Wednesday, 17 December 2014
Cover Lines
Masthead:
- Eleven (written in reprise stamp font in black with a red background so to stand out.)
Sell lines:
- Axl Rose Reveals his views on G'N'R - Read all about Axls feud with former guitarist Slash.
- Metal Maidens - We explore the lives of some of the biggest women in Metal.
Band List:
- Judas Priest
- Dio
- Iron Maiden
- Reckless Love
- Riot Act
- Metallica
- Kiss
Main Image Heading:
- Riot Act One Scene One - See the inside life of a newbie band into the world of Rock!
Administrative Text:
- Date
- Issue No1
- £2
Slogan:
- Does yours go all the way to Eleven?
Thursday, 11 December 2014
Image Ideas
Magazine Images Ideas
The use of imaes are vital for the sale of any magazine, irrelevent of the genre. Music magazines in particular use images prominantly to help to sell their magazines using the front cover as a means of enticing readers. Here is a collection of Images that have inspired me to emmulate them for my magazine;
This image of 'The Pretty Reckless' Taylor Momsen was arguably one of the most convincing style models for my cover photo because it encapsulates the genre, attitudes and moods of my magazine and would appeal directly to my target readership of males between the ages of 16-40. The mid-shot shown would fit very well onto a front cover and so considering ther likeness between Taylor Momsen and my model this is a brilliant incentive for me to use.

Sunday, 7 December 2014
Production Diary
In todays lesson we researched a multitude of different promotional methods existing in magazines. These included such things as fee gifts and tickets as well as signed memorabilia and merchandise. Magazines often offer these in order to entice readers to buy the magazine as often owning something 'rare' or 'unique' is very important. I realised that this was particularly poignant in my chosen genre of music because the fans are often very competitive and loyal, therefore it is possible to conclude that promotional methods in this case are important because often people will buy the magazines if they feel it will give them a greater position in society based on their improved knowledge or unique ownerships.
Name Ideas
The name is arguably the most important aspect to any magazine, especially those within my chosen genre of rock and heavy metal.
The naming process was very difficult. I decided to follow some infamous factors of the genre as well as using the names and initials of some of the genres most iconic figures (iconography). Here were the ideas;
- RJD (after icon Ronnie James Dio)
- RHM (acronym for rock heavy metal)
- ELEVEN (in reference to a well known phrase within the genre 'turn it to eleven' & 'mine goes all the way to eleven')
- EDDIE (in reference to the genre's most iconic band Iron Maidens infamous mascot 'Eddie')
As a result I decided choose 'Eleven' this is because I felt it was unique and would stand out on the shelf particularly with my target readership in mind, particularly in relation to the very well known phrase to which its origins come from a film synonymous with my chosen genre, 'Spinal Tap'.
The naming process was very difficult. I decided to follow some infamous factors of the genre as well as using the names and initials of some of the genres most iconic figures (iconography). Here were the ideas;
- RJD (after icon Ronnie James Dio)
- RHM (acronym for rock heavy metal)
- ELEVEN (in reference to a well known phrase within the genre 'turn it to eleven' & 'mine goes all the way to eleven')
- EDDIE (in reference to the genre's most iconic band Iron Maidens infamous mascot 'Eddie')
As a result I decided choose 'Eleven' this is because I felt it was unique and would stand out on the shelf particularly with my target readership in mind, particularly in relation to the very well known phrase to which its origins come from a film synonymous with my chosen genre, 'Spinal Tap'.
Promotional Methods
Music magazines in particular use many promotional methods to promote their magazines across multi-media platforms here are the methods I aim to use in my magazine;
I used a survey (surveymonkey) to collate the best ideas and free prises, plugs and advertisements. Here are the results;
I used a survey (surveymonkey) to collate the best ideas and free prises, plugs and advertisements. Here are the results;
– Band Posters
|
0.00%
0
|
– Compilation CD's
|
0.00%
0
|
– Free entry to a competition to win free festival tickets
|
14.29%
1
|
– Autographed Merchandise
|
14.29%
1
|
– Cash Prizes
|
14.29%
1
|
– Backstage passes
|
28.57%
2
28.57%
2
|
- Free music download codes/iTunes Vouchers
Therefore to conclude I decided that in order to appeal to my chosen readership the free music downloads and iTunes vouchers and backstage passes to select concerts would be the best potential promotional methods for my magazine.
|
Social Media
Social Media in Music Magazines;
Social media is an important aspect and attribute to any modern magazine of all genres not just music magazines and so it is growingly vital for magazine companies to think about social media when distributing and producing their magazines. Music magazines incorporate all of the leading social media formats such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Most importantly however the use of social media such as Spotify and Deezer in addition to the generic formats, really supports the music magazine genre, given their music based purposes.
