Media AS Coursework : Music Magazines. Analysis of Front Cover and Contents Page.

REVOLUTION

My magazine is called Revolution and is based around club/dance music or general mixed music etc. I chose this title as it mixed with the main audience as ravers and how they tend to rebel against society and dress in an unorthodox fashion by making themselves as different to the general public as possible, so this for me fitted quite well and seemed reasonable.

My target audience is;

• young/mature outgoing people
• enjoys dancing/nightclub life
• fashionable, via raver/casual look
• Junior DJ's or DJ's
• fan of electro/dance music

So overall they will tend to be around 16-28 or possibly 35, would like to enjoy life to the full by having different experiences and regularly going out raving/partying with there mates to there nearest nightclub or venue etc. Dress sense will be quite over-the-top or expressive or even just a casual look (beach, surfer, chilled out) so for that : light coloured hoody with a good branded t- shirt with light footwear as if to a raver would wear slightly more extreme like bright colours jumper with an opposite coloured t shirt and jeans/coloured trousers with random foot wear (hair might be dyed or styled(can be for both)). These people will also have a big music collection or CD's/or uploaded on to there computers varying from different DJ's to remixes of new tracks and some retro tunes from the past, this could be a variation between different people but should be slightly similar. However DJ's could possibly buy the magazine for the same conditions plus they would like to look at the new gear out for DJing/Mixing and there rivals and whats popular at the moment via competition, looking for ideas and just keeping track on things.

Analysis of Front Cover.




Now I going to analyse my Front Cover for my magazine Revolution and explain why I chose what I did and why it would appeal to my audience.

Use of Font;

The type of font which is mainly used for my magazine/front cover is 'neuropol' which is a modern/futuristic based font, this I chose as it looked classy and different to other fonts also it shows an rebellion side to things by not using points or sharp edges in any of the characters so as the title 'revolution' it kinda fits by it rebelling against all other fonts which are generally sharp edged and standard. However the 'R' in the top left hand side of the front cover is in the font 'starcraft' this I decided to do as it a comparison to the 'neuropol' font in which in terms it uses sharp edges etc but additionally in its own way like 'neuropol' it looked modern/futuristic as well by it being rebellious by the character not fully connecting and how it over points like it has blades or shapes overstretching, if looked at looks out of this world or foreign to what were used to. With that factor it will be easier to brand the magazine as following the conditions remembering the logo for the audience and recognition for the magazine will be helpful and clearer.

Use of Colour;

Colour wise I mainly aimed for being over exaggerated within the ravers theme by using colours to there full (mainly primary), this I achieved by colouring the fonts with all comparisons so it all stand's out and looks rather different compared to a stereotypical magazine. Hopefully by me doing this I fought the audience would appreciate is as its wanting to look different and statementing to society the type of music/scene which we like to live. The logo in the top left 'R - Revolution' is in a bright red so it is more revealing to the persons naked eye and could be spotted almost simultaneously in a magazine shelf surrounded by magazines connecting to this the main flash/headline of the magazine 'DM Helm' (stating the DJ) is also designed to do this by being coloured 'black writing with a white boarder' so it is as the title quite revealing and appealing to the audience/public. All other text on the front cover is in a bright colour against a black or dark background, this was done because of what I said before and the fact it looked rebellious keeping in the stimulus of the magazine.

Use of Images;

For my front cover I decided to go for a one image design as I it would be easier to achieve and will look less messy and clearer to look at. The image is a low-angle shot of the DJ 'DM HELM' however i decided to brighten it up to the max to express is abit more and to give those colours there full effect. I chose a low-angle shot as it makes the DJ look more powerful giving him that Godlike status and so hes looking down on the reader to show how big he is and that they must look up to him (for there culture he is a legend making a return) plus with DM Helm posing looking down at the camera and with his hand fully extended nearly over the camera lens, it gives the impression he is controlling for which could be deceived as the world or society or this can be shown as he is making magic with the backing of the bright white in the background and other colours almost coming out the picture stating he makes magic which are his tracks/songs. Additionally by him look magnificent and powerful it shows him in good shape and his condition is better than ever so it gives the audience hope that he can smash the newcomers out with his tunes and is still there legend/icon.


