One of Billboard’s most recent editions is by far one of it’s best. On the front cover features both American Idol finalists Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. The head-banner which is featured in the far background often changes in the course of edition numbers. For example, if the artists on the front cover featured a blue shirt, then blue tones would be added into the circular spaces in the Billboard text. It’s clear how this has been done in November’s edition as of course the red shirt has then caused a red coloured fill in some of the circular spaces in the text. In some sense it almost acts as an anchorage, linking the two separate sections of the magazine together, causing it to feel not as fragmented and more incorporated.

Splashed across the front of the cover is of course the image of the two artists. By using digital manipulation software, the two artists have been cut and removed from their original background and then implemented onto this tined grey and white background. You can clearly see how the image of the artists was never took of the two together. This is a common thing which is done within any magazine that is released. The two of the artists have been taken in a medium close up with them both looking directly towards the camera. This ensures that the magazine viewer feels more intimate and more engaged with the magazine cover, almost creating a connection. Their clothes have very specific colours which feel quite symbolic and have a lot of connotations. The scarlet red has very devilish connotations and the same with the jet black clothing on the other artist. This is reflecting the heated up emotions between the two as of course they're both competing for just one life changing opportunity.

It’s specifically noticeable with this magazine, that the conventions of a music magazine aren’t to have a music artist with a guitar or a musical instrument in their arm. It’s to caress the artists as we know them in different lights so we feel more of an urge to purchase the magazine. This is a really big point that I would like to highlight because, as I feel obliged to create a music magazine that fits into the market with all the other magazines, then why wouldn’t I follow the conventions?

At the bottom end of the front cover is of course the main headline. As it relates to the two artists, it almost hovers over the them, shadowing them. Being kept really simple, the font of the main headline feels fresh and revitalising. Sections of the background are much lighter then the rest which gives it different tones and depth. However, because the ‘A’, ‘N’ and ‘S’ of the headline haven’t managed to fit onto the dark shades of the artists, the background has almost corrupted them, making them not as visible. This is one of my only negative opinions of the cover as I feel that this could have been avoided and changed so easily.

Above the main headlines, the cover lines are in the exact same problem as sections of the headline. The background really has been a little too light for the font of the selling lines and has caused it too become not as visual. I can see that the creator of the cover has attempted to correct this problem with a drop and inner shadow but the problem still remains. I deeply understand that there isn’t a large drop shadow on the fonts as this would cause the text to feel too separated from the magazine, making it look tacky.

I feel as if the black cover lines above the white cover lines do the magazine much more justice. They feel more uplifted and more bold on the front cover, causing them to stand out more just like the masthead. If anything, the text which informs who is in the magazine should be in the jet black font to bring more attention to them. I feel as if the audience is going to be more attracted to the magazine seeing that ‘Jay Z’ is featured as to ‘iPhone lifting music sales.’

The yellow text at the bottom of the page, is a pre-sample of the story to come which has elaborated more off of the headline. This provides a deeper inside into the magazine for the reader so that they feel more of an urge to purchase the magazine. Below the headline, the textual information often feels quite gossip and persuasive so that the audience feel more curious about reading the rest of the story.

Following the usual conventions, the barcode is located towards the bottom, left-hand side of the page along with issue date, website and price. I can’t visually see any other place on the front cover where it would fit in without bleeding too much into the whole visual appearance of the artists or information.

Insitution

Billboard magazine is now published by Billboard publications which clearly shows how successful the magazine has become. This really is such a big success for the magazine; it’s so largely distributed and produces hundreds of thousands of copies each week that it can afford to then create it’s own publication company. The independency of the whole publication gives off a really good vibe to the readers.

On top of everything, the publication get full rights to their magazine and full rights to all of their profits. I would love to create an establishment exactly like this as to joining the current one. I’ve never come across this in magazines and it really puts ‘Kerrang’ and ‘Q’ up to great shame.

Ideology

All of the images and stories that are produced, never feature dishonesty or un-kindness. They represent pop artists in all that they are in truthful light giving the readers a sense of dignity. The cover which I’m analysing at the moment gives off a very professional tone and attitude, making the whole magazine appear so much more mature to the rest which are currently on the market. Although it’s a pop music magazine, it’s quite different to what I’ve ever seen before and in a complete and utter good way!

Audience

Compared to usual pop music magazines, Billboard is more or less read by a variety of teens to adults between the ages 16-22 that are 'well' developed and have some intelligence. This now explains why the whole layout and approach of design is much more sophisticated in terms of textual language and visualisation. The magazine costs a mere £3.35 on a weekly basis; a price which isn’t too high for the reader, but then isn’t to low for the magazine company.

