Analysis

[MUSIC MAGAZINE COVERS]

[PROMOTIONAL POSTERS]

to the popular saying that a ’picture is worth a thousand words’; looking at this poster, this saying has been taken literally as the image covers the majority of the area. This, importance being reflected by size, seems to be a reoccurring pattern within a lot of the promotional posters I’ve seen.

Like many other promotional posters, importance of information is shown through size. The name of the artist can be seen at the top of the poster, showing us that this is the most important thing above all else. It is also in the biggest font, further emphasizing this importance. The image then covers the majority of the poster showing us that even though the band is important, in this case, promoting their album is more significant. The significance of this image can also be linked

The main image is a painting, linking in with

the artistic element within the groups music. It reflects the medieval period where folk music

was popular, in regard to this poster, this acts as a link to the bands folk style music. In addition

to this, in a review from The Guardian's The

Observer, it is mentioned that ‘agricultural labour’ is ‘as folk a theme as you

could wish for’ further explaining the reasons

behind the choice of image. Incorporating the names of

the awards earned by the artist acts as a promotional device; their inclusion allowing consumers to be impressed and also influencing them to buy the record. By repeating the word ’year’ the poster magnifies the artists high level of achievement as well as highlighting their competition.

There is a lot going on in the foreground of the

image –suggesting that the music on the album is

either fast paced or that the music incorporates the

use of a number of instruments.

The inclusion of the artist’s record company

‘BELLA UNION’ (shown below) reassures the consumer as they are able to recognise

that the product is legitimate. In addition to this, it is also common to

see a relative website on a promotional poster,

reinforcing this legitimacy.

By making the album ‘Available at iTunes’ (shown below) the artist has made their product more accessible to its audience.

The black background of the poster allows both the white text and the image to stand out and therefore catch the consumers attention.

Within the image itself there are two sets of storm clouds. Taking into consideration the image as well as the record title, this may be symbolic of those in love who experience hardships (e.g. arguments or fights). It may also be the artists interpretation of love which suggests that love is like the weather and cannot be predicted. Looking at each set individually, the majority of the poster seems to be covered by the lighter clouds, suggesting that the good parts within love overweigh the bad. However, the fact that the lighter area still has darker parts to it suggests that this love can be penetrated.

In addition to this, the clear division between the two sets of clouds, also suggest that the artist is able to differentiate between these good and bad moments. This allows the product to become more relatable, enabling consumers to, in a way, connect with the product on a more personal level.

Again, through the inclusion of the record label and artist website, the audience is able to recognise that the product is

legitimate.

There is a clear link between the image and text. Through the use of the word ‘Noise’ we are able to associate the record name with the image of the storm clouds. By using a metaphor as the title of the record, the artist is able to portray their message through the use of a metaphorical image

Again, through size, the name of the artist comes across as the most important. However, it uses no capitals in contrast to the all capital lettered record title, this comes across as eye catching as it is unusual and uncommon. In addition to this, the specific effect on certain letters due to the font style, e.g. the slight slant of the V’s, makes the text memorable, in my opinion, the font choice is effective in this way.

By mentioning the different ways of receiving the record, this promotional poster has made its product more accessible to its audience.

The use of the colours black, white and red are extremely suggestive of

the Rock genre. The predominant use of black is

slightly predictable as

it reflects the dark edge to

both the genre and music.

By offering multiple products there is a higher chance that the audience will be interested in buying something, in a way, giving off the impression that the band is well known and, therefore, allowing consumers to want to know more about them. However, this approach may be less effective as there is more for consumers to focus on.

Throughout the entire bottom third, key words have been highlighted -making them more memorable. In addition to this, the other products being promoted use the same image as the central one (however one has been reversed), by doing this it is easier for the consumer to remember what these products look like. The fact that these images have been repeated makes this memorability stronger, also creating a sense of dominance (or stage presence) on the artist's part. By wearing the colour black the artist’s authority is emphasized.

There are three fonts present on this poster all

of which contrast with one another.

Through these different font

styles the consumer is able to distinguish

the artist from the song title to the information provided within

the bottom third. The difference in font also makes the information clearer as it

makes it easier to understand. In addition to this,

importance is, again, shown

through size; the difference in fonts further

highlights these significances.