Analysis of Contents Page.

Next to analyse is my contents page of my magazine.
I will follow the same kinda design for how I analysed my Front Cover and still explain why I chose what I did and for how it connects to my audience.


Use of Font;

Font in the contents page is still following which I chose before in the front cover and genrally to symbolise the magazine 'neuropol' and 'starcraft'(logo). Same as I said previously about 'neuropol' and 'starcraft' in the front cover explanation follows to the contents page. I wanted this as it helps being linked to the colours etc which I am going to explan in the 'Use of Colour' mainly as they both have the principles of being modern/furtistic and I belive my target audience will be attracted to them.

Use of Colour;

My strategy for colour for Revolutions contents page was to use contrast of colours to the max. This i achieve very well as I used the simple black or dark background with bright coloured writing over-the-top however with the 'neuropol' style text by me taking away a boarder colour for the characters of the text I created the writing to be like neons. This I wanted as it could relate the audience to a night club and also it gives that futuristic/out of this world feel to it that I believe the audience would appreicate and like the slick style it gave in addition it looks more formal so it could add a kinda structure or organisation for it to be clearer and easier for the reader to read.

Use of Image;

Clinging to the fame of 'DM HELM' I chose a side shot of him posing holding a record with one finger, this I believe will make the audience look up at him showing off his skills and by is being a side shot they get a climse of the legend at a side view which the audience is not normally use to, giving them a special experience. Plus with me adding in no effects etc, I think by the audience seeing him come back just seeing him as person respect to him will grow and also they get more of a personal feel for the picture as like there meeting him.

Conventions Of Club/Dance magazines.

The conventions I found from club/dance magazines were;

• Modern style font, the use of this gives it a modern/state of the art feel and in ways makes it look eccentric and in your face especially when used in bold, making it stand out just like there readers then to do with there fashion and raves. Adding on, sometimes the use of line kinda font is used, this is thin letters/characters which gives us the effect or future/rebellious so its more appealling and is inways easy to read with a dark background when light and its mainly fashionable.

• The colours the magazines tend to use are mainly primary like bright blue, yellow,white. All of these are very appealing and create a happy/dance kinda atmosphere, additionally these colours mixed with a dark background make it look futuristic and out of this world to give the impression that its special and you will have the time of your life also this can make it look more reebellious for it to stand out even more against anything else.

• The use of images the magazines use are; In normal circumstances an artist doing something spectacular or fashionable to make them look like the artist is magical with there music or just individuals which only want to stand out and make to make there music heard (making a statement or whatever). On the other hand some magazines use women in bikini's to makes a summer kinda feel to make it all happy/positive and they can get the male audience involved with all the women and beauty.

• Stories/main flash. These are mainly based around; DJ's making a come back or realising a new track after a long time, new songs/albums, biography's, artists lifestyles, fashion, new gear for DJ's, artists top ten or views on other artists, interviews, events, events review's, whats the next big thing, rising stars, news, these kinda things etc.

Target audiences for mixmag and DJ.

mixmag target audience profile.

http://www.mixmag.net/content/reader-profile

The median age of a Mixmag reader is 26 - 72% male, 28% female - and they tend to be urban and single.
They have a high disposable income and a high propensity to spend it on:
Nights out
Clothes
Tunes
The latest mobile and MP3 player
Nearly 80% do not read another music magazine and they spend little time watching TV, especially at weekends.