As the choice of music and style doesn’t focus on Britney Spears’s wardrobe malfunction, the magazine instantly opens up to a wider audience; more preferably males. As it isn’t your most expensive magazine, then I feel it is opened up for all Socio-economic groups having been in the middle.

Represenation

Stories that are featured on the cover aren’t at all scandalous giving off a really positive impression. The magazine only appear to be saying what is really there and going on in society, as too expanding what maybe or isn’t even there which often causes trouble and sadness. The image isn’t at all sexual which even furthers the respect for the magazine, especially on this issue. Both artists are commonly known for sexual presentation however on the Billboard magazine they’ve cooled it down; keeping it still a little sassy however not extremely provocative.

Contents Page

Language

After being really impressed with the front cover; sadly that sort of feeling has discontinued after seeing the contents page. It’s just everything you don’t look for in a contents page; too much writing and too much going on. In the top left hand corner is the Billboard logo which acts as an anchor to bring the to sections of the magazine together as one. However as it’s too small, it quite goes un-noticed; some people might miss it all together if they don’t look closely enough.

On the front page, the two main colours which have been used where yellow and red; both of which feature on the two artists shirts and within the Billboard head mast. However these colours haven’t stayed constant and continued within a ‘house theme’ onto the contents page as there is no red in sight to see. Instead it’s completely the opposite with a light, ocean blue colour, circulating the different elements of the page; acting as a border. I feel that this has separated the magazine into two sections, refraining from the two ever being part of the same magazine.

Stories of importance in the magazine have been expressed by images, text and numbers. Main stories that where featured on the front cover have been expressed with high importance by their images on the front cover. For example, Leona Lewis who was highlighted on the cover, has been allocated an image and page number at the top of the page under the contents text. Where as a story that wasn’t featured on the front cover goes un-noticed at the side with a load of annoying page numbers.

I’m shocked not see a larger section of the page allocated to the two artists which where basically the main story on the cover. The only thing that I can see at a glance is an image of one of the artists, quite small at the bottom and then some textual information in the text box only slightly above. For some strange reason, both music singles and album charts have been put on the contents page. As I know this wasn’t done by accident, I can only guess that they’ve been put there so it’s the first thing you see.

One of the good things about the contents page is how the font on the cover has stayed constant. Both are very similar to an ‘Arial’ style which is sleek, sexy and simplistic. By keeping this like this similar, the magazine doesn’t feel as hectic or as complicated.

Rather then having a tinted black and white background behind all the information like the front cover did, all you get is a complete white wash background which feels desolate and empty. Perhaps continuing the same style of background from the front cover onto the contents page would of brought the two together; making them feel more incorporated.

Insitution -

Ideology - 

Audience

From the entire layout and style of the contents page, you can certainly see that this type of pop magazine isn’t aimed or targeted towards teenage youths or children. As there is too much textual information going on, you see straight away that it’s more focused towards a more intellectual audience. Besides, the main stories and headlines on the page aren’t what a 13 year old girl is looking for.

Represenation (written on front cover)

Double Page Spread

Language

Initial thoughts about the double page spread where completely different to what they where with the contents page; as I’m sure anybody else’s would be too. The visual appearance of the spread doesn’t lack in anything and truly is beautifully appealing. The background is tinted black and white, just like the front cover however this time a little darker. Although the background is quite empty in the sense that there isn’t anything their besides the artist, it automatically feels full and cosy from the illusion that the colour black brings. If the magazine editor was to create the double page spread with a white background, then the whole article would feel empty; lacking a lot of things.

As the black and white tinted background is very familiar to the front cover’s background, I feel a connection between the two, bringing both aspects of the magazine together more. It’s the same circumstances with the red shoes, border and lettering style. As the cover also features many red elements, you can see how co-ordination has started to form between the two. All of this which I have just highlighted is only because a house style has been formed within the magazine. I feel like the house style is such a compulsory thing to include as it brings all the articles together within one magazine; making it feel like you’re reading just one magazine with several articles; not several magazines with one article each.

