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DECONSTRUCTING MUSIC MAGAZINES Front page, contents page and double page spreads of KERRANG, NME, and Q magazines.

Deconstructing music magazines

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DECONSTRUCTING MUSIC MAGAZINESFront page, contents page and double page spreads of KERRANG, NME, and Q magazines.

FRONT PAGE – NME.

The front cover has maintained a constant and recognisable colour scheme to the magazine. In using red, black and white, it allows the audience to familiarise themselves with the logo of the magazine, thus attracting them to it. Moreover, the colour scheme seems neat and crisp, creating a presentable, effective tone, in which will entice the target audience. The colours work effectively with one another, allowing each to stand out, again, attracting the reader. The cover is successful in using the limited range of colours, yet making them beneficial to the cover, and each are bold colours.

The image used is large, covering almost the entirety of the page. This stresses its importance to the magazine, and giving the audience information on the contents of the magazine. The significance of the icon is further emphasised by it's positioning, half covering the title of the magazine. This allows the cover to flow well. again, bringing about neat presentation which will appeal to the audience. An important thing to recognise is that the editing of the image allows it to fit in with the background, no huge contrast in colour difference, which is very appropriate for its positioning. 

The title of the magazine, though partially covered, is in no way undermined, and does not alienate the viewer. The recognisable colours and font is itself a clear logo to the magazine, and suggests that the title doesn't have to be completely clear for the audience to familiarise themselves with it. The fact that such colours are echoed throughout the products allows it to find some sort of symmetry, appearing very attractive and professionally. 

NME CONTINUED.

Although the focal attention of the magazine is the article surrounding the new band, 'The last shadow puppets' the magazine is successful in further enticing the audience by releasing further information on what else is within  the magazine, advertising the special features to attract the reader. 

The text within the cover is used appropriately, particularly in illustrating the main image of the band, The last shadow puppets'. The use of bold white text announcing the artists involved with the band, attracts the audience. As they are well known figures within the music industry, already being in successful bands, it will persuade the audience to want to purchase the product. Moreover, the red bold text stating the name of the band is used as a means to anchor the topic. The article is, after all, on the formation, and merging of two great artists. 

The additional information on the left hand side of the cover is successful in that it doesn't reveal too much of the contents so that the audience is already aware, in fact, quite the opposite. It uses subtle references to what  the topic is about, making people want to read on; attracting them.

The cover contains the typical codes and conventions in which many co-existing magazines hold. This includes the positioning of the title and the image, both of which are significant elements of magazine front covers. Moreover, the inclusion of the bar code on the bottom right hand side of the cover, fives the audience additional information such as the issue release date, and the price.

FRONT COVER - KERRANG

The presentation this magazine cover seems chaotic, and deliberate in being so. This is relative to the target audience, teenagers. It is fitted to its audience enormously, because it's not tidy, and it's not neat. However, in saying this, the cover still remains organised in that it is divided in sections; very efficient for the audience.

The title of the magazine, though partially covered, is instantly recognisable. The iconic cracked font of the text, and the black and white theme allows the audience to familiarise themselves with the magazine. It almost seems modest, in that the title doesn't have to be entirely on show for the audience to understand what magazine it is.

The main image on the page, is indeed the largest. This allows it to become to focal attention of the page, and for the audience to be enticed by it. Moreover, the fact that it partly covers the title highlights the significance of the image. The image is central and covers nearly the entirety of the page, again, echoing it's important role within the product. The icons within the image are very fitting to the magazine itself, maintaining this black colour scheme. This seems presentable and organised, allowing it to fit greatly.

The second largest piece of text is the heading reading, "Rocks new hotshots you me at six doing it their way" The use of two colours, yellow and white, each contrasting the black background, is certainly an attracting factor. The largest of the text, being the title of the band 'You me at six'. This instantly allows the audience to recognise the main feature of the contents. The brief description is enough to entice the audience without giving too much of the article away.

KERRANG CONTINUEDAn added feature in which 'Kerrang' magazine features is the 'free posters'. This is a persuasive factor, making the audience want to purchase the magazine because of its freebees; something magazines such as 'NME' and 'Q' rarely offer. This allows the magazine to stand out form it's competition. The use of the images, advertising the free posters are placed again, chaotically, yet, fittingly.

Moreover, the advertisement of further inclusions within the magazine will entice the audience, with the names of certain bands the magazine will contain.

'Kerrang' magazine uses the typical codes and convention of co-existing music magazines. This includes the barcode at the bottom right hand side of the magazine cover. This barcode includes general information for the audience, such as the price, and the date of the issue release.

The magazine is successful in using images as a means of enticing the audience, particularly whilst advertising a 'free poster special' This is very efficient. When audiences browse through the magazines, it will be the images that attract them, and the freebees that the magazine offers, thus making 'kerrang' a very appealing magazine.

FRONT COVER - QAn important thing to recognise about the front cover of this issue of 'Q magazine', is the image which is placed central, covering nearly the entirety of the page. This allows the image to become the focal attention of the audience. The fact that they are each wearing back clothing allows them to contrast against the white background. Moreover, each member of the band, 'Take That' are engaging with the 'Gaze'. This is rather enticing to the audience, attracting them more to the image. Moreover, as the image partially covers the title of the magazine, is allows it again to appear one of the most important features within the magazine cover.

Moreover, the main feature within the magazine is made obvious to the audience. As well as the anchoring image of the band, 'Take That', the large black text at the upper right hand side of the cover. Moreover, the play on words of a song from the band, 'back for good' is also an enticing factor, particularly towards the fans of the band. This allows the audience to instantly recognise the magazine's contents.