DJ target audience profile.

http://www.djmag.com/pdf/DJmagspecs.pdf

DJmag readers are young, predominantly male and highly
enthusiastic about DJ and club culture. They regularly
spend a high proportion of their income on CDs and
vinyl. They also invest heavily in the latest technology,
from turntables to home/portable hi-fi to music-making
gear. Almost all are regular club goers, willing to travel
both nationally and internationally to explore the
world’s most exciting clubs and bars.

My magazine.

For my magazine I would like to base if similar to these two magazines. I will aim for that young, club culture kinda person, which spend regular money mainly on music, gigs, nightclubs etc and fashion wise are very fashionable and have all the new gear like an Ipod etc.
Presentation wise I will like to take abit out of both magazines, with the light against dark effect and aim for that summer/nightclub effect with bright happy modern colours.
Also my stories and main sells will be similar like a new DJ, new songs/albums, events,
new gear/fashion, gossip and so on.
Through-out the magazine with in writing terms will be like DJ and mixmag, very informal mainly however when writing a article , will be formal for like a DJ's background or news etc.

Mixmag front Cover Analysis

Title : I believe magazine has been given this name as it states in the name 'Mix' which is a term for a record or DJ song or a mix of sounds and this is relevant in the DJ/raving theme or area and with this word attached to 'mag' which is short for magazine. I also believe this makes the magazine sound like it's all mixed up with lots of different info inside and all the new gear etc to make it a mix. So this works very well in my understanding.

Use Of Font : The font use is a modern/traditional bold text and a little use of stencil(this I think is due to that event is always presented in that themed font). I think they used the bold effect to there modern, is to make it look more in your face and stylish, also this is very easy to read so reader can just have a quick glance and be able to read it and acknowledge what it said. However the magazine adds in another font a thin style font under some of the bold writing and I believe this is done to make it look more glamorous so when your up close reading it, you will have time to read so they can just focus on style and make it look like there audience themed writing (club/rave theme so it will modern/futuristic).

Use Of Colour : The colours in use in the front cover are; primary colours blue, white, yellow and for the odd writing black. This I think is done to give the summer(happy) kinda feel to the magazine to represent all the summer beaches and holiday times he readers might regularly have. As the clubbing/raving area is mainly done on a hot summer beach with a DJ or a bright colour night club, with all the bright colours on display on the front cover this does suit it.

Use Of Language : The language through out the front cover is very informal, with uses of slang and shortened word's (stylin' and mixin'). I believe this is done to attract the right audience and relate to certain people like young DJ's, ravers, club fans etc.

Target Audience : Young, 18-30, raver, dance/DJ mixed music fan.

The Image : The image in use gives us the beach kinda rave feel, with a beautiful girl in a bikini giving a dancing pose. By her dressing in a bikini and wearing sunglasses this instantly gives us the feel/image of a beach/holiday atmosphere (party, fun, having a good time) and by her being full of bright and different colours (additional jewelery) shows us this rebellion kind of and gonna have a good time impression to what the magazine or there culture is about. On the other hand the women can be there to draw men to read the magazine as in the club/nightclub scene there is hot girls and men might feel they want to get into that scene or just to have a look at the gorgeous babe.

Main Sells : The main sells for this magazine are event reviews or upcoming events, new songs/DJ's new albums, fashion tips, effects to the culture, changes etc etc.

The information presented is ; bar code, price, date, issue number.

The types of stories in the main flash are; fashion, news, events, tips, guides, gossip.

Analysis DJ magazine (Front Page, Contents Page and a Double Page)

Chosen Genre : Club/Techno/DJing



Other titles within the genre : Mixmag, Ministry Of Sound



The title of the magazine is called 'DJ'. I think this is called this because the Dj controls the music for the dance floor or the club and that DJ's might read the magazine or check up on the latest stuff/gear etc and its all about DJ's really so its quite relevant.



FRONT COVER.



Use of font : The font in the magazine is modern and eccentric, so it creates that crazy, wacky and party style theme. The use of bold and capital letters are used to give this effect as this helps it stand out so people can spot the writing easier and stays with the theme. It also relates to its readers as there mainly 'Ravers' they tend over the top and very in your face.