In the bottom left hand corner, the introduction paragraph is everything you would expect on a flawless double page spread. It features everything that needs to be included such as sarcasm, comparisons and extensive metaphors. I absolutely love the textual information as it really does reflect the sophistication of the magazine and how elegant it is. Although the title of the page isn’t created using any font that has been previously used in the magazine, it still feels part of the article due to the colour co-ordination. Both colours which feature on the text feature also on the front cover of the magazine. Intertextuality features within the short introduction, providing a pun on the artists new song. Whilst introducing Adam Lambert, he brought into conversation his latest song; catching a pun on a few of the lyrics
Insitution- 

Ideology- 

Audience

The entire layout of the double page spread is everything that one should be for the age range of 16 to 22. It oozes professionalism and is by far one of the most appealing magazines I have come across. The textual information isn’t too childish or too sophisticated for the magazines whilst the images aren’t to childish or restricted. Myself and many others feel entirely relaxed and are able to indulge into the article all thanks to the layout and style it has been presented. The text isn’t too small so that it’s unreadable or to large so it feels mock-able almost. It has the right balance of everything purposely for it’s audience and doesn’t at all cause offence. If anything it leads the reader longing to turn over the page to see what other eye amazing photos and stunning language there is.
Represenation- 

Front Cover & Contents Page (CosmoGirl)

Cosmo Girl is an extremely successful spin off of the world famously “Cosmopolitan” which was focused towards an older generation of female women. It’s an American magazine based in the heart of New York City, founded by Susan Schlulz and is produced worldwide, 10 times a year and selling at least 8 million copies a batch.

Although it isn't specifically a magazine that focuses towards pop music, it does feature the music genre quite often in it's editions. I decided to analyse the magazine as I wanted to dig deeper into something a little different that produces something more then just music. I find myself that I’m having to buy 3 to 4 different branded magazines a week to get all of the information and gossip that I require. However magazines such as Cosmo Girl could be the future as they specialise in a lot of areas. So instead of buying and spending too much money on 4 different magazines, you could soon be purchasing just one that contains everything. Top Of The Pops Magazine is exactly the same that has a similar sort of layout and nature.

Language

Being kept extremely simple, the font on the cover barely varies in colour, shape or size. Main stories and important features are demonstrated by a little larger then the rest, white font, all a little more catchier then the orange and yellow text. The text is sexy and sleek with a small drop shadow behind it to make it slightly jump of the page. It’s a very mere drop shadow, only slightly noticeable, so that that writing doesn’t become to separated from the cover.

Instantly from the cover I feel as if I am indulging in a magazine by the fireside. The radiance and warmth of the gentle scarlet background and light orange text soothes and eases the readers mind. I feel that these certain colours really do have connotations of a warm fire side. They send off such a simmering vibe making the reader feel relaxed, clearing their mind and making it easier and more pleasurable for them to read. They are contrasted with the gentle, radiant tan of the model “Blake Lively”  giving the cover an overall flush feel. In other words there isn’t any dark, cold shades such as blue or green which would cause a somewhat clash on the front cover.

Taking centre stage, the model almost covers the entire face of the mag’ with a very intimate close-up leaving not much room for spaces. This instantly makes the cover feel complete as there isn’t any space left for other elements. It’s on the verge of being too jam packed which would make it appear quite unprofessional and tacky, however to me it is almost perfect. Leaving big spaces would make it appear completely empty and desolate, inferring that the inside of the magazine is empty with barely any storylines. But by having the text quite intimate and compact, I get the feeling that there is a variation and great deal of gossip.

A lot of magazine covers often have small images that almost act as bullet points. This really does over complicate the cover and makes it very fragmented. However on the face of “Cosmo Girl”, there are very few bullet points and the ones that are included are extremely simple. The arrows and plus sign could actually pass for Microsoft Office’s basic shapes, however the mere drop shadow gives them that professional and sleek appearance.

Across the top of the magazine cover is a deep black banner which reflects an important issue about jeans in an embedded orange and white font. This small aspect of the cover gives one issue main priority making it almost the most important publication in the mag’. The black could appear quite isolated and not even part of the magazine if there wasn’t any other black elements. But because the model’s top is a dark black/blue colour then the header feels much more associated with the cover.

The most important key element on the face of the magazine, which is actually one of my favourite aspects is the magazine name. I’ve never seen a name that has a contrast of two different fonts and colours. In a bold white, the “Cosmo” is very eye catching and sharp whilst the “girl!” is in a shimmering yellow in a curvy and gossip-like font. If they weren’t overlapping then the name would be quite fragmented and not become that signature logo that it is. In different editions of the mag, “girl!” constantly varies in colour so that it co-ordinates with the other colours of each theme. Above all each aspect of the cover is different but then also very similar so that it all feels very incorporated with the cover.

