Kerrang
My interpretation of the title “Kerrang” is that it is supposed to represent the clash of a symbol on a drum kit. Seeing as drum kits are involved in almost every rock group, this would make sense for a rock magazine.
The font used for the title is a bold modern sans serif, this is because it is a modern rock music magazine, and therefore the title must connote this. The title has a smashed glass effect to it. This effect gives the magazine and the rock genre a rebellious representation.
Furthermore, the cover is predominately black. This is the main colour associated with rock as it is also the main colour in many of the rock fans fashion. The title is in black whilst most of the other text is in white; this makes the title stand out and draws attention to the magazine. There isn’t much colour used in the magazine as it is basically all black and white. This is typical of the rock genre as black and white are the two main colours associated with the genre and style of the followers.
The language used in Kerrang is quite formal; all of the phrases and sentences are like this because it is a serious rock magazine. There are many other rock magazines out there; however, Kerarng is one of most established and well known magazines, its formality is a reason for this. Also this cover quotes from band members on the front, in this case “it’s ok to hate us”. This gives the magazine a personal feel to the reader and makes them fell involved. Another aspect of the language is that it assumes knowledge on the subject. It mentions Fall out Boy’s new album. You are only going to understand this if you know of their new album. So this connotes that the magazine is for regular buyers and not just one offs.
I would say that the Kerrangs target audience falls between B and C2, mainly based around middle class people who have an interest in modern rock music, mainly aged within 16-30. I say this because Kerrang’s type of music caters for this age group.
The image is common of rock magazines; there is a picture of a group on the front, which happens to be My Chemical Romance. This group are all standing in a line, looking straight into the camera, this makes the reader feel as if the group are looking at them, enticing the reader into buying the magazine. Also all of the members are wearing black clothes, with pale white faces. This matches the black title and white background and gives a rock feel.
One of the main sell on the cover is the “My Chemical Romance reader’s poll special”. It appeals to the reader because my chemical romance are a famous rock band and therefore the reader will want to buy the magazine to read more about them. Also at the top of the page, there is an “Exclusive” with Fall Out Boy and their new album. Again, this will make the readers want to buy this magazine it is the only place they can find this article.
Also, the magazine denotes a barcode, date, and price all in a white box in the corner. This is in the bottom corner as it isn’t that important in selling this type of magazine.
Kerrang content page shows many pictures of thier artists that are going to be features within the magazine. The reason that they show alot of the artists on the contents page is to entice the reader, making them want to read on and buy the magazine. This is becuase the artists are the most important aspect of the magazine and they are the main reason that the fans buy the magazine.
Also on the Kerrang contents page, all of the pictures are linked to one of the articles at the side. This is so that you can see what articles are inside aswell as read what articles are inside. This is very important for Kerrangs target audeince (16-24) as this age group tends to be very lazy and including pictures to back up the text will mean that they know what is inside.
Another aspect of Kerrangs content page is the advertisement in the bottom left corner that is promoting a subscription to the magazine. The reason this is on the contents page is becuase the reader spends quite alot of time lookin at the contents page, and therefore they are more likely to see the advert and subscribe.
Kerrangs double page spread contains alot of black connoting rebelion, and also lots of red connoting danger. These two connotations are very relevant to kerrangs target audeince who like to rebel and live dangerously.
Also on Kerrangs double page spread there is a news section, updating all of the kerrang readers of the latest rock music news. The reason kerrang have done this is becuase their audeince like to keep up to date with the current affairs of the artist. This is important as the rock music industry is always changing and n ew artist are becoming big every day. A news page connotes the magazine as contempary and modern; it will also mean that the fans can keep upto date.
NME (New Musical Express)
I think that “New Musical” Express connotes how the magazine is up to date with all of the new music, and “Express” suggesting that it brings you all the latest Music news quickly.
The font used on NME’s title is a bold, sans serif font with 2 different coloured lines bordering it. This is to make it stand out and catch the reader’s eye. Also the title is in a bright red, which is linked with rock, but not as heavy rock as Kerrang (black). This enables the reader to determine whether the magazine is for them.
NME’s colour uses have some similarities with Kerrang in the way that they both use black and white a lot. NME has a white background to connote that it is a neutral rock magazine and doesn’t specify in any rock sub-genres. There is also a lot of red within the text, this contrasts the white and black background making the text standout and easy to read. However, NME’s cover is still predominantly black and white, these 2 colours signify rock, and will help the target reader associate themselves with the magazine.