Use Of Colour : The colour use the mag uses is more contrasted colours like light against dark or with a dark boarder to make it stand out more and attractive while staying with in the theme as I stated earlier. Colours like 'Yellow' 'Orange' 'Red' 'Black' etc all of them against the opposite colour.



Use Of Language : This magazine language is informal. As it uses slang, statements and Artists - Songs etc. Also by it being informal as it is shown more rebellious and wacky staying with the theme and the 'Rave'/'Party' scene of just going mad and not caring.



Target Audience : The target audience is between 16 - 30 as this is the prime years for going to nightclubs and gig's etc. Additionally these ages are more like teenage/young adult party scene ages of going Ibiza or Crazy Party Holiday's etc.



The image is a low angle shot of a DJ, realising a dove from his hand. This is a pose shot in a studio or set. They have chose a DJ as he is a well known artist/DJ and is realising his new album. In the low angle pose he lots superior and almighty, stating he is like known as a God or Icon, this could be viewed as he is an inspiration to the audience also with the dove coming out his hands it shows he is magical/special for realising such good music. Generally the image would be optional male or female but i think generally male DJ's and famous wise internationally will probably generally what 'DJ' will show.



Main Sells : The main sells are new realises of album's/song's and reviews of these, DJ reveal there secrets and DJ's best and worse of dance music covers etc.



Information : Date, Bar Code, Volume/NO, price, other price outside the UK.



An issue contains 162 pages.



Stories in the main flash are like DJ's making a come back, DJ's mixing with other DJ's, the main new news. Also events and venues, and just what happened there and new albums coming up just general news.

Double Page.

Title : The title is 'Pray For Reign' this plays with what the article is about, the artist 'Yo Majesty' and saying that they pray for them to reign for long etc and that it states they are hoping to pray for a like revolution of music.




Use Of Font : The font style in the article and the title are the same as 'Modern' with 'Thin' style letters. This gives is an modern, raving/club theme. Also There is the one use of BOLD with the word 'REIGN' this i believe is emphasized to make it stand out and catch the readers eye.



Use Of Colour : Colour wise again, same as the Front Cover, keeping the contrast of the colour like light and dark, white against black. I think this gives an rebellious look to it and makes the impression that they don't care about society and authority all they wanna do is have a good time and rave.



Use Of Language : The language is informal/formal. It uses slang and short term lines but suddenly goes to serious with no slang just standard English as it talks about the background of an artist and important information etc. Formal is mainly in the articles however informal is in the titles and subheadings.

The image's are all slight low angle shots of the duo 'Yo Majesty', there all set in a kinda ghetto undeveloped area however the duo are doing poses like against there authentic look. These are like a Kung Fu crane, begging, flicking the hat and a random silly dance. By them doing this it's showing like stated in the first sub line 'Revolution' of culture and well being, and back ups there going all out to mix it up and create something new.





Contents Page.



Use Of Font : The font through-out the contents page is a modern style font which is kinda curvy and no sharp edges in the characters. This I think is to keep the theme going of wacky, slight futuristic/modern style.

Use Of Colour : Keeping the contrasting colour effect as I previously have mentioned. The main colours in use are white, black, blue, pink, red. All of them very out going and one of a kinda like there readers which tend to be out going people and like the mix of colours like mixing a record. Also these colours are easy to read with the light against dark and dark against light effect.

Use Of Language : The language in the contents page is overall is informal, with the use of slang and short term words. I think this is as it needs to bring the reader in by using there kinda text and abbreviations to words.

Use Of Images : All the images in view in the contents page are linked to what the sells/contents listings. The images are to do with DJing and mixing, these are like a DJ deck, club dance floor, a crowd etc. These will also help attract the contents listing with a famous artist and the latest new gear for DJ's reading the magazine or young youths which take it as a hobby etc.