The main image shows a member of the band looking up, possibly to God; this, possibly, links in with the record title where it reads ‘September Ends’ -through this idea, we are able to make links to Judgement day, possibly broadening the audience out to a more religious market.

The band member looks as though he is performing -this may act as a reflection of the largely performance based videos that come from the Rock genre.

By using a large central image, the promotional poster becomes bold and makes the product more noticeable to the consumer.

The repetition of the words ‘OUT NOW’ are statement-like. In a way, they act as a command, therefore, consumers are more likely to respond to this order.

By specifying the day of

release the consumer is given the

impression that it is a special occasion –in a

way, making the product more

exclusive.

The small introductory-like paragraph is both persuasive and informative. This persuasion is continued with the mention of a ‘FREE DVD’. By doing this the product being promoted becomes more attractive to the consumer as it lures them in.

Further persuasion takes place through the mention of the ‘Make Poverty History’ charity (shown right), by includingthis, consumers will be more enthusiastic about buying the product as they’d know it would be going to a good cause. In addition to this, through the inclusion of logos and websites, consumers are reassured c of the products legitimacy.

[CD COVERS]

This ‘Friendly Fires’ record is based on Aldous Huxley's final novel ‘Island’, it tells the story of a journalist shipwrecked on the fictional island of Pala. This island supports a utopian society which is reflected through the inclusion of an

exotic bird. This image is placed in front of a black background, making its presence more prominent, therefore, catching the attention of the consumer. The vivid colours of the bird possibly act as a reflection of the pop/dance element within the music as well as its influences from around the world. In addition to this, the bird is shown mid-flight possibly suggesting that the band are taking off in terms of their music, also creating a sense of freedom and nature which

then goes back to records influence from the novels utopian society.

The image on the Foals record, as well as the title, looks hand drawn –creating a sense of sincerity around the record and also giving off the impression that band has worked hard and put a lot of effort into it.Looking at the image itself, it is very abstract, making the audience feel intrigued to know more. The mouth full of pills, however, create a clear link between the image and record title. This point is further emphasized by the use of colour being concentrated in that area.

In both covers, the importance of an element (an image or text) is shown through size. However, looking at Friendly Fires’

record, this importance seems to be balanced as the band name uses an opaque,

block colour to show its significance while the album title uses a bigger font

equalizing the levels of importance; this balance in importance is further reiterated by the fact that the record title ‘PALA’ is translucent. Nonetheless, in both cases the images seems to be the centre of attention.

In regard to both record covers, they incorporate the use of a simple layout.

Through this simplicity these

covers come across as modern and

stylish, making it eye catching and

interesting to the consumer as it draws

their attention directly to the

image.Both records are from the Indie genre but take on a completely different appearance to one another. Keeping in mind that Indie is still a relatively new genre, originating in the 80’s, this contrast in approach may come down to the fact that the Indie genre has no particular colours associated with it -further emphasized by use of various colours on both records.

The confidence behind both bands are shown through the images of their record covers. Looking at the Foals record, the image is sharp and includes the use of defined lines, this shows the consumer that they know who they are. The fact that the detail of the image, i.e. shading, colour, is centred around the face and neck area, shows us that the band is still developing. In addition to this, the minimal use of colour along with the use of black on beige suggests more of a Rock edge within the record. In regard to the Friendly Fires record, again, the band’s confidence is shown through the strength and vibrancy of the images colours as they stand out from the black background. The main image of this cover remains sharp and defined but as a whole, there is a softer edge to it -giving us an insight into what the record is like.*

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The fact that the image occupies the entire cover, suggests that the artist is the most important factor within her music, it may also suggest that she is proud of what she has created. This is emphasized by the fact that her name is in the largest font as well as the boldest.

Looking at this cover, it seems as though it has taken some influence from the Sex Pistols single cover for ‘God Save The Queen’ (shown right) –this is a good example of how the Pop

genre takes its influences from other genres. However, in order to adapt to stay within the conventions of Pop, this cover incorporates the use of the bright colour pink -linking in with the genres girly origins. Saying this, however, looking at this cover it is clear to see that development has been made within the Pop genre itself as the artist, formally a

part of Pop group Girls Aloud, is also widely known within the fashion industry.