There seems to be a somewhat “house” theme through-out the “Comsogirl” magazine. All of the warm and subtle tones stay constant on every page which I feel brings the magazine together as a whole. It’s the same with each addition to be fair of the magazine; if the cover has a metallic theme then the metallic colours stay constant, and so on. It’s the exact same scenario also with the font and text all having a very similar look. Looking at some magazines, each different page has a completely different layout and it makes it feel to fragmented. Just rather browsing one magazine, it almost feels like your browsing several different.

As time moves on, so does they full layout of the magazine which is what makes it different and almost special. I’ve never seen to date a cover that is identical to a previous or later one. As their layout is almost un-defined, then it swiftly rejuvenates making each magazine different to the last. Ways and means of teenagers are constantly changing and for Cosmogirl to continue appealing to them then it has to evolve other time, just like the readers.

Audience
From the type of gossip on the front cover of the magazine, I’m gathering that the audience is for teens aged 15-19 years. It appears to childish for adults and too grown up for early teens which is why I go this impression. The majority of teenage males wouldn’t want to know which “jeans” would suit them nor would they want to know what Blake Lively’s secret addiction is. This sort of cover definitely infers that it’s for teenage girls, like “cosmo girls” wasn’t enough though. Although the colours come across as quite feminine, I definitely think they could be used, as well as the layout for a college magazine.

On this type of cover it’s what is in the font that makes it a girls magazine, not what’s on it. A girl that reads this sort of magazine is the sort of girl that lavishes all of the pop posters of hunky men from the magazine all over he wall as she dances on her bed to The Wanted. In the process of growing but then still indulging in her youth.

Chosen Music Genre

Above everything, the clear choice of the music genre was going to be POP MUSIC . As it is so flexible and allows a lot of individuality, it would be perfect to make the most out of a music magazine. As genres such as classical music don’t reflect any personality of the artists, then it wouldn’t be something that I’d like to create. I wish for audiences, viewers and readers to be inspired by whom ever is on the cover, not necessarily the music they’re creating.

If I hadn’t gone through the whole LIIAR interpretation of the music genres then I basically believe that I would of got it all wrong. I feel that because I have gone through the main music genres thoroughly, that I have no grasped the true perspectives. At least now after some research on music genres I know what different audiences expect.

As rock and hip hop music are not something I specialise in, then this would mean If I was to further either of the genres, then a great deal of research would be required; something of course I don’t have so far on into the project.

By creating a pop music magazine, I will be able to reflect such a variety of elements in a fun, creative yet stylistic way. The images of the artist that I will photograph will be inspiring, different and original from anything any magazine has ever seen before. As I have chosen pop, this means that I have such a large audience to work with that the possibilities of something great are endless.

I would also like to briefly point out before I create my music magazine, that the conventions are not to have the musician stood with a musical instrument.

Music Genres

Pop Music

- Justin Bieber -

Being able to adapt to great ranges, pop music is probably the most popular form of music and style to circulate the world. The genre is abbreviated from the term popular due to it's great likeness. Within the genre, there is no sub-cultures or divisions between audiences as the aim of appeal is to reach a broader audienceas possible. As the melodies and tones don't have a significant theme, it's therefore able to appeal to a variety of audiences as to just one. Unlike other genres, pop music doesn't just focus on the voice of the singer, but it expands further into the dimensions of sound and creativity. The appeal comes from the ingenuity as to the artistic qualities and capabilities. Pop singers are incredibly flexible in the sense they’re adaptable into any type of style. This enables them to have a much bigger success as they can entertain into extreme depths with dance performances, live tours and designer outfits.

LIIAR Interpretation Of Pop Music Magazine

Language

There are a lot of elements on the front cover of a pop music magazine that in some ways differ extremely from other genres. As they’re focused towards a younger generation, the colour schemes and tones are in some ways a little childish with additional clip art stars and so on. Some of the most major headlines that I have come across have been ‘gossipy secrets’ about Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus. As these are often enough the main stories, the main image in the foreground is of these artists in an exclusive photo shoot for the magazine. To draw even more readers to the magazine there will frequently be free stickers and stamps for them and their friends.

Insitution

Bauer media is most probably the main magazine distributer to sell pop magazines. Their establishment is filled and based upon hundreds of genres so that they appeal to all their audiences and receive a much bigger, greater profit.

