In order of completing my front cover of a music magazine, I have researched a number of realistic music magazines that have previously been published, as way of getting to know the styles of music they cater for. The types of magazines I have chosen all resemble the genre I have chosen and so are perfect for gathering ideas. The 3 magazines I have chosen to analyse are: NME, Q and Shindig. These are a mix of individual and retro which is what I am aiming for in my magazine.
Language
The cover of this magazine is quite simple but still works at the same time. It focuses upon one main thing, which is in this case is Mark Ronson and his instruments. He is the first thing you come across when you look at the front cover and this automatically makes us assume he is the main story and the double page spread will feature him.Also you cant help but be drawn to the theme of orange. It is used as the main colour and makes it come across quite fun. Its not the typical NME magazine cover you may come across as they are usually quite dark. This suggests to me that it maybe goes against the conventions of 'indie'. When I think of 'indie' I usually think of it been quite a more darker genre not as dark as rock and metal but not as happy as pop, Its some were in between. There is quite a fair bit of text on the cover of this magazine which maybe represents the social side to the magazine.This is something which I will include on mine as it is one of the many conventions of a music magazine. It Also includes a bar code which automatically informs the audience that I think I would be quite drawn in as I would want to know of the sort of new stuff Mark Ronson is offering. The language on the front cover of this magazine us used rather well. Its not cluttered together so it looks quite neatly done however I think as the genre is 'indie' this would have been better done quite close together with a lot of information showing the edgy side to the genre. This is something I hope to do in mine.
The contents page I have found includes a lot more writing than pictures. But this is expected as it is the page that states what is featured in the magazine.A lot of contents page include a lot of information and pictures so the fact this one does to shows it follows the conventions. The images included are 'indie' looking and so it is easy to tell what type of genre it is. It main colours appear to be red,black and yellow. These are quite colours that are associated with this sort of style and so work well on the contents page. I would think that from this the front cover for this issue used sort of the same theme. I have generally found that from looking through NME, the colours usually are continuous on the front cover to the contents and sometimes even throughout. This is one thing I will choose to do in my magazine. In this contents page it includes a voucher to subscribe, this is something that I think helps keep the connection between the magazine and the audience. Its making them feel apart of it. I think this is something that could could potentially be an idea for my contents page.
The double spread page is quite creative and is interesting because of how it looks. It features the colour blue as the main colour and includes one main photo with a selection of others. This is one thing that is popular in many music magazines and so could be seen as one of the conventions. I may potentially decide to do something similar to this. The main heading in this double page spread has a blue box around it with black text. I like the idea of having this as its almost like your outlining important issues. Its easy to see what are the headings as they have been purposely made more bold. Most magazines tend to do this. I think this could also work well on the front cover of the magazine. This double page spread doesn't just include a main story but it has an extra slot for other little brief stories. Not many magazines choose to do this however it is quite good as it shows variety in stories but I like the idea of having a double page for one story. The band are featured are the stereotypical looking 'indie' band and people will relate to this. The genre has once again been considered and so it is being conventional.
Institution
The main institution for NME magazine is IPC Media. They are responsible for the publication and publish the magazine. This isn't really made clear to the audience but it can usually be found on the contents page. The institution is the same for the front cover, contents and double spread as its all apart of the same magazine.
IPC Media publishes over 85 iconic magazines that attract both men and women. There magazines sell over 350 million copies each year and are known allover the world. Some of the other publications they are responsible for are Marie Claire, Now, TV Times, Look and world soccer. These are some of the most popular magazines around the world including NME and are looked upon as very classy magazines. This gives IPC Media a good impression.
NME has been published the longest out of all the music magazines sold weekly in the world. It reaches over one million of the fans that crave music in particular this kind. It is very modern and attracts many people in the world. It attracts both females and males but could be seen more for the male generation.
Ideology
As the cover of NME magazine that I have chosen isn't as interesting as it can get, and the writing on the cover is quite bland, its use of ideology doesn't come across as well as it could. Also the one picture that is included on the front of this magazine doesn't give a good impression as he looks like hes got something hes not meant to have. However this magazine almost encourages everyone to unleash their rebel side and so this actually may work really well with their morals. The beliefs with this type of genre allows people to be who they want to be and express who they are 'individual' and I think that not only with this front cover but with most NME front covers this comes across quite well. I think its mostly the photography captured and put on the front that creates the ideology. How the people in the photos are represented also ties in with ideology and what kind of message or morals they are trying to portray. On my magazine cover I think I will stick to the same sort of thing and have my pictures as the main focus to make ideology come across.