Additionally, although the title of the magazine is partially covered by the main image, it is in no way undermined. In fact, the recognisable colours, and the logo'd title, allows the audience to immediately understand the magazine's title, by viewing the associated red colour and font of the magazine. The fact that the title is partially covered creates a sense of fluency within the cover, adding greatly to the overall presentation.

The magazine is successful in using extra features as a means of attracting the audience. It also allows the audience to be aware that although 'Take That' is the main focus of this issue, there is much more to the magazine.

Q CONTINUED.A neat, crisp presentation is used within the cover, creating a more mature, sophisticated tone. The use of red, black and white as the common colour theme allows the presentation of the magazine to appear tidy and fresh. This also allows the other colours within the page to stand out, as they are also important parts of the magazine. This green colour is used to promote the inclusion of successful band, 'Green day', and 'Q awards'. The green colour is certainly deliberate in gaining the attention of the audiences, thusly persuading them to buy the magazine.

The magazine possesses the typical conventions in which other co-existing magazines hold. This includes. This includes the barcode, which informs the audience with general information such as the price of the magazine, and issue release date.

CONTENTS PAGE - Q

The main image takes up a large amount of space within the contents page. This is very attractive to the audience and will catch their attention.

The contents page is split into sections, making it much more presentable and neat. This is very efficient for the reader if they want to quickly find an article.

Typically, the contents page includes information on each article, briefly describing the topic, and the page number to find it on. This again is very efficient.

The contents page is far from chaotic, using one large image, placed centrally, and a small image placed neatly below.

The background of the page is white, allowing the page to seem fresh and crisp, far from complicated. This works well as the large image generates enough colour, so that the background doesn’t have to. It allows the colours not to clash. Also, the white background works well in this case as there is not much background pace.

Clear heading indicate to the reader what the magazine contains It is very simplistic.

The contents finds symmetry within itself and the front cover, particularly in terms of colour scheme, using the same red, white and black colours as it did on the front cover. This creates fluency within the product, and makes it recognisable to the audience.

CONTENTS PAGE – NME

The contents page is very much appealing and enticing to the audience

The use of the large image is attractive, and draws the attention of the reader. The image is anchored by the bold, black text in which illustrates the article.

The contents page finds symmetry with the front cover, adopting the same colour scheme. This is both recognisable to the audience, and presentable. Essentially it is far from chaotic, yet, far from boring.

The use of advertisement for subscription of the magazine is also clever. Though placed at the bottom, the bold colours and contrasting text allows it to attract the attention of the reader.

The colour scheme and presentation seems mature, but far from bland. The colours used are bold and attractive, and the presentation makes it easy to read.

The information is split by sub-headings. This, again Is beneficial for the reader if they are searching for a particular topic.

A colour scheme of red, white and black is clearly demonstrated . This allows the contents page to seem exciting and presentable.

CONTENTS PAGE - KERRANG

The use of many images within this contents page is a feature the other two magazines lack. The images here are certainly attractive, and are placed in a way that doesn’t over-clutter the page. It is very presentable and look exciting. The images are also anchored by text, illustrating what the article is about and the page number to find it.

Like the other two magazines, the text is split into different headings, making it easier for the reader to search for a topic in particular.

The use of the white background seems fresh. There is no need for a bold colour as a background here as the images in the foreground are exciting enough. Indeed, a colourful background would force the page to appear overly-chaotic.

The large image clearly indicates the more important article within the issue. The emphasised size of the image informs the reader of this.

The contents page is split into sections, making it look much more presentable and crisp.

A sense of fluency and symmetry s brought about, particularly with the colour scheme. This being because the front cover has also adopted this scheme.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD - NME

A large image of the band ‘Oasis’ is very attractive to the audience. It takes up an entire page.

A colour scheme of black, white and orange is brought about. The bright orange is very attractive and contrasts the other colour within the double page spread.

The text is typically set out in columns. This looks both organised and professional. It is easy for the reader to read.

Another typical convention within interviews is the addition of certain quotes being presented in a larger font, highlighting he importance of a particular answer. This is used to anchor the image, as well as break up some of the text within the opposite page.

Another image s used on the second page. This again is used to attract the audience. The image also anchors the band.

The two key words within the enlarged quote is in orange. This allows the audience to understand that he double page spread is largely focused on the splitting up of the band, ‘Oasis’.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD - KERRANG

The colour scheme of black, red and white is very fitting to the rock genre. The black background behind the white text allows the text to stand out greatly.

‘KERANG’s’ double page spread possesses more images than NME. This I certainly an enticing feature, almost taking priority over the page.

The page finds fluency and symmetry, using black and white within the images, as well as the text and background. This seems much more appropriate and neat.

The heading of the page uses both red and white. Much like ‘NME’, it works in a way that attracts the audience to certain, more important words. These colours work very well together.

The ext is typically set out in columns. This looks very tidy and presentable. Moreover, it’s positioning within the page is very appropriate and brings more symmetry to the page.

A larger image, covering the entirety of the first page anchors the article, presenting the icon, Gerard Way from, ‘my chemical romance’

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD - Q

The aim of this double page spread if for ‘Razorlight’ to advertise their new album. It creates pre-awareness of the album, so that target audiences will want to buy it when it’s released.

The DPS typically contains large mages as a means of both anchoring the article, making audiences aware of the band’s appearance, and to entice the audience.

The DPS uses more neutral, fresh colours, like white, blue and black. This creates a crisp appearance. The colours are used in a way that allows the page to stand out, for instance, using bold, black text to stand out against the white background.

Such a colour scheme remains fluent within the images. This finds symmetry within the double page spread

Unlike KERRANG magazine, text I the focal priority. The purpose of this DPS is more apparent. This is used as a means of advertisement, where as KERRANG’s purpose was to simply describe MCR’s recording studio.