Ideology

Having looked at previous magazines, I just get the message that the magazines are trying to give their readers care-free fun and gossip. There is no real seriousness to a pop magazine due to the fact that not many people genuinely take it critically; just “cheesy” in some peoples words. But as an institute, whilst trying to get their product sold by having as much gossip and glitter as possible, they sometimes need to incorporate some serious messages. Being a boy myself, I can’t exactly say that pop magazines don’t focus appeal to boys as they do to me. However, the majority of teenage ‘lads’ aren’t really going to be picking up the latest edition of TOTP. Pop magazines are more focused towards teenage girls that enjoy reading some gossip while they pamper them selves. Not my point of it all, but just thinking stereotypically, this is the impression that I get.

Audience

As pop music represents such a large audience, there could be millions of readers they could target. It just depends on which form of style and images they incorporate with their magazine as different audiences require different needs. A pop magazine that features the latest gossip on celebrities and who is dating who, will be more or less targeted at early teenagers as to adults in their mid 30s.

Represenation

Pop magazines are literally teenagers bibles in the sense that it’s all they want to read and focus their lives around. There isn’t really a dignified representation given off by pop magazine as no one takes them seriously. Often these style of magazine are criticised badly as they’re said to mislead teens into a non-existent world!

Pop Music Magazine Examples:

- Top Of The Pops

- Heat

- 'POP'

- Smash Hits

- Sugar

 Rock Music

- Nirvana -

Within the music business, rock music is perhaps the more dark and heavy side of it all. As the tone and texture of it circulates guitar and drums, the outcome of it all is quite grungy and dismal. Being more of a sub-culture, it doesn’t really appeal to every audience on the market. I get the sense that the artists do more what they love to create music as to creating the music just so it will sell; if audiences don’t like it then that’s their fault. However in recent years, rock bands have collaborated with pop singers so that the combination opens up to both audiences bringing in more profits. Often enough, the appearance of rock bands and singers is quite tattered and scruffy with a lot of black interweaving everything. Rock music certainly isn’t an adaptable culture as pop, so there isn’t a great extent you can vary and work with; no dancing, no choreography and certainly no costumes.

LIIAR Interpretation Of Rock Music Magazine

Language

I get the impression that there isn’t a great deal of organisation with a rock magazine as images and interviews seem to be put if and where they may without a care. The scruffiness of the front covers, content pages and double page spreads reflect the rock culture within themselves; tatty and messy. The colour tones of rock magazines certainly aren’t going to be pink and flowery, but jet black almost. Rather then presenting information and images that are more about popular aspects of life, rock magazines choose to keep a more low down approach and reflect less known singers.

Insitution

Bauer media is most probably the main magazine distributer to sell rock magazines. Their establishment is filled and based upon hundreds of genres so that they appeal to all their audiences and receive a much bigger, greater profit.

Ideology

The one thing that I love about rock magazines is the ideology and the sense of individuality that they give off. Rock magazines such as Kerrang don’t specifically abide by what society says and does, which is why they demonstrate ‘out of the ordinary’ content.

Audience

Clearly the audience won’t be as big as a pop magazine, however rock magazines still do have a pretty large fan base. In itself, the magazine is focused towards all ages and preferably the male species. Stereotypically, it’s targeted towards characters with a more grungy and care-free approach to life.

Represenation

Although rock magazines come across as care-free and irresponsible, they give off quite a significant vibe. They show that individuality is a must and not at all to care what society or anybody thinks. When you open that specific rock magazine, may all your worry and problems be lost.

Rock Music Magazine Examples:

- Kerrang

- Rock

- Noisy

Classical Music

- Katherine Jenkins-

Relying solely on skill, classical music is a genre where there is no room for mistakes. Unlike pop music, classical music doesn’t incorporate everything that the artist are or is as a singer but simply of their talent. It’s light and weightless tones reflect the beauty and passion that is up kept within classical music. There isn’t a great variety of style of classical music due to the fact is more of a traditional way of producing music, originating back hundreds of thousands of years. 

LIIAR Interpretation Of Classical Music Magazine

Language

The font on a classical music magazine is probably the most expectable aspect of it all. As the music and tones are extremely elegant, it is reflected by the sleek, curvy and elegant style of writing. Every element within the magazine has to be their for a reason as there is no room for unnecessary items. It’s all kept light and simple, yet beautifully done, just like the music itself.

Insitution

Rhinegold Distributers is a magazine company that specialise in magazines which feature classical music. Although they aren’t as big as the usual Bauer Media, they are probably just as wealthy as they focus their magazines to a higher class of society that can afford ridiculous amounts of money for the odd magazine.