The contents page does a similar thing as the front cover. The pictures don't really give off anything and so I cant say that I get any message or sense of ideology from it. All I see is that the men featured in the pictures are being allowed to do what they do best which is sing and no one is stopping them. They are expressing them selves through their music maybe. This is a good thing to maybe feature in a contents page as it may reflect how the magazine may be throughout. It may automatically make the audience assume that the magazine is a bit out there and has put what they thought would be good and entertaining. Also the contents clarifies what will be featured in NME and so the audience can already make there mind up on whether it interests them.
The double page spread is actually a lot more interesting for ideology. It has in big bold letters ' The teenagers' and a picture of a boy band that appear like they could be teenagers. The picture shows them just lounging about doing as they please which could refer to the belief of free will. They appear as if they are where they want to be and no one is stopping them. This is one of the looks I am aiming to put across in my photos. They look quite dignified in the photos and seem relaxed. They are showing respect for themselves. This could use the idea of ideology as it may show that the magazine has respect for those of a younger generation and not just the older. The back ground they are put upon again goes back to idea of this magazine been especially for 'individuality'. It is different but works well in this picture and for the magazine. Conventionally, this double page spread has done it self justice. The ideology seems to stand out really well and the audience can easily relate to this.
Audience
As the logo of the magazine appears on the front cover it is known to the audience just what the magazine is and what it is for. This is more told by the strap line that appears under it 'New Musical Express'. This already says a lot to the audience as they know the magazine is for people who have a major interest in music. To be more specific withe audience you could say its for people who have much more of a passion for 'indie' music as that is the overall genre of the magazine. NME is most appealing to males as it 70% of the readers fit into that catagory. I want my magazine to appeal both to male and female as this genre is usually noticed by both. Some of the features that are usually shown on the front of NME are: dark colours, male models, serious expressions and independence. These all tie together to become 'indie'. I would say the specific target audience for this magazine is those between 16-27 as it has quite a young feel to it. Those of an older age may enjoy it too but I couldn't see them buying this type of magazine. Also as there is a male model on the front it automatically may suggest that it is generally for males but that isn't the case as many of the people who buy NME are female. The type of audience that this magazine attracts, are the type that I would like my magazine to be aimed at. They have a similar style and so I think the same audience would enjoy it the same.
Representation
The front cover of this issue of NME is a lot different to what you would generally usually see, I think. Darker colours are usually put forward and so to see more neutral colours on the front is quite a different thing. However it reflects the artist and the style he is and so it works. Mark Ronson isn't too much in to the 'indie' scene but still is classed under that genre and so I think that the theme of the front cover has been based around what style he is. As he does do the same style of music, it does work and so you cant argue with what it looks like. You can still tell what genre it is. Also the model doesn't come across so aggressive and serious. He looks quite normal to what you may see on another issue. However he does look like he is meddling with something he shouldn't be and because the trumpet is broken shows that he has that expected rebellious side to him than can also be connoted with this type of genre. It almost represents him in a mischievous manner and so this could relate to the audience. The representation of the front cover determines whether the audeince are attracted to the magazine.
The contents page is represented as the original 'indie'. It has that old look to it that has almost been transferred to modern. The pictures look quite normal as its just men singing but it could mean a lot more then this. The band featured Oasis are an original 'indie' band and so I think the photos have been made to look like there quite vintage creating more of an edge to them. They are represented in quite a good way here but Oasis are a band that are known for there rebellious features and so didn't really need to based in a certain way. The contents page is represented in a way that is expected of this magazine. The old fashioned look represents those from the old music era. This is what 'indie' is potentially about so the representation works towards following the conventions.
The double page spread has been represented in the best way I think. The way the teenagers are made to look like 'proper' teenagers, not those who are claimed to be always 'bad'. They are relaxed and come across really well. They have respect for them selves and don't go against anything. They look like well behaved teenagers. However NME doesn't reconcile with the 'well behaved' and so this may be something that be seen against the magazine. I think that NME have done this on purpose as a way of hiding the real them and to give the audience someone to look up to. They are represented in a fair and appropriate way which makes the magazine look good too. The colour blue is usually connoted with males. Because this colour has been used along side a boy band they are almost been stereotypical and assuming that to represent them in the right way they have to be conventional.
