Music magazines under the microscope

Q magazine

 

   Title:   

o  Simplistic – this causes the title to stand out because it is a unique approach. The use of only one letter means that the reader can swiftly read the title and their eye line is then dragged to the image.  

 o  Hidden – the title is partially hidden behind the image on the cover. This helps to draw the reader’s eyes straight from the title and to the picture, making sure to keep their attention and force them to buy the magazine or search the band.

 o  Bold – the colours used for the title are bold and contrasting with the font used helping the letter “Q” stand out, a mix of white and red means that both the background and the word on top of the background really catch the eye of the reader

                           Readership:

o   Younger – the target audience could be a young target audience as it is promoting the “XX”, whilst alone this would not suggest a young audience the advert then goes on to say that this is the sound of the “young London”. This means that the magazine would have to expect a percentage of young people to read their magazine or it would not be worth advertising this event.

o   Older – the magazine could also have an older target audience as it is advertising “blur Month” this is considered an older persons band and so would also suggest a slightly older percentage of readers

o   Overall – I believe that the target range is probably 18 – 28 because this includes both the late teens and then the early adults, which would cover a large range of tastes but also a large range of music generations as well.

Dominant image:

o Leadership – The magazine has put the lead singer of the band at the front of the main image and then his two band mates close behind, this not only shows leadership in the band but also draws the eye as they are in an interesting set up instead of just standing in a straight line.

o   Eye line – the lead singer of the band is photographed so that it appears that he is looking at the reader or buyer of the magazine, however instead of having a friendly or placid look on his face he looks as if he is looking down on the reader, this look insinuates rebellion and will often appear to the teen or younger audience as they feel they can relate to him. The other band mates are looking into the distant in different directions, almost as if they are looking past the reader or not connecting with them.

o   Minimalist – none of the people in the picture are wearing excessive jewellery or what can be perceived as expensive clothes, this helps the reader relate to them but also gives them a sort of rough image and makes them appear modern. It also makes the reader think that maybe their image and music is less about money, as some rappers or modern day singers images are, and more about who they actually are as a band or person.