Ideology

Hardly any of the time is classical music or any of its composers are ever reflected within a negative light in the media. Often enough, it’s all about the good things they product in society which brought to attention. I get the impression from this that it’s because no one actually wishes to hear about classical singers in the wrong which is why the media don’t pick up on it. This shows how classical music magazines aren’t really going to have a large audience range as it only being focused towards a minor audience. In magazines which I’ve seen produced about classical music, do they only go into great depth about the music’s texture and so on as to the actual artists themselves. It’s producers want to give off a great impression of the style of music as to the artist.

Audience

There isn’t a large audience which truly appreciate the classical musical genre for what it is so there possibly won’t be that many audiences to buy it. This would therefore mean that the magazine wouldn’t largely be distributed as it’s not something that audiences are willing to purchase on a regular basis. There isn’t the usual, weekly gossip that you get in a pop magazine that you don’t get in a classical music mag. However, as classical music is greatly appreciated by audiences in the south around the London area, the magazine is able to charge a lot more money for any one magazine as they are classed as much more wealthy.

Represenation

As classical music is seen so highly in the world, the magazines aren’t going to want to publish Paul Pott’s latest drug ordeal on the front cover to create a negative image. Magazine distributors are all for reflecting the newly discovered violin and how the queen enjoyed the variety performance which featured classical music.

Classic Music Magazine Examples:

- Classical Music

- Music

- Femmes Di Siede
 

Hip Hop, R'n'B, Rap Music

- Jay Z -

Over the years, rapping hasn’t been necessarily remembered because of it’s lyrics or because of the rapper, but however because of the melody and/or the tone that underlies it all. These songs are composed of an artist speaking lyrically which composes the definition as we know, ‘rap.’ Although there is a great deal of subcultures that branch of into very diverse and separate audiences, when all of them come together as a whole, there is actually a pretty impressive audiences; in the terms of how large it is. Often enough in present days do pop and rap artists actually collaborate together and incorporate both of their talents to appeal to an even large audience.

LIIAR Interpretation Of Rap/R'n'B Music Magazine

Language

Pop and Hip Hop magazines are incredibly similar in the sense of the photography and stuff, however on another level the two are completely different in the terms of textual information, facts and language. Readers of that genre; most probably a great range of men, don’t wish to hear about how P Diddy has a crisis from a break out of spots. That is the point where the two magazines become extremely diverse. These sort of men that read the magazine want to hear about and see what women he’s kindled with and so on. Furthermore, often enough the colours which feature within their magazines are a more neutral based including blue, green, black; not pink.

Insitution

Bauer media is most probably the main magazine distributer to sell R'n'B magazines. Their establishment is filled and based upon hundreds of genres so that they appeal to all their audiences and receive a much bigger, greater profit.

Ideology

Very much like pop magazines, the creators just like to give that care-free fun vibe so that you can sit back and indulge into the magazine. However in a lot of recent magazines hip hop magazines, they have been giving off very subconscious messages off to their audiences for a good cause. For instance, they don’t post images of knives or guns in respect to the knife and gun crime. They wouldn’t want to be responsible for influencing a reader for committing a serious act. Not only would they be have it on their conscious, but the amount of people that read that magazine would plummet.

Audience

As rap music often collaborates with pop artists then there is a great range of audiences that they appeal too. This has been constantly happening in recent years and I’m sure it will in good years to come. Rap music is often associated with gangsters and trouble causes that are alcoholics so if that was the case that I’m gathering that’s what a rap music magazine would be focused towards.
Represenation

As stated before, the magazines like to give off a good representation for their own sakes. If they give off a negative impression they are more likely to influence characters and cause trouble. On the other hand, I’ve noticed recently how rap magazines have been keen to give off a good message by inferring that a lot of street crime doesn’t always involve the minorities of the sub culture.

RapMusic Magazine Examples:

-Source

-Vibe

-Monster

Generic Music Magazine Conventions

Cover

Contents

Double Page Spread

LIIAR Interpretation Of The Brief

Front Cover

Language
When it comes to music magazines, there is such a variety of genres for multiple audiences. Due to this, there is a wide range of conventions; different conventions for different readers, which have very assorted tastes - there are niche audiences! However beneath the varieties, there are still a few conventions which stay constant.


Masthead

A masthead is certainly an aspect which is continuous through-out every music magazine, which is 99% of the time allocated to the top left hand corner. This really is a compulsory element to a magazine as this is what we as an audience first glance at. As it’s the same literally everywhere, it’s just something we do naturally without hesitation. If the masthead is truly eye-catching, then that initial glance will soon develop into a stare of an attraction; here, a magazine purchase is born! If I were to perhaps locate the masthead to the bottom left hand corner, it wouldn’t be visible, and no one would even notice the magazine.