IPC Media publishes over 85 iconic magazines that attract both men and women. There magazines sell over 350 million copies each year and are known allover the world. Some of the other publications they are responsible for are Marie Claire, Now, TV Times, Look and world soccer. These are some of the most popular magazines around the world including NME and are looked upon as very classy magazines. This gives IPC Media a good impression.
NME has been published the longest out of all the music magazines sold weekly in the world. It reaches over one million of the fans that crave music in particular this kind. It is very modern and attracts many people in the world. It attracts both females and males but could be seen more for the male generation.
Ideology
As the cover of NME magazine that I have chosen isn't as interesting as it can get, and the writing on the cover is quite bland, its use of ideology doesn't come across as well as it could. Also the one picture that is included on the front of this magazine doesn't give a good impression as he looks like hes got something hes not meant to have. However this magazine almost encourages everyone to unleash their rebel side and so this actually may work really well with their morals. The beliefs with this type of genre allows people to be who they want to be and express who they are 'individual' and I think that not only with this front cover but with most NME front covers this comes across quite well. I think its mostly the photography captured and put on the front that creates the ideology. How the people in the photos are represented also ties in with ideology and what kind of message or morals they are trying to portray. On my magazine cover I think I will stick to the same sort of thing and have my pictures as the main focus to make ideology come across.
The contents page does a similar thing as the front cover. The pictures don't really give off anything and so I cant say that I get any message or sense of ideology from it. All I see is that the men featured in the pictures are being allowed to do what they do best which is sing and no one is stopping them. They are expressing them selves through their music maybe. This is a good thing to maybe feature in a contents page as it may reflect how the magazine may be throughout. It may automatically make the audience assume that the magazine is a bit out there and has put what they thought would be good and entertaining. Also the contents clarifies what will be featured in NME and so the audience can already make there mind up on whether it interests them.
The double page spread is actually a lot more interesting for ideology. It has in big bold letters ' The teenagers' and a picture of a boy band that appear like they could be teenagers. The picture shows them just lounging about doing as they please which could refer to the belief of free will. They appear as if they are where they want to be and no one is stopping them. This is one of the looks I am aiming to put across in my photos. They look quite dignified in the photos and seem relaxed. They are showing respect for themselves. This could use the idea of ideology as it may show that the magazine has respect for those of a younger generation and not just the older. The back ground they are put upon again goes back to idea of this magazine been especially for 'individuality'. It is different but works well in this picture and for the magazine. Conventionally, this double page spread has done it self justice. The ideology seems to stand out really well and the audience can easily relate to this.
Audience
As the logo of the magazine appears on the front cover it is known to the audience just what the magazine is and what it is for. This is more told by the strap line that appears under it 'New Musical Express'. This already says a lot to the audience as they know the magazine is for people who have a major interest in music. To be more specific withe audience you could say its for people who have much more of a passion for 'indie' music as that is the overall genre of the magazine. NME is most appealing to males as it 70% of the readers fit into that catagory. I want my magazine to appeal both to male and female as this genre is usually noticed by both. Some of the features that are usually shown on the front of NME are: dark colours, male models, serious expressions and independence. These all tie together to become 'indie'. I would say the specific target audience for this magazine is those between 16-27 as it has quite a young feel to it. Those of an older age may enjoy it too but I couldn't see them buying this type of magazine. Also as there is a male model on the front it automatically may suggest that it is generally for males but that isn't the case as many of the people who buy NME are female. The type of audience that this magazine attracts, are the type that I would like my magazine to be aimed at. They have a similar style and so I think the same audience would enjoy it the same.
Representation
The front cover of this issue of NME is a lot different to what you would generally usually see, I think. Darker colours are usually put forward and so to see more neutral colours on the front is quite a different thing. However it reflects the artist and the style he is and so it works. Mark Ronson isn't too much in to the 'indie' scene but still is classed under that genre and so I think that the theme of the front cover has been based around what style he is. As he does do the same style of music, it does work and so you cant argue with what it looks like. You can still tell what genre it is. Also the model doesn't come across so aggressive and serious. He looks quite normal to what you may see on another issue. However he does look like he is meddling with something he shouldn't be and because the trumpet is broken shows that he has that expected rebellious side to him than can also be connoted with this type of genre. It almost represents him in a mischievous manner and so this could relate to the audience. The representation of the front cover determines whether the audeince are attracted to the magazine.