Social Media in my Music Magazine;
I believe it is vital to include social media in my magazine due to my quest to achieve a professional magazine. Here is a list of the features I am to include;
- Reader Twitter & Facebook comments.
- Band 'likes' & 'followers' across platforms.
- iTunes/Spotify Top Download charts.
These three aspects I believe incorporate the key aspects of social media and, allows for readers to become involved with my magazine reducing the commercial : reader thesis, potentially leading to loyal readership and will therefore make my final magazine look and read professionally.
Social media is an important aspect and attribute to any modern magazine of all genres not just music magazines and so it is growingly vital for magazine companies to think about social media when distributing and producing their magazines. Music magazines incorporate all of the leading social media formats such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Most importantly however the use of social media such as Spotify and Deezer in addition to the generic formats, really supports the music magazine genre, given their music based purposes.
Social Media in my Music Magazine;
I believe it is vital to include social media in my magazine due to my quest to achieve a professional magazine. Here is a list of the features I am to include;
- Reader Twitter & Facebook comments.
- Band 'likes' & 'followers' across platforms.
- iTunes/Spotify Top Download charts.
These three aspects I believe incorporate the key aspects of social media and, allows for readers to become involved with my magazine reducing the commercial : reader thesis, potentially leading to loyal readership and will therefore make my final magazine look and read professionally.
Thursday, 4 December 2014
Sell Lines
METAL
DamesThe wonderful women of rock. (In a box acting as a caption)
Rock or Bust
Steel Panthers Michael Starr. (In a box acting as a caption)
(In Box Out);
Exclusives with:
RIOT ACT
AXL ROSE
SCORPIONS
ENTER SHIKRI
IRON MAIDEN
PARAMORE
AC/DC
TWISTED SISTER
S.O.R
SLASH
SUZI Q
DORO
ONLY IN THIS WEEKS ELEVEN...
R!OT ACT
(pull quote)
"...FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR HEROES..."
Monday, 1 December 2014
Production Diary
In today's lesson I finished my article analysis. Similarly to my front cover and contents page analysis the detail was in great depth as I wanted to have a greater understanding of how magazines work and the generic codes and conventions. Such in depth analysis is beneficial to me in the long run as it allows me to compare my magazine with pre-existing and successful magazines ultimately to enable my magazine to look professional.
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Feature Article Draft
FEATURE ARTICLE FIRST
DRAFT
I’m sat here surrounded by bottles of liquor and overfilling
ash trays, in a small hotel room five minutes away from the infamous Sheppard’s
Bush Empire where new British sensation Riot Act are preparing to go on stage,
supporting hard rock icons; Halestorm. As I look around it seems to me as
though young Gemma, Riot Acts lead singer, is merely a television out of the
window away from the ultimate rock and roll life style. I spoke to her and the
rest of the Riot Act family about rock and roll for newbies!
All good dreamers have an icon, I wondered exactly who or
what gave Riot Act the desire to be the next big rock and roll hopefuls.
‘…I have always been intrigued by the women in rock, like
Suzi Quatro and Doro Pesche. I used to spend hours just listening to their voices
and watching their videos on MTV admiring the power they had in every movement,
so much so I just had to have a slice of the action…’
Being the front woman to such a quickly popularising band, Gemma
is always in the limelight. Given the common stereotypes of women in male
dominated environments, I questioned what it was really like.
‘….At first I was surprised at how demanding the industry
is, you expect to have to flaunt yourself and reveal yourself in ways you never
would imagine, but it is completely not the case! Heck I rarely even get the
chance to show a bit of leg on a magazine cover! The studio is a tough place
when you’re a newbie like us, you become so fixated upon making everything
perfect that sometimes you forget why you even started. But when you see girls
like Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) and Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless) doing so
well in the industry, it just goes to show that there is a place for women rock
stars as there has been since the 1970’s!...’