"Exclusive" Headline
Taking centre stage, a large headline is often a convention of a music magazine as that is how they promote their biggest and most extravagant story. Often the headline is shadowed by bold and intense “exclusive” writing to express almost a high importance. Usually stories in order of importance have small to large text size on the cover. The subheadings on the front page are usually a different colour to make them stand out and to bring attraction.Trademarks of the magazine can feature the typface.

Images

Another main convention of a music magazine is the large image which is positioned across the full cover. 7 out of 10 times the image is actually a medium close up that contains a direct address to the audience. This establishes a connection between the viewer and the magazine making them feel a part of the cover. It isn't offen where you will find multiple amounts of images on the front cover as I feel this over-complicates the layout. It tends to allow the audience to wonder of onto stories that don't have as much high-importance.

Synergy

Synergy is a large convention which happens within music magazines on a regular basis. It highlights the comings together of two or more establishments that are trying to achieve a goal that isn’t possible independently. This allows both the music magazine and the artist to both get outcomes from one single thing. For example, a popular artist such as Britney Spears on the cover will bring lots of revenue as she is so iconic. This therefore means that the magazine will sell a lot more editions making a larger profit. However in the process of this, the artist such as Britney, is also making a huge profit of money as she will promote a new album or as such.

Barcode/Price

Usually on the right hand side of the page, more or less at the bottom is the barcode. This is always on the cover as of course when bought, it needs to be scanned and purchased. Although the price is positioned not far from the barcode, it is deviously done at such a small font which misleads the audience. The price is the last thing that they look at as it the most unnoticeable element. After eventually looking at all of the components on the cover, they will eventually see the price. Even though it may cost an arm and a leg, they still feel the urge to purchase it due to the desire to read the main stories which they have just viewed.

Many conventions stay constant through-out the magazine onto the contents page such as the images and head banner. Images are almost compulsory at this stage in the magazine as of course it needs to just be just as out-going and attractive as the front cover. Still of course, different music magazines have different conventions of a contents page to appeal to their audiences. Music magazines that are more child-based are going to have a much more imagery-based style then to one focused at an older generation of adults – different audiences expect and require different elements and aspects.

Head-banner / Title

Often enough, the majority of music magazines that you come across have ‘contents’ inked across the actual contents page. It gives the page that defining feature that truly makes it stand out from the advertisement pages before and after it. Conventionally, the font of the title stays similar to either the text of the magazine name on the cover, or/and the exclusive headline too. Having the two the same or similar, brings the magazine together as a whole, making the magazine feel not as fragmeneted

Images

On the front cover, the stories of importance are allocated by the size of their text. This is a very similar convention on the contents page as stories of importance are represented by images and text. A featured and exclusive interview with the latest pop star will be reflected within a large thumbnail image, text and even an extensive summary. Stories that don’t maintain the same high importance often only have a small page number and title; if that even. A lot of articles within the music magazines don’t even feature on the contents page.

Logo/Magazine Title

Some music magazines feel that it’s imperative to feature their logo or magazine name on the contents page where as other magazines…not so. Apparently, there is something extremely significant about reassuring the reader about what magazine they’re reading. When I glance at a magazine that has features constant on the contents and homepage such as the logo, I feel it brings everything together as one.

Insitution

 Within the UK, there is only a pocket full of leading magazine companies that are well distributed and successful.

IPC
IPC is a great example of a successful establishment which is involved in magazine distribution. However, the only downfall is that the 85 iconic brands that they put on the market are more focused to the world of gossip; not the music industry.

Bauer Media

Bauer Media is probably the most successful magazine distributor to date in England. As an establishment, they reach over nineteen million, UK readers alone. They’re most famous for iconic magazines such as ‘Q’, ‘Grazia’, ‘FHM’ and ‘Kerrang.’ All of which are very popular music magazines that tend to reach their target audiences with such great precision.

This is definitely the kind of intuition that I wish to distribute my magazine with as they have great relationships with engaged readers and businesses. As stated on their website: “We connect audiences with compelling content, whenever, wherever, and however they want.” This is certainly the type of attitude that I want my music magazine to shine through!

Ideology
When any type of audience looks at my magazine cover, contents page and double page spread, I want them to glance at it and feel inspired. Morals and messages that are given off shouldn’t be about how you need to loose weight, or how you look too fat. I want to express literal meanings that have depth and profundity. Stories written within my magazine, should be genuine and to be truthful; no false statements or impressions given off. Although I haven’t decided on my target audience and brand, I can’t really focus on a more elaborated Ideology. After genre research, I will then hope to identify and expand more.

