An Analysis of Names and Mastheads

By Meghan

Top of the PopsType of name: PhraseI think this is an effective name because the “Pop” part highlights that the magazine will be reporting on pop music and the “Top” part demonstrates that they will be talking about the very best music.

The bright orange of the attack makes it standout compared to the other colours, which makes it very noticeable on the page. It has a mix of capital and lower caps letters to highlight the most important words “Top” and “Pops”. The font type is sans-serif which highlights that it is new and modern; the flourishes on the letter give it a more stereotypically feminine feel which highlights that it is more targeted towards women. It is put in the corner which could be seen as making it unimportant, but it is front of the artist which highlights that it is noticeable. By putting it in the top left corner, it abides by the theory that important information should be placed there as our eyes are drawn to it

Kerrang!Type of name: ConnotativeI think this is an effective name as the onomatopoeic word demonstrates that this is most likely going to be a rock music magazine, since it sounds like a power chord. This will bring in people who like that kind of music. The use of the exclamation mark makes the magazine seem more exciting.

The use of black and white gives the magazine a rock feel, since they are the typical colours associated with rock music as rock music is associated with the dark. The masthead is all in caps which makes it sound like someone is shouting it, or it’s loud which adds to the exciting vibe. The use of a sans-serif font makes it seem very “in-your-face” and exciting to read, and the cracked effect also adds to the idea of loudness as loud noises are associated with cracking glass. By putting it right across the top it immediately attracts attention since it is so large.

NME (New Musical Express)Type of name: InitializationBy initializing the name, the name becomes a lot more “in-your-face” and exciting as it’s so large. However, by putting what the initials mean underneath it we can still see what the magazine is selling. By putting “new” it makes it more interesting as it will be about new music. The connotations of express make it seem like the music will be there as soon as possible.

The use of the bold red makes it stand out against the beige background, despite the fact it is behind the artist’s head. By putting in the top-left corner we are once again immediately noticing it. The initials are in caps which adds to the bold effect. The sans-serif font also adds to the stand-out effect.

Chart AttackType of name: CompoundThis name is effective because it is short and sweet. The use of the word “attack” makes the name sound exciting and also like the writers are going to be closely analyzing the music.

The colours on the masthead are very simple, with the white standing out from the red quite nicely. The use of capitals makes the masthead seem more exciting, and the use of a sans-serif font makes the masthead seem more modern, demonstrating that they are talking about modern, pop music.

VibeType of name: ConnotativeThe title of the magazine is effective because it has connotations of good, chilled out things. For example, the phrase “good vibes” is often used when you think something is going to be really good. As the name is a colloquialism, the magazine gives off a modern feel.

The colour of the name has been matched to the blue on Kanye West’s jumper. This attention to detail makes the masthead fit in very easily with the overall aesthetic of the front page. The use of all-caps makes the magazine give off a modern sense, as does the use of a sans-serif font. It goes right across the top of the page which makes it very noticeable, as does the size. However, it is still behind the artist’s head which demonstrates that the artist is more important than the name of the magazine.

Smash Hits

Type of name: PhraseThis is an effective name because the use of the verb “smash” makes the magazine sound exciting. It also makes the magazine sound current since the “hits” (which connotes new music as well) are smashing in. Also, the use of “hit” and “smash” together sounds almost explosive as they give the impression of hitting and smashing things, which is usually a loud ordeal.

Q

Type of name: InitializationThe majority of people don’t know what Q stands for (as it isn’t written in the magazine) which makes the magazine more mysterious. Also, as it is just a letter, the magazine is very noticeable and intriguing when it is in a pile of magazines. The sound that Q makes when you say it (‘cue’ or ‘queue’) is meant to represent cueing a record to play- that was the creators idea for the magazine.

Billboard

Type of name: ConnotativeThe idea of a billboard is one of a huge sign that is usually very easy to spot. This makes the name effective as it connotes the idea of the magazine being a huge thing that can tell you about all your favourite bands. As the magazine was also originally for advertising, the magazine is also a remembrance of it’s past as one of the oldest trade magazines in the world.

Rolling Stone

Type of name: PhraseRolling Stone connotes to the phrase “A rolling stone gathers no moss” (as the creators knew- that is why they called the magazine rolling stone). This makes the name effective as it demonstrates that the magazine will be reporting on new music- it will never keep reporting on the same thing.

Grapevinyl- Coursework

Type of name: Compound wordThis name is effective as it gives the impression that they will be reporting on new music. The phrase “I heard it through the grapevine” gives the impression of hearing about gossip. By changing the end to vinyl, the magazine demonstrates that it will be reporting on music.

BW&BK (Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles)

Type of name: InitializationThis name is effective because the phrase invites people to be true to themselves, and fight against people who think differently. It demonstrates that the magazine is different from other magazines and will be honest. By initializing the title, the magazine can make the viewer intrigued to find out what the magazine is all about.

Metal Hammer

Type of name: PhraseThe name is effective as it makes the viewer think of Thor or of other strong things, which links in with the idea that the magazine is reporting on the genre of metal music.

Jazzwise

Type of name: CompoundThe name is effective because right from the beginning you know that the magazine will be reporting on Jazz music. By adding the “wise” part at the end, it gives the impression that the magazine writers know what they’re talking about, which will make more people want to pick up the magazine.

Mojo

Type of name: ConnotativeThis name is effective because it gives the impression that the magazine is going to be “cool”. The word mojo is a colloquialism, which is usually used to talk about your personality and confidence. It was most popularised by the character Austin Powers, played by Mike Myers. This gives the impression that the magazine is going to be fun and happy to read.