Riot Act have just released their debut single ‘Rising’ which
has stormed into the charts amiably at number five this week. The track tells
the tale of a person rising to the top, and being triumphant over adversity.
The track was written by guitarist Simon and front woman Gemma, so I asked
Gemma to reveal the message behind the song…
‘….I have a very simple dream. To be remembered and to be
remembered playing my rock and roll, so I guess it (rising) expresses mine and
the guys dream of being big and following in the footsteps of our hero’s and in
my case heroines…’
Every band seems to have a purpose. Iron Maiden entirely reinvented
the genre influencing, along with Judas Priest and other bands, the New Wave of
British Heavy Metal era to begin, bringing some of the most influential music
the world has ever heard. The Who wanted to be the loudest band in the world.
Motley Crue wanted to shake things up, with the big hair and make up to match,
so I wondered exactly what would Riot Act bring to the world of rock. Here is
what Lead Guitarist Simon Riff had to say…
‘…Nothing. We don’t want to bring anything new really. We
just want to bring back fun hard hitting rock and roll that people can fall in
love with again. The music world has completely gone off on a tangent with everybody
trying to outdo one and other, caring more about the money than the music, so
as a band we just wanted to strip it all back and create music that those who missed
the days of old as it were, can experience what music was really like back when
music still had a meaning..’
A very poignant statement. ‘…back when music still had a
meaning…’ something that only really hit home after the interview concluded.
Music has indeed lost its way, more emphasis has been made about the importance
of profit but has the very meaning of music been lost in the process?
Either way Riot Act are ‘the’ next big thing in
our genre. They have the ethic, the ability and the aesthetics to match,
seemingly a formula to success, ‘Rising’ is available for download of iTunes
and Spotify, and the album ‘Unlock The Jukebox’ hits the shelves and downloads
next Monday so don’t miss out!
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Eleven Magazine Audience Profile
Jon
is 22 years old and has a profound interest in metal and rock, attending
many festivals such as download and sonisphere and enjoys reading about his
favourite bands.
Jon
also however is always interested in discovering new bands and artists, as he
is always looking to add to his already extensive music collection, of which includes
classic and legendary bands as well as newer up and coming acts.
Being
young Jon is also very keen on the social aspect of the genre, and thus how society
may view the genre in a different ways.
Jon
is also a university student and is therefore on a low income however he still
wishes to be informed on the world of rock music especially through his favoured
magazine format, that he feels allows him to have much more of a connection to
the genre and society of rock music. The social media aspect of the magazine is
a particular plus for Jon as it makes the magazine much more contemporary and relevant
to society at the moment something of which is vital for people within his age
bracket.
Being an avid attendee of concerts and festivals
Jon likes ‘Elevens’ plugging of tour dates allowing him to be much more proactive
in attending concerts more regularly. Also the reviews within allow for Jon to
make an informed decision about the acts he should add to his ever expanding
collection.
Magazine Text
This week in eleven;
3. Rock and roll returns.
See how upcoming British band, The Stags are
bringing Rock and Roll back to the main stage.
5. 60 years of Rock & Roll – Elvis
Look at just how influential ‘The King’ was to all rock and metal.
7. Rock through the years
See how this magnificent genre of music has
evolved.
11. Axl Rose talks Guns ‘n’ Roses
An exclusive interview with Guns ‘n’ Roses
front man, including exclusives on the Slash feud.
Editors pick...
3. ‘Rock and Roll Returns’
Starring rising stars The
Stags, a great insight into the baby steps in the music industry.
Elevens regulars;
9. Battle of the Bands
See how Poison and Motley Crue fair against
each other in another metal filled band comparison.
12. Celeb Metalhead
Russell Brand reveals his metal side.
13. 1-11: Reckless Love
We asked finish metal band Reckless Love their
1-11 inspirations.
14. Official Rock Charts
An exclusive look at this week’s Rock Charts.
14. This weeks ‘ELEVEN’ album recommendation
Which new release made our number one spot this
week.
15. Readers view
See what you’ve got to say…
16. Tour dates.
Bands to look out for near you.
EDITORS PICK...
9. BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Fan favourite battle of the bands returns for yet another
captivating awe inspiring addition starring none other than hair metal legends
Poison & Motley Crue! Check it out on page 9 >
SUBSCRIBE NOW.....
Like what you read?
Each month there are
chances to win prizes, such as; backstage passes, concert tickets to a band of
your choice and signed memorabilia. Only in Eleven. So don’t miss out subscribe
now at www.elevenmag.co.uk/subscribenow.
ON THE SOCIAL...
Follow our twitter page;
@ElevenMag for updates on everything that is turned all the way to ‘ELEVEN’
You can also like our
Facebook page; Official Eleven Magazine and follow our Instagram; @ElevenMag
for everything ‘ELEVEN’
THIS ISSUES BANDS...
bon jovi
deep purple
dio
Elvis Presley
FOO FIGHTERS
Guns ‘n’ Roses
halestorm
Iron Maiden
judas priest
laura wylde
Metallica
Motley Crue
nIRVANA
Poison
queen
rAINBOW
Reckless Love
status quo
STEEL PANTHER
The Stags
thunder
Wednesday, 29 October 2014
Production Diary
In todays lesson we looked at and analysed existing mastheads and names. By analysing the mastheads and names I was able to understand the significance of having a bold eye catching masthead because this is inevitably going to be the firs thing a reader will see. Furthermore the name is also important as it has to be memorable. For example the name Kerrang! originates from the sound of an out of tune guitar being strung. This makes it unique and therefore stands out against other magazine names such as Classic Rock to which ultimately serves a different purpose to Kerrang! This analysis has allowed me to deduce how I can approach creating my masthead and indeed magazine name.
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
Thursday, 16 October 2014
Uses and Gratification Theories of Music Magazines
Uses and Gratification Theories of Music Magazines
Music magazines serve many general purposes to its audiences. This can be categorised, four-fold. Said categories are as follows;
- Information
- Personal Identity
- Integration and Social Interaction
- Entertainment.
Firstly music magazines provide information to its readers in many different ways. The relay of information such as relevant events and societal expectations, plays a huge part in the information different genres relay to its readers. In addition the information aspect of music magazines, can add to a sense of fulfilment to the reader as from reading the magazine they will have gained knowledge, or will have leaned from the magazine. Furthermore the information has a societal impact on the reader because fans of a particular band or genre will desire as much information about said bands as possible in order to meet the social cliques' expectations.
Furthermore many music magazines aim to appeal to the personal identity of the reader, often using iconology to relay this notion. For example during the 1980's the 'New Wave of British Heavy Metal', 'Punk Rock' & 'Hair Metal' played massive roles in society and the way people dressed and presented themselves. For example, famous bands such as Motley Crue, Poison, Twisted Sister and Kiss, particularly in the United States, had a huge impact on fashion with many fans wishing to emulate their idols and they way they presented themselves, with such iconology as big hair, and obscene make up. For the same reason the punk revolt of the late 80's caused many people to copy Sex Pistols star, Johnny Rotten with such iconic things as safety pins in ears and Dr Martin boots. Magazines played a huge role in society at the time because often thy would provide style tips to readers that coincide with an image of important societal figures at the time leading many readers changing their own styles in order to feel a personal connection with the artist's presented, thus highlighting the personal identity enforcement in music magazines.
Integration and Social Interaction (as briefly mentioned) plays a massive part in magazine readerships, even in the modern day. Despite the encroachment of social media and the Internet music magazines are still a good source of information to fans, as many social cliques now resolve around the music world and particularly specific artists with many fan bases coming to the social foreplay in the modern era, with such developments as 'Directioners' (One Direction) and 'Beliebers' (Justin Beiber) causing many people determined to leave no stones unturned in finding information about their favourite artists, bringing a sense of one-up-manship within social cliques, that will give an indivudual the 'upper hand' and so this is why music magazines include such things and 'random facts' to appeal to the social sector, and to the readers demands.