The contents page is represented as the original 'indie'. It has that old look to it that has almost been transferred to modern. The pictures look quite normal as its just men singing but it could mean a lot more then this. The band featured Oasis are an original 'indie' band and so I think the photos have been made to look like there quite vintage creating more of an edge to them. They are represented in quite a good way here but Oasis are a band that are known for there rebellious features and so didn't really need to based in a certain way. The contents page is represented in a way that is expected of this magazine. The old fashioned look represents those from the old music era. This is what 'indie' is potentially about so the representation works towards following the conventions.
The double page spread has been represented in the best way I think. The way the teenagers are made to look like 'proper' teenagers, not those who are claimed to be always 'bad'. They are relaxed and come across really well. They have respect for them selves and don't go against anything. They look like well behaved teenagers. However NME doesn't reconcile with the 'well behaved' and so this may be something that be seen against the magazine. I think that NME have done this on purpose as a way of hiding the real them and to give the audience someone to look up to. They are represented in a fair and appropriate way which makes the magazine look good too. The colour blue is usually connoted with males. Because this colour has been used along side a boy band they are almost been stereotypical and assuming that to represent them in the right way they have to be conventional.
NME is a magazine I would like my magazine to take guidance from. It has some of the same quality's I would like mine to include and so the research has helped me.NME has its own website that I have also looked at to get inspiration from. http://www.nme.com/
Bands featured on the front of NME.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hzrDeceEKc Oasis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EIeUlvHAiM Florence and the Machine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IAxoqoqJ44 Kings of Leon
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Language
The front cover of this Q magazine is quite bold and dark. It reflects the type of genre it is. It a similar genre to NME and as I am aiming to use this kind of style it is a good example that will help me. The colour red has been used a lot which I think works well as the logo is red. It shows they have consistency with their colour themes.There is one main focus on the cover and this is usually the case with Q magazine. This suggests too me that this is one of their conventions. Madonna has been styled to suit this type of genre and has been featured in black clothing and makeup as that is what associated with this style. Madonna isn't known for the rock chic look and so this is new for her and the audience to see her this way. She is been made to fit in with the genre. Also the positioning of the text has made it look more edgy as it has been made central and contrasts with the image. The fact they have chosen to have 'attacks' in red writing is very significant as the colour red connotes danger and this is what the word may suggest. This is obvious to the audience that is is the main cover line as it is made more noticeable from everything else and it relates to the image used in the background.
When looking at this contents page the first thing you come across is the picture. It's been placed there as a way of representing the whole contents page as this is the first thing you are drawn to. I like the picture that is included as it shows a familiar band that would usually be seen in a magazine like this. Its a band that fits with the genre of this magazine so again people will relate to this.This image may not be relevant to this page but it still works. The contents is neatly set out where as the front covers tend to be quite creative.It makes it look smarter and less messy and so this is something I may think about doing in mine. I like the fact that this contents page doesn't include much but I think it would have been better to make it a bit more interesting. This contents page is nothing special but it follows the conventions so it doesnt need to be. I think this is sort of similar with the front cover however that is the first thing that catches your eye so to make that look well represented and interesting would be much more appropriate. From looking at this contents page I think I will make mine a bit more unique and interesting. I may decide to include a few more images and fancy writing. It may look effective with normal writing but I would like to make mine stand out and be a bit more creative. However as this contents page is quite simple, if I did decide to do mine simple I wouldnt be going against conventions.
I like this double page spread a lot as it is very creative and interesting. The image that has been included is much different to the one that was included in NME. It is a lot more creative and works really well. I like the idea of having something really original like this, it connects with the audience more. The singer in the photo brings his rebellious side across. Having him graffiti and featuring beer bottles at the bottom makes him look quite dodgy when in fact he may not be. As the 'indie' genre is quite rebellious this is something that works really well. As I am wanting to put across the rebellious look I think this may be a good idea to follow. However I think including beer bottles may be easier to get hold off then someone graffiting. I also like the fact the heading of this story is like a pun. Usually I would think 'Rags and Ritches' but this has been made to fit a different purpose and so they have changed it to 'Tags and Ritches'. The title of this also fits with the picture as I think the word 'Tags' connotes rebellious things too. Tags are something I usually think of when they have been let out of jail and they are still being monitored. It fits here with the fact the singer looks like he has been caught doing something. This is really inspiring double page spread. It is conventional and connotes all the right things to do with 'indie' eventhough it isn't an 'indie' artist.
