Music magazine analysis

Music Magazine Covers

Masthead – By putting the masthead behind the picture of Grohl, it suggests that he is more important than the actual content of the magazine. The size of the masthead itself is also important. It is big so that it stands out, and also the effect of broken glass shows the rock side, either letting us know the power or rebellion that rock music stands for.

The Header – this tells the audience extra information about who is going to be featured in the magazine. This particular issue states new gigs/tours. They would be familiar to the readers of the magazine.

The main image – is a mid shot of Dave Grohl, lead singer of the Foo Fighters. He is dressed casually, but in a red shirt that stands out. He is staring straight at the camera in a very arrogant way, perhaps showing that he knows how important he is to this issue (as we can see from the large caption across his chest).

Barcode/price/issue number – These are essential part of a magazine, although are usually placed in the bottom corners, away from all of the main copy/text/images of the cover.

The Footer – The Footer, similar to the header, gives extra information about what can be found in the magazine. It helps to appeal to the reader by using ‘plus’ which might suggest that there is a lot more to be found inside.

The rule of thirds – This is put into use to make the cover more appealing to the reader’s eye. Grohl has been placed in the middle third, slightly off centre as that is where the eye is usually drawn to, and the left third has been used for all of the important copy. The right third has been left pretty clear, mainly used for the barcodes and other less significant things.

The main caption – This has been placed strategically, in a place that is most obvious. It lets the audience know who the main image is of, and also who is going to have the biggest article within the magazine. It gives the reader a little clue as to what it’s going to be about (‘Uk Tour Exclusive’) which often helps to sell more magazines and broaden the size/range of the audience.

This little bit here along the left third also gives a clue as to what will be featured in this issue.

Masthead – The masthead here has been brought to the front of the image, but is only small so does not affect the main image in any way. The title is bold and red with a black and white border in order to make it stand out. Making it quite big also has this effect.

The left third – This is usually used to put some of the more important cover lines in, as you can see from this issue.

The edge of the left third has a ripped effect, perhaps symbolising rebellion? You could also say that these newer talents have been discovered, and the older talents have been tore from the spotlight.

The Footer – As you see on most covers, the footer has been used to list the content of the magazine that doesn’t fit into the cover lines around the edge.

Barcode/Price/Issue number.

The Main Image – the main image on this magazine is a close up, although Morrissey is stood on an angle, looking down on the reader through the corners of his eyes; this suggests he thinks he is better than us. He is dressed in a black suit which gives the impression of power and sophistication, and it radiates the fact he has money. The background is simple, showing a couple of skyscrapers which suggest America. (New York, maybe?)

The main caption – The top 3 words have been placed on top of the other, although they look as though they are toppling over. This gives the impression that there is no control over Morrissey, especially when they use the word ‘again’ which tells the reader that this has happened before; this then reinforces the thought of uncontrollability. These words are also underlined and in bold which makes them stand out from the background, the image and the other text.

A pull quote has been used to give the reader an idea what sort of things will be said within the interview that is featured.

The Header – On this particular issue, the header has been used to tell the reader what can be found within the magazine as a form of free merchandise.

Masthead – the masthead on this magazine is pink, perhaps suggesting it is a magazine aimed at girls, especially those of a young age.

The footer – on this issue, the footer is broken up by the barcode and price because the rest of the cover is too crowded for it to go elsewhere. It also gives the reader promises about what sort of articles they can find inside the magazine.

Pull Quotes – These have been used in order to try and pull the reader in so that they will buy the magazine to find out why these things have been said. The ‘those’ has been put in italic to ensure that it stands out, and adds a sense of mystery as to who ‘those’ people are.

The left third – it contains pictures of popular pop band McFly going go-karting, something you would not often expect to see a pop band doing. The yellow frame makes the photographs stand out.

The main image – the main image has been is quite small and doesn’t take up much room on the cover. He has also been placed slightly behind the photos in the yellow frame, suggesting that he is not the main focus of the magazine, and that the other people who appear on the front all have equal focus within the issue.

The colour scheme is pink and yellow which are bright, poppy colours that fit in well with the type of music. (i.e. not heavy and dark like rock or metal etc)

Music Magazine Contents Pages

Serif font on the title.

Issue number and date.

Main image.

Serif font.

Letter from the editor.

Other images to let the reader know what else is in the magazine other than what is listed below.

The Actual content of the magazine.

Music Magazine Double Spread Pages