Finally music magazines provide a much more innevitable purpose, this being entertainment. Reading provides much entertainment to people worldwide, and therefore the use of iconic acts and people audeinces find interesting to read about adds to the entertainment purpose of the magazine. Entertainment of music magazines effects people in many different ways, these include;
Furthermore many music magazines aim to appeal to the personal identity of the reader, often using iconology to relay this notion. For example during the 1980's the 'New Wave of British Heavy Metal', 'Punk Rock' & 'Hair Metal' played massive roles in society and the way people dressed and presented themselves. For example, famous bands such as Motley Crue, Poison, Twisted Sister and Kiss, particularly in the United States, had a huge impact on fashion with many fans wishing to emulate their idols and they way they presented themselves, with such iconology as big hair, and obscene make up. For the same reason the punk revolt of the late 80's caused many people to copy Sex Pistols star, Johnny Rotten with such iconic things as safety pins in ears and Dr Martin boots. Magazines played a huge role in society at the time because often thy would provide style tips to readers that coincide with an image of important societal figures at the time leading many readers changing their own styles in order to feel a personal connection with the artist's presented, thus highlighting the personal identity enforcement in music magazines.
Integration and Social Interaction (as briefly mentioned) plays a massive part in magazine readerships, even in the modern day. Despite the encroachment of social media and the Internet music magazines are still a good source of information to fans, as many social cliques now resolve around the music world and particularly specific artists with many fan bases coming to the social foreplay in the modern era, with such developments as 'Directioners' (One Direction) and 'Beliebers' (Justin Beiber) causing many people determined to leave no stones unturned in finding information about their favourite artists, bringing a sense of one-up-manship within social cliques, that will give an indivudual the 'upper hand' and so this is why music magazines include such things and 'random facts' to appeal to the social sector, and to the readers demands.
Finally music magazines provide a much more innevitable purpose, this being entertainment. Reading provides much entertainment to people worldwide, and therefore the use of iconic acts and people audeinces find interesting to read about adds to the entertainment purpose of the magazine. Entertainment of music magazines effects people in many different ways, these include;
- Feeling of Escapism
- Relaxation
- Cultural enjoyment
- Filling Time
- Emotional Release
- Sexual arousal
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
Saturday, 11 October 2014
Friday, 10 October 2014
Investigating a Music Magazines Business Model
Music Magazine: Kerrang!
The History Of Kerrang!;
- Kerrang!
is a UK rock music magazine.
- It is
edited by Geoff Barton and was initially a one time supplement in the sounds newspaper on the
6 June 1981.
- This focused
on the new wave of British Heavy Metal and the
rise of other hard rock acts during its prime during the 1980's with now instrumental bands in the genre such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, Saxon and Led Zepplin really becoming established names during this era..
- The original
owner was United newspaper who then sold it on to EMAP (East
Midland Allied Press) in 1991.
- However
then in 2008 EMAP sold its consumer magazine to the current owner Bauer Media
Group.
- AC/DC's illustrious guitarist was the first to appear on Kerrang!’s first
ever cover.
- Its been
released weekly from the 6 June 1981 and also has a website with all the
current news and previous issues (www.kerrang.com).
Publishing Company;
- Bauer Media is a small section of the
Bauer Media Group.
- Bauer Media Group is
Europe’s largest privately
owned publishing Group.
- Bauer Media. supports other media groups offering 300 magazines in 15 countries, online, TV and radio stations.
- Bauer Media is a multi-platform UK-based
media Group consisting of many companies.
- Two main attributes –
Magazines and Radio.
- Continuing its
history of magazine launches, closer was launched in 2002 and Britain's first weekly
glossy, GRAZIA, was launched in 2005.
- Bauer Media also publish 'Q' magazine. ‘Q’
magazine is a monthly published music magazine published by Bauer Media Group
and founded by Mark Ellen and David Hepworth, in October 1986. It's synonymous with its association with charities. The magazine includes a
very wide section of music, reissues, television, films, games etc. However
most of the magazine is filled with interviews. The target audience for the
magazine is aimed at the older generation who still to this day buy CD’s.
How Does Kerrang! Make Money;
Kerrang makes it money by exploiting its established multi-platformed media, including radio & television, this enables Kerrang! to 'make money' because it means they can plug there magazine for example, as advertisements on their television channel on radio broadcasts for no additional cost, persuading listeners and viewers to buy the magazine, and vise-versa for each of the platforms. In addition Kerrang! charges £2.20 for each of issue of their magazines sometimes increasing this with specific articles or gifts that may add value to the magazine.