Institution
Q magazine is one of the many publications of the popular publisher Bauer Media now known as EMAP. Bauer Media is the main institution for Q magazine as well as 'Q' its self. It takes charge of over 80 magazines and most of them are still very well known to this day. Some of the other publication Bauer Media takes responsibility for are Heat, Grazia, Closer and Match. No only is this publisher popular for its successful well known magazines but it is actually Europe's Largest privately owned publisher. It is a world wide media company that offers so much to those who have an interest in the industry and magazines.
As one of Bauer Medias most popular publication, Q stands out to many audiences around Europe.It first came to notice in 1986 and is currently still running now. Many of music's biggest stars have appeared on the front of Q including the likes of the Beatles, Elvis, Muse and Madonna. It offers so much as a magazine and that is probably why it is still so loved now. It caters well for those who love that edgy take on things. Its more of an independent mag and shows different sides to 'indie' as a genre.
Ideology
The front cover here has the same sort of idea as the NME cover, the freedom to be who you are. Madonna is shown in a way that she may feel comfortable in, and this magazine is allowing her to be. It isn't going against her wishes other wise she wouldn't have done the shoot. On my front cover I will include images that I have taken and I will make sure that in my images my models will be comfortable with what they are doing and how they look. I think it is important to do this as you are more likely to get better pictures. Going against someones wishes , you could say, is like going against their beliefs and values. If their not happy it could come across in the photos making them look forced and unprofessional. Making the model feel comfortable is more likely to come across better as they will appear more confident and professional and I think this has been shown well on the front of this magazine.
The contents page sort of reflects the same thing. The artists are dressed how they want and appear confident and comfortable. However as they are dressed in quite dark smart clothing, it looks to me as if they're trying to come across quite sophisticated and respectful. This not only is represented from the way they look but from the way they are stood. They are stood tall looking directly at the camera as if their trying to appear serious. However they are stood with their hands in their pockets which can make them come across as quite laid back and cool. This shows that Q magazine have decided to make the people in the photos hard to portray for the audience. It works well with the genre been individuality and is something that I may think about doing. It creates more of a mystery behind certain bands. Its like you cant really understand who they are. The ideology behind this maybe the fact that they are who they are and they wont put on an act.
The double page spread doesn't really give a good impression to the audience. It shows the rebellious side to singers which may represent this type of genre in a negative way. Having beer bottles featured at the bottom of the page suggests to me that the magazine doesn't care that their audience maybe teenagers and that this may give a bad example. Especially since the law for drinking is not until your 18, if this magazine was to attract those younger than this, then including drinking bottles and graffiti maybe give them the wrong idea. It goes against the wrong sort of ideology which may not be good for the magazine. However again the genre has been took into consideration. Being independent may be the freedom to do as you please, maybe in this case this is what was trying to be portrayed.
Audience
The audience for Q magazine is quite similar to the audience for NME, however its not so obvious to them. The logo for this magazine is just a simple 'Q' without a strap line and so it makes it harder to make clear of who and what the magazine is for. The only regognition of what magazine it is, is from the images and cover lines used. I would say the general audience for this magazine is people who are interested in music, like a mixture of music and are between the ages of 17-30. From researching other Q magazines I have found that not only is the genre particulary 'indie' style but the likes of Lady GaGa who can be commonly known as a 'pop' artist appear in it as well. Also as the double page spread appears to include a picture of Dizzee Rascal , who is known for 'RnB' it suggests to me that Q maybe isnt just for one particular genre but it offers a lot more artists and so could be seen as mixture. This is sort of like what I am aiming for with my mixtures of Genres. I will include Rock and Roll, Individual and Retro. I think with this magazine having all types of artists featured on the front gives it more variety and will appeal to a wider range of audiences as its something for everyone. I like the idea of this but I think mine will still be different as my genres are much similar to each other and are not really a wide choice. This magazine is extremely popular and I think because it changes it artists is maybe one of the reasons why.
