textual analysis
- 1. Magazine …
- 4. Key information Male: 74% Female: 26% Median age: 23 Student: 42% ABC1: 68% Circulation: 33,875 Readership: 325,000 ABCe Unique Users: 5,342,246
- 5. The repeat of the masthead creates a chaotic environment mirroring the picture behind it. Having their masthead blend in with the crowd shows the magazine sole focus is the reader and being equal with the reader. It is also breaking conventions of being place in the top third, though they still have a clearly defined masthead, this reflects the idea that magazine and its readers don’t follow the rules or society norms. NME are also differentiating itself from other magazines showing its new and inventive. The masthead would also been seen and identified no matter where is was on display. The band are presented as a stereotypical rebellious band, sweaty, tattoos and creating mosh pits. The picture depicts them as quite gritty and down earth, much like the masthead the band are integrating with the crowd which will appeal to the target audience. The tag line “Gonna make you sweat” directly address the reader and entices them to find out more as not much information about the band is revealed. The text is positioned in a way that looks like waves or music on a sheet to reinforce the music's authenticity as well as adding to the chaotic / unorganised style. The yellow circle in the bottom 3rd briefly and concisely summarizes what NME magazine contains inside. The lack of text, headlines or information entices a potential buyer or reader into purchasing and reading the magazine find out more. The main image clearly displays that this is a music magazine, showing live music, crowds and instruments.
- 6. Very little information is given enticing the reader to buy the magazines to read it and find out more. As NME now publish there magazine for free meaning they will receive money and funding for advertisements within the magazine, as displayed here. The advertisement used is for a concert which will appeal and be relevant to the readers and the brand. Including a message from the editor makes the magazine seem personal which links in with the idea the magazine wants to be on a par with their readers. The photo is dynamic and edgy using angles to create depth. The costume used in this shot promotes an urban and trendy atheistic which will corresponded with younger readers. Their layout is organised using boxes to differentiate the different aspects of information on the page. There is still a sense of rebellious chaos created by the logo being pasted in numerus angles. The logos reinforce the house style and the breaking of conventions.
- 7. The intertextuality associates them with another famous rebellious band ‘The Beastie Boys’ gaining interest and intrigue from fans of the Beastie boys as well as associating them with the rebellious image. The pictures present them to be masculine and gritty by displaying tattoos, mean intense stares and topless photos this adds to the rebellious aesthetic. Many of the photos reinforce the authenticity of music and the importance of the audience by including shots of them performing live as well as interacting with the crowds. The magazine as created a scrapbook looking layout by decorating the pages in blue and red brush strokes, these colours match those used for the artist’s tattoos organising and linking the pages through colour scheme. The canted photos further convey the idea of an art scrapbook making it look as though anyone/ one of the reader could have created it, once again showing the magazine wants the reader feel equal with them. The art design surrounding the tag line resembles the illuminati symbol which is a popular symbol amongst the younger generation, as well as giving the band and magazine a rebellious image as the illuminate is linked to the dark arts ect. The pages are still organised into a 3 column split, use of a red and yellow text boxes clearly differentiates and pulls out additional information from the main articles .To further organise the pages drop caps have been used to clear indicate the start of a knew paragraph.