Kerrang! also ensures regular readership through this same system, as well as offering things such as free posters, CD's and other band memorabilia, therefore giving readers the notion that they are benefiting from reading this magazine, leading them to become avid readers. Furthermore subscriptions are available both online and as a hard copy, making it multi-platformed and more accessible to potential readers.
Production Process;
Kerrang follows a generic music magazine and indeed other topic magazines, production process, that follows three main steps. These being;
- Pre-Production; This means ‘draft’ or ‘planning’. It is the first stage in production and this is where the vital research and planning is made so that you know exactly what is what.
- Production;The Production is the second process. Usually the most straight forward part, where a piece of ‘raw data’ text and images are created .
- Post Production;The third process in production would be Post- Production this is where editing takes place to ensure the issue will appeal to the target audience and all articles are relevant and censored.
Other Ways Of Raising Brand Awareness;
Kerrang! also hosts the Kerrang! awards, a prestigious day in the rock and heavy metal genre, in which the genre's pioneers and new comers unite and celebrate the music, with awards, for things such as, lifetime achievement, and best newcomer. This is an effective way of raising brand awareness because it will appeal directly to their target audience of whom will be most interested in an awards event for their idols, thus building a relationship and conceptual understanding of the magazines purposes potentially resulting in an increase in readerships.
Thursday, 9 October 2014
Production Diary
Today in media we looked at the representation of our chosen genres in music magazines. This was important because it provides us with some valuable information with regards to the way in which we would approach the production of our magazine in such features as the photo-shoot. The importance of a good photo-shoot was apparent during this task because, especially in my chosen genre of rock/metal, the mood is very specific and ensuring said mood is met appropriately is increasingly difficult. From this task I have learned therefore that my models in my photo-shoot have to be quite arrogant and rebellious in order to conform to the hegemonies of this genre.
Representation of Artists/Genre of Music
Heavy Metal in particular as a part of the Rock/Heavy Metal genre is constantly demeaned in society with many referring to the apparent satanic thesis that seems to accompany the genre. This is also presented in many magazines that explore the genre often presenting the topic (band or member) in a negative manor in an attempt to reflect the anti-societal notion that surrounded the genre at its peak d
uring the 1980's. The genre is represented in a variety of different forms, ranging from the title of the magazine, the photography used or the very content of the magazine itself.
This photo of famous metal band 'Motorhead's lead singer Lemmy Kilmister, accentuates how the metal genre is represented in music magazines. This particular cover provides a more stereotypical view of the genre. Also generically many of the artists are presented in a negative manner in rock and metal magazines and so that is something I aim to present in my photography for my front cover.
Clothing is an essential part of any music magazine but notoriously so with rock and metal magazines. The genre's movement during the 1980's centred largely around what the artists looked like, especially in the USA with 'hair bands' as they were referred to such as Motley Crue and Poison, being the idols for many youths at the time. Said looks soon became synonymous with the bands and so whenever they appear within magazines for example the look is expected to be upheld and so synonymous items of clothing such as denim and leather attires are expected by readers and so are likely to appear in the magazine. Therefore I aim for my model to wear leather and follow the protocols that seemingly follow the clothing aspect of the genre's magazine representation.
Iconography is a massive contributor to the genre's magazine representation. Often the artists presented on the cover of magazines will adopt a certain pose that may well be synonymous with that artist. For example in the cover below we see the infamous Ozzy Osbourne sporting a pose that is easily distinguishably a part of his character and his stature within the genre. Using this iconography is effective as the reader will directly relate to the pose and it therefore allows them to appreciate that issue of the magazine, and its contents.
The contents of the magazine are also influential in the representation of the genre as a large amount of pull quotes and other quotes feature throughout many of the stories. This is particularly prominent in this genre because it is widely known that the genre consists of many eccentric artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Axl Rose, Tommy Lee and Keith Moon, and providing a multitude of quotes is effective because it gives the reader an insight into their hectic and eccentric lifestyles further implying the importance of iconography in the representation of the rock and heavy metal in music magazines.
Conventions of Music Magazines
Rock/Metal Music Magazines.
As part of the courses research task section, I have looked at and analysed three different rock and heavy metal magazines. This is the genre I wish to portray as my final piece, and so I decided to analyse magazines within this field specifically, to take not of what aspects make a successful, rock/metal magazine.