Like many covers, this one takes on a very simple format –making it look more modern and, in my opinion, more professional. The cover also incorporates the use of both striking and contrasting colours, making it stand out amongst its competition and, therefore, more successful sales-wise.

Looking at the use of bright colours within this cover, we are able to see that the product is being aimed toward a young audience demographic –possibly aimed more toward females through the covers predominant use of the colour pink. Through its further use of luminescent lighting, the artist is made to look flawless enabling us to see how the artist conforms to suit the conventions of Pop. In addition to this, the artist’s flawless-ness allows its young audience to aspire to be like her.

The fact that her eyes are

covered by her record title

creates a direct link between the

two. Saying this, the lack of text makes

the cover straightforward

and easy to understand.

The vibrancy of her red lips can be liked to the

ginger colour of her hair –

possibly suggesting that this colour is her trademark.

The paleness of the background

allow these vibrant colours to stand out to

the consumer.

The use of the colour red connotes danger which links in with the record’s title ‘troublemaker’. In addition to this, the red looks as though it is spreading outward -slightly mimicking a sort of burning effect. This suggests that the ‘trouble’ being caused is present throughout the record; the ‘burn’ effect mentioned previously also contributes to the element of danger that the title suggests.

though the image is silhouetted, it is clear to see that the artist is looking at the view. This could also be interpreted as him overseeing his surroundings, in which case suggests that he has the upper hand. In addition to this, looking at his stance and body language, he seems comfortable in his position, suggesting that he is happy with something -possibly even proud. Saying this, his stance also mimics that of a superhero watching over a city, however, this would contradict the title of the record, suggesting that he plays a darker part within his songs, again linking to the name of the record.

The use of the colour white for the text; and the presence of trees and greenery in the background of the image, juxtapose the sense of danger and ‘trouble making’ created by the use of red in the bottom left corner of the record cover. The white of the text stands out making its presence known. The contrasting use of black and white on this cover, again, links in with its title.

The image shows a black silhouette of the artist, making it seem as though he is a shadow. This, along with the fact that he has his whole body turned away from the camera and also holds no eye contact creates a sense of mystery; allowing consumers to become intrigued and therefore consider buying the record. Even

The slight cityscape, also in the background, suggests that the record has an urban edge to it. The fact that it is in the background and slightly faded suggests that this background information isn’t as important as the artist himself. In addition to this, a city is often associated with a fast paced life-style. This allows consumers to gain an insight into what the record is like and, consequently, whether or not they’d buy it based on their preferences.

The name of the artist is in capitals giving off the impression that it is being shouted –this reflects the personalities of the artist. In addition to this, the lines separating their name from the picture and the title of the single suggests that they stand out and are not the same as everyone else, again, reflecting the persona of the act.

The colours used on this cover i.e. blue, grey, black and white reflect the song title ‘ICE ICE BABY’.

The importance of certain elements within this cover are clearly being shown through the use of different levels and surface areas. For example, the image is taking up the most space as they are the brand; their name then follows,

The image shows the Jedward boys. They are clearly linked due to the fact that they are twins, the fact that they are wearing similar outfits emphasizes this link between them.

The centre of the cover is lighter, giving off the impression of a spotlight, therefore, drawing the attention of consumers to the heart of cover and allowing them to recognise them as the main attraction.

The featuring artist is shown in white, linking in with the song and also

distinguishing their importance on the track.

Within the eyes of the public, Jedward are seen as immature and childish, however, in terms of their music, Jedward take on a slightly more serious approach. Looking at this image, both of these attitudes are on show through both of their facial expressions. The fact that the more serious expression is in front of the mischievous one suggests

that the seriousness of their music career comes first. By doing this, the consumer is able to take them seriously. The fact that they are both wearing suits further reinforces this seriousness as it gives off the impression that they are professional.

slightly smaller, clearly showing that it is not as important as the ‘artists’ themselves but still significant.