- 10. Key information ABC1: 71.8% Median age: 34 In employment: 70%
- 11. They have placed the masthead in the top left hand corner so that when placed on a magazine stand/ shelf the reader can clearly identify the brand. They have used a striking red box that stands out against the dull and shadowy image, capturing the readers/ potential buyers attention. The bold red is used to highlight certain headlines pulling focus to it. Along the bottom of the cover they have used white and red alternately this is to make each name stand out without using an array of colours and keeping to their house style. “The worlds greatest music magazine” suggests that the company are confident in their magazine and their knowledge of the music industry which makes the reader trust in them and shows the mission statement is unrivalled It could also suggest to the reader they have won nominations for best magazine making them pick that over another music magazine. The band are placed in a formation that creates a 3 column split organising the layout. The way the band have been blocked suggest the guy at the front is the leader of the band/ lead singer. The V formation gives a sense of depth creating the illusion of being drawn / pulled into the magazine, this is amplified due to each member of the band looking directly down the camera- direct eye contact is also used in the smaller image in the top right corner- the intense eye contact engages and connects with the reader while also giving each individual an edgy look. Many of the bands presented are older artists and bands, reflecting the magazine has an older and more mature target audience who would have more interest in bands who have been around for years. Minimalist writing is used for the cover lines only the names of the artists or bands are displayed, this could be used to entice the reader into reading/ buying the magazine to find out more . It could reflect the magazines image of a sophisticated reader who knows enough about music and the artists to be drawn in by the big musical names. Their neat and straight lay out reflects a sophisticated reader showing that the magazine have a clear understanding for their target audience. They have included a competition advert on the front which will encourage readers to buy their magazine to win the promotional feature. They have included the mage of a phone which will also promote an online app. The image catches the readers eye bringing attention the text.
- 12. Their contents page uses a clear and precise layout using a double page spread to clearly set out the content splitting it into 3 categories. To further differentiate the main headlines from the smaller features and reviews the magazine uses different colours to help the reader easily navigate through the magazine. This also shows they have a wide range of topics to read. This could pull in more readers as the variation in topics will appeal to peoples different interest. The pages are split into a 3 column structure to further organize the layout, even the visuals are placed to fit the structure. Some of the images include and reflect how the magazines wants to promote authentic music by capturing images with guitars or singing on stage. Much like the front page the main image creates a perception of depth. The use of blocking makes it seem as though the guitar is coming through the page. The guitar also corresponds with the shape and horizontal lines of the room. The top of his head has been cut from the background to create a sense of depth as well as to make him stand out. Under each heading a fair amount of text is used, giving a reader a brief summary of the information featured in the article. By doing this the magazine intrigues the reader causing them to follow to the page and read the article. Featuring a slightly large amount of text reflects an older and educated reader.
- 13. Thought-out the article the magazine has used boxes. The boxes help to organise the page while also creating a house style. Drop caps have also been used to clearly direct the reader a new paragraph. A pun/play on words has been use as the header, this creates a relaxed and informal setting from the start. Making the band/ magazine seem humours and fun. The stencilling used for this mimics the stencils used to brand the tour gear. This links in to the articles theme of being on tour with the band , giving the reader a more authentic experience. Having a group shot taken on the bus makes the reader feel included with the band as often the tour bus is a private and exclusive location. The bus setting is a small space with each member filling the frame creating a intimate atmosphere between them and the reader. This is further heightened as each member is looking directly at the camera and appearing as though they are focused on the reader making it seem more inviting and personal. The pull quotes are used as a device to attract the reader into reading the whole article . Key aspects of the interviews are drawn out, often using interesting or obscure/ funny quotes to create intrigue in the reader. To draw further attention to them the background of the boxes have a black fill with white writing, standing out against the rest of the article that uses white with black writing. While being more prominent the colours keep to the house style of white, black and red, with the band members name highlighted in red to create a more personal touch and inform readers the names of some members. The fact that the band have allowed Q to join them on tour, suggests the magazine has exclusive access and a close relationship with the band and possibly other artist. This might appeal more to readers as having a close bond with the interviewees would lead to a more truthful and exclusive interviews Many images used reinforce the authenticity of the music by using lots of images that depict the band performing on stage. Close up images of each band member and text underneath them is included as a way to let the reader get to know each individual member of the band, by including the individual images the reader can clearly identify each member. The information also reflects a close bond between the band and the magazine by including unique and exclusive information.