There were three aspects of said magazine we had to analyse, this being;
- Cover Page
- Contents Page
- Feature Article (Double Page Spread)
Front Covers

Here we see a prime example of exactly how a full bleed is effective in a rock/metal magazine. This is effective because the name of the magazine is so synonymous with this genre and has been very well publicised, presenting the masthead clearly is not a necessity, instead it gives the magazine allowance to enlarge the image making it stand out to the reader, making the magazine potentially more desirable depending on the target audience, and in this case the use of two bands considered to be pioneers of the music genre, the target audience will indubitably be large and wide, further giving reason for the enlargement of the icons used.

In addition, although the textual colour differs between the two magazine above, the background colour remains a reoccurring theme; black. Connotations suggest that the genre is a dark and mysterious genre of music. However the more direct reasoning may be as a result of the pragmatical fashions of the era. The 1980's rock and heavy metal scene largely centred around black leather and big hair, something completely derived from the brightly coloured and dance filled 70's, and so became synonymous with this genre of music. Therefore the use of this colour is a reoccurring theme use by each of the following successful rock/metal magazines;
- Kerrang!
- Classic Rock
- Revolver
- Metal Hammer
- Decibel
and so, given this is the same genre as I wish to use in my final piece the use of black is essentially a necessity in this field. Colours such as red and white are also seemingly iconic with rock/metal magazines and so will also contribute, hopefully, to the success of my magazine.
Finally the use of sell lines is influential in any magazine as it informs the reader what else they can find within the magazine.
Contents Pages


Added professionalism is apparent in the use of banners and button to plug free gifts or other things into their magazines. This is also a reoccurring theme on the front covers, as it provides a unique selling point to the magazine further helping the magazine to be successful and is something I may use to further portray my understanding of the features of a successful magazine.
Both magazines presented on the left here, also present;
- Long Shots
- Mid Shots
- Close Ups
- Band Photos
Showing that for a successful contents page a variety of camera angles must be used to further incline my capabilities of software and key techniques.

Feature Articles (Double Page Spreads)

We see once again the re-use of the main colours previously examined, further suggesting the connotations with said colours and the genre of music being presented in the magazine. In addition however in both of the magazines presented here, we see many key attributes to a successful double page, feature article. This include;
- Pull Quotes
- Image bleeding
- Box Outs
Pull quotes are used predominately in both and are presented in much the same manner, in that they contrast with the background causing them to differentiate from the main article drawing reference to them. The Kerrang! extract below overlaps the main image. Most readers will be attracted, firstly, to the image, and then secondly to the pull quote due to its encroachment on the image. In the Classic Rock extract above, the main pull quote is presented in much the same way, in that it overlaps the main image, however in this instance it is also used as a heading for the page. This is effective as it draws the readers attention to this point, therefore it is apparent that in order to make my magazine look professional incorporating a technique such as a pull quote, in a similar layout could be particularly beneficial to me.
Furthermore in the Kerrang! extract we see how the images has been bled with the masthead of the article, therefore making it relative to the adjoining article, allowing the reader to have a visual perception of the text. This is also accentuated by the pull quote also being bled with the image, vitally beside the person being quoted, further adding meaning to the text. Classic Rock however have bled their main image with its adjoining text in a different way, using a box out as the main contributor to this process. Bleeding an image with the article is massively beneficial to a successful magazine, adding purpose, meaning and a visual aid to the article, whilst also making the article interesting and appealing to potential readers.
Finally as briefly mentioned above box-outs are also included in the generic conventions of a music magazine of this genre. Often they are used to derive from the main article by providing further additional information relative to the topic of the article. Classic Rock and Kerrang! both use box-outs effectively in their feature articles, both achieving the sole purpose of a feature article. On the contrary however it is the layout and set up the differentiates the two magazines, with Kerrang following the generic codes and conventions, by inserting within the textual part of the article, whereas Classic Rock have used their box-out rather unconventionally using it and bleeding it with the main image to provide a stepping stone effect with the important part of the article and the image being connected by a bit of random by relevant text regarding, in this case, Robert Plant.
To summarise therefore, the use of image bleeding, box outs and pull quotes will be very influential in the resultant success of my final magazine.
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