Audience

Audience is the one leading aspect that can truly dictate the magazine - appearance, stories and content. As I am so early on into the development, I can’t at the minute decide which audience my magazine will warm too. Perhaps after researching and getting my roots deeper into the project, then will I will decide which audience my magazine will allocate too. For example, “Top Of The Pops” is a magazine which tends to focus towards teenage youths. As they’re focused at such a young age, the linguistic devices and language will not be as developed as “Q” for example - Different audiences require different contexts.

Socio-economic Groups
Socio-econmic groups largely dictate the type and style of magazine due to their wealth. Semi and un-skilled manual working people aren't all that favourable for buying the latest £10 magazine. They just simply can't afford it and it's not do able. There is no point in me creating a music magazine about Top Of The Pops for 'professional, business and white collar' audiences as there isn't a wide range of that type and it isn't certain that they will even like that style. Great research will need to be in order to discover what types of Socio-economic are in to what type of genre and at what price.

Represenation

Once again I feel as if the representation of my magazine solely depends upon the audience, and as I have no designated type of audience, I can’t really elaborate on the representation. However, I can and will state that I want my magazine to be on the verge of risky so it has that slight difference. So many magazines nowa' days risk defining everything that they are just so that they comply with regulations. Not many are willing to take a risk and publish something out of the normal; so that they don’t tread on anyone’s toes. “Kerrang” is a great example of a magazine that likes to take risks. They don’t settle for the normal that all of the other types of publishers do - it makes them more wacky and more defined. If a conversation of magazines is brought up for example, "Kerrang" always comes to mind as of course it stands out. This is simply what I want for my music magazine; to stand out and not be forgotten. The front cover is always about giving the best representation possible to draw people in to reading the magazine. No one particularly wants to see a female youth reading a book on the cover as it isn't favourable. Celebrities want to be incorporated with only the best magazines in the business as it reflects themselves as an artist. This is the 'only' way to go to create a successful magazine.

Music Magazine Brief

The music magazine brief is in some ways very similar to the college magazine, however this time there is some additional requirements such as a double page spread and an actual contents page. All images, text...basically everything, must be originally sourced from myself as to using an assortment of copyrighted material which would get me absolutely zero marks!

Main Task

Construct the cover, contents page and double page spread of a new and popular music magazine. All components on each of these three aspects must be original and this may include a minimum of 4 images.

Due in: 17/12/10

24 days.

Evaluation Of Magazine Cover & Contents

Although it has taken a great extent of time to develop and physically create my ideas into the best they could be, each minute has truly been worth it. My final magazine cover and contents are both two things that I am incredibly proud of. Taking centre stage on the cover, the denotation is a blonde, female students sitting down in the library catching up on some studies as gentle light caresses her cheeks. The light has very warm connotations of perseverance and high hopes - bright light guides people into the future towards success. Due to the gentle red tones within the girl's shirt, I feel a sense of a winter warmth as it contrasts with the gentle radiance's of white, both in the new Wyke masthead and soothing vector shape.  The snowy-white headlines on the front cover almost act as an anchorage to the image, reflecting how good things are to come so keep your head up. I really wanted to emphasise that christmas is soon upon us and I did this of course by having the contrast of warm soothing red against the snowy white.

Circulating the magazine cover, a bold and defined border almost makes the image and headlines jump out. To make sure that the border and image didn't feel to fragmented, I conjucted the two together by allowing a small proportion of the masthead to seep out onto the edge. For me to have a somewhat house theme then I had to continue the style of the cover onto the actual contents page which included fonts and colours that shared similarities. On the cover of my magazine I included caressive light and a tree within the image. These two elements stay featured within the content page's background. The denotation of the background image is a college destination with fine light seeping through the top left hand side corner however the connotations say so much more. The way the light caresses the college buildings I feel reflects how college is the place where you follow the light to your future. At the top of the page, the headline font and style is exactly the same as the font and style of the Wyke text whilst the content information is the same font as the headlines on the cover. Once again the border style layout has stayed constant onto the contents page so the cover didn't come across as fragmented and be something completely different to the contents.

I would like to say that the ideology of my magazine cover is to perhaps infer some inspiration onto everyone that views it. Main headlines and exciting stories have hopefully intrigued the college students to read the magazine and learn more with what is occuring within their own college.