The language in NME is mostly formal on the front cover. However it offers a less formal register as well, with colloquial phrases such as “Ding! Ding! Round 2”. This creates a relaxed atmosphere and connotes that the magazines is an easy, laid back read. This is important because the NME is supposed to be a leisure magazine that is read for enjoyment. Also, most of the text on the front cover involves names of artists, band, or music related people. This is because music is revolves around its bands, artists and related people. Without them there would be no music. A lot of the time people buy the magazine to read stories about the bands or people that they admire. As well as this, NME uses rhetorical questions like “Petty. Odd?” This entices the reader to buy the magazine and read more.
From looking at the cover I would say that NME has a very wide target audience. I say this because there are many signifiers that make me believe that the magazine caters for many types of rock, and not just one sub-genre. For example NME covers artists from “The Rolling Stones” to “Amy Winehouse.” From this I would say that NME readers are males, aged anywhere between 15-50 in the socio-economic groups B, C1 and C2.
The image on the front of NME represents the magazine. It shows a picture of 2 famous artist from the 60’s, Alex Turner and Miles Kane. This connotes that the magazine is in touch with music from the past as well as new music. Having an image that shows this means the magazine appeals to a wider audience. The 2 figures on the front are dressed in long black coats which are typical to the style of rock. Many of the readers will have similar styles clothes and therefore they can relate to the magazine. Also the figures have “mop” like haircuts which where the thing to have in the 60’s if you where into rock n roll. Older readers may want to buy the magazine for the memories.
On NME’s front cover there is a bright red masthead that stands out and emphasises the text on it. In this case it is emphasising the “studio news”, showing that the magazine is up to date with the music current affairs.
Also, another key feature on NME’s cover is its main sells. One of them is “Tom Clarke vs. Faris Rotter”. This presents a competition between 2 groups/ artists, and is a microcosm of the music industry where there is a lot of competition between artists to be the best.
The cover denotes a barcode, date, price, and website in a small white box in the corner. Similar to kerrang, this is because these aren’t that important in selling the magazine. However, the website is in a bigger red font, this is to make it stand out so people visit the website aswell.
I think that “New Musical” Express connotes how the magazine is up to date with all of the new music, and “Express” suggesting that it brings you all the latest Music news quickly.
The font used on NME’s title is a bold, sans serif font with 2 different coloured lines bordering it. This is to make it stand out and catch the reader’s eye. Also the title is in a bright red, which is linked with rock, but not as heavy rock as Kerrang (black). This enables the reader to determine whether the magazine is for them.
NME’s colour uses have some similarities with Kerrang in the way that they both use black and white a lot. NME has a white background to connote that it is a neutral rock magazine and doesn’t specify in any rock sub-genres. There is also a lot of red within the text, this contrasts the white and black background making the text standout and easy to read. However, NME’s cover is still predominantly black and white, these 2 colours signify rock, and will help the target reader associate themselves with the magazine.
The language in NME is mostly formal on the front cover. However it offers a less formal register as well, with colloquial phrases such as “Ding! Ding! Round 2”. This creates a relaxed atmosphere and connotes that the magazines is an easy, laid back read. This is important because the NME is supposed to be a leisure magazine that is read for enjoyment. Also, most of the text on the front cover involves names of artists, band, or music related people. This is because music is revolves around its bands, artists and related people. Without them there would be no music. A lot of the time people buy the magazine to read stories about the bands or people that they admire. As well as this, NME uses rhetorical questions like “Petty. Odd?” This entices the reader to buy the magazine and read more.
From looking at the cover I would say that NME has a very wide target audience. I say this because there are many signifiers that make me believe that the magazine caters for many types of rock, and not just one sub-genre. For example NME covers artists from “The Rolling Stones” to “Amy Winehouse.” From this I would say that NME readers are males, aged anywhere between 15-50 in the socio-economic groups B, C1 and C2.
The image on the front of NME represents the magazine. It shows a picture of 2 famous artist from the 60’s, Alex Turner and Miles Kane. This connotes that the magazine is in touch with music from the past as well as new music. Having an image that shows this means the magazine appeals to a wider audience. The 2 figures on the front are dressed in long black coats which are typical to the style of rock. Many of the readers will have similar styles clothes and therefore they can relate to the magazine. Also the figures have “mop” like haircuts which where the thing to have in the 60’s if you where into rock n roll. Older readers may want to buy the magazine for the memories.
On NME’s front cover there is a bright red masthead that stands out and emphasises the text on it. In this case it is emphasising the “studio news”, showing that the magazine is up to date with the music current affairs.
Also, another key feature on NME’s cover is its main sells. One of them is “Tom Clarke vs. Faris Rotter”. This presents a competition between 2 groups/ artists, and is a microcosm of the music industry where there is a lot of competition between artists to be the best.
The cover denotes a barcode, date, price, and website in a small white box in the corner. Similar to kerrang, this is because these aren’t that important in selling the magazine. However, the website is in a bigger red font, this is to make it stand out so people visit the website aswell.
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