- 18. Key information Circulation: 44,013 Readership: 421,000 ABC1: 52% Mean Age: 22 SOLUS readership: 70% Buy every issue: 87%
- 19. The masthead is in capitals, spread across the page making it easy to identify as the logo and to draw attention to it, the yellow furthers this and stands out against darker tones. It also suggests warning or danger reflecting that the magazine, reader and the artists/bands featured are dangerous and rebellious . The exclamation mark and cracked broken glass effect in the masthead gives the impression of loud and heavy music mirroring the heavy metal/ rock music they publish. It also links in to the onomatopoeia of the name, being the sound made when strumming a guitar. The majority of headlines are displayed on the left hand side to catch the readers eye when on the shelf, also people tend to read left to right. Everything has been boxed off from each other to further organise the page by splitting the headlines into groups. Each box stands out further by having red or yellow fill the backdrop colour. The messy and canted lay out creates a laid back and a ‘we don’t care’ image but while appearing messy they still use a 3 column lay out. By doing this they can portray their rebellious image while still presenting it in a clear and readable fashion. Posters show the magazine is aimed at younger readers (mean age 22) use of lots of images and basic text also reflect this The headline reads “Danny’s back” clearly pointing out there is a “reunion” This is why “Danny” is made so prominent on the page, being blocked a lot closer the camera compared to his fellow band member. His head also over lays the magazines masthead, making him the focus of attention and showing the magazines confidence in its self to not have to feature every detail of their logo.
- 20. Important information (band name and which page) in bold so the reader can quickly see what they want without having to read too much, reflecting a younger target audience. Including a message from the Editor makes the magazine more personal to each individual reader and creates a clique/gang effect, as listening to heavy rock/metal or punk music often becomes a lifestyle rather than just the music effecting the way they behave, dress etc. For extra emphasis on the “personal touch” at the end editor, George has signed his article with a handwritten signature, as well as a picture featuring, George and a famous rock singer showing the close and relaxed relationship Kerrang! Share with artists featured in their magazines. The magazines house style carries through the colour scheme; Black, white, red and yellow The black and yellow striped strip down the right hand side looks like warning tape, once again creating a dangerous image. Due to its placement its as if the reader is being warned not to cross the line onto the next page making the reader seem rebellious in doing so. The readers eye would immediately be drawn to the graphic art, taking up two thirds of the page, quickly drawing the readers attention to the main headlines. The lack of information creates intrigue into what the articles about. The magazine has put the main focus on the bands logos suggesting their readers have good knowledge about bands and music. The smaller uses of graphic design surrounding the title “contents” have quite dark, edgy and cliché themes e.g. Ouija board or skull, reflecting the readers cultural context. The designs also mimic tattoos, which are often associated with this particular music genre.
- 21. The title is a pun/ play on words using the bands name creating a relax, funny and welcoming opening for the reader. It also shows the magazine has a close/friendly relationship with the band furthering the idea of being in a community/ gang. The photo used is quite stylized, taking up the background of the double spread inviting the reader in and building on the idea of a close connection to the band. They have been blocked so that each member is clearly visible so as not to be cut off by the gutter. The photo is taken in a basic, enigmatic dull location apposed to a glamourous set, portraying them as “real musician” who's sole focus is about the music not the fame. The magazines house style carries through the colour scheme; Black, white, red and yellow. The colour scheme has also been used for the bands clothing having them all be dressed in black and white The graphic art has also been carried through. A pull quote has been used to create intrigue so that they will want to find out more by reading the article. The quote has been placed in the far left bottom corner in the first column. The distance between the pull quote and the main article causes it to become more prominent, as the left page only features the background picture, a title and the pull quote. This helps to immediately draws focus to it. The quote itself refers to the bands new album saying it “will be a slap in the face” The phrase creates strong imagery/ connotations of strength and power reinforcing Karrangs! Image of loud, bold, heavy, in your face music and artists. While intriguing the reader into reading the article it also helps promote the album, which is a big feature about the article as an image on the album has been included. Not only does including the image help promote album sales it all so suggests a bond between the band and the magazine causing the reader to trust the magazine for exclusive information. Again the "warning tape” has been used, becoming a house style. The minimal text reflects a younger target audience as younger audiences prefer images to text. This shows the magazine has a clear understanding of their readers and will cater to their target audiences likes and dislikes.