Representation
The representation of the front cover isnt a particularly bad one I think, it shows Madonna in an unusual way and even though shes dressed quite dark she doesnt come across negative. In an odd way she looks quite comfortable with herself and she comes across quite confident. This is something that may have been hard to do as the position she is in is quite unique. She looks as if she is trying to hide and be mysterious as well as looking as if she is ready to pounce. This sort of goes with the main cover line that had been put across it as it says 'Madonna attacks' and she looks like she is going to attack. On my front cover I would also like to make my pictures relate the cover lines. By this I mean if I were to, for example have a cover line that said ' Top of the flops' I would maybe have a picture of the artist that was top of the charts wearing flip flops. This way I am relating my images to the cover lines and it makes it easier to come across what the main story is to the audience. Its a way of representing your magazine with your artist.I like the fact here that Madonna doesnt look like her usual self. We see her with blonde hair and natural make up but she has been made to look like someone else. Maybe this is trying to uncover the real her or the truth behind artists. She may however come across really different and be represented in a negative way. Some people may think that because she is made to be more dark and dominant then she is not being true to her self or her fans. It may give her a bad representation. On the other hand the genre will require to have change of look. If she was her self then the representation of the magazine will be bad as its gone against their own conventions of 'indie'.
The contents page is made to look quite simple. The photograph of the band doesn't really give off anything. It is too simple and not really creative. I suppose this could give a good representation as they don't come across how their not supposed to and they look like inspirational artists that the audience of this magazine may look up to. They are dressed quite smart but at the same time casual so they don't come across to serious and they are focused more to the camera than anything. However as I stated before as they are just shrugged with their hands in their pockets and one of the members has chosen to look away. It may appear to others that they don't really want to be there. If they were a bit more enthusiastic like the people in NME contents page then I think the audience would connect with them more and want to continue reading. Overall I think they have quite a good representation and may give a good impression to the many readers of Q magazine but to give more of the rebellious 'indie' and show connection to the genre, they could appear more on the 'wild' side.
The double page spread may be a bad representation for this magazine. Everyone knows that graffiting is a crime and as Dizzee Rascal appears to be doing it, others may think it is ok to do so too. Dizzee is known as a role model to some of the younger generation and so if they think its ok for him to do it they may feel the need to copy. This shows just how important it is to feature the pictures so you don't give the wrong impression to the audience. However he does look like he is just about to be caught and so this could show the importance of not doing it and the fact the title is tag's and riches sends out a message. I associate crime with tags as they connote criminals if their on a caution etc. so this again links with the picture. I do however think that it could be a good example for young ones because the title says so much just from a little.' Rags to riches' suggests to me that Dizzee was once messed up and maybe on a tag and now we know him as a very successful artist and so he could have turned his life around to 'riches'. It may influence people to think on the brighter side of things and sort them selves out, especially those of the younger generation. Overall I think this has quite a good representation one read and properly understood but from first glances I think it could maybe give of a bad vibe and that's just from the image used.
From my research I have found that Q magazine also have a website for those who are thoroughly interested in the company. I went on the website for inspiration. http://www.qthemusic.com/
Bands that may be associated with Q magazine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8KQmps-Sog Muse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEo9Bh679wM The Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWTDR6ztcnQ Madonna
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Bands that may be associated with Q magazine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8KQmps-Sog Muse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEo9Bh679wM The Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWTDR6ztcnQ Madonna
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Shindig Magazine - Front cover/Contents/Double page spread
Language
The front cover of this magazine is a lot different to the two others I previously looked at. It is very much more old fashioned and has sort of that vintage look to it. I choose to research this magazine along side the other two as it covers the genre retro and old 'indie' and this is the one of the genres I am planning on doing. This magazine is different to the other 2 as the mast head appears stretched other the top of the page whereas the other two had it in the left hand corner. I think this looks quite good and so I may decide to do something similar to that. I also like the fact that the band is over laps the mast head which makes it look very professional. This cover is quite simple as it has one main photo, a mast head and few cover lines all lined up to the left hand side. Its not very creative but it goes with the 'vintage' look. There is no text covering the main focus which is the picture and so it makes it clear that that is the most important thing. The main colours on here are red, black and light brown/cream these have been used effectively as they work well together. I will have a colour theme in my magazine as I think it shows consistency. The fact that it is simple shows the genre as things back in the day were also simple.
From all the contents pages I have researched I like this one the best. I like the fact it has a variety of pictures that all consist with different colour scales. There is ones that are black and white and ones that are just colour. I think this is quite a nice touch as it shows the different times just from what it looks like. The old world of music and how it is today. This is something I think I may decide to do. Again there seems to be a theme of colours used on this page these include reds, browns and whites. I have found that these colours come across quite often on contents pages, especially the colour red, so it could possibly come across as another convention. In my contents page I think I will not choose to use a lot of red as it is a bit over used. The genre is again easy to tell here as the right connotations are used.
The double page spread is much different to the others I have looked at. The main focus is on the photo that's is oddly effective in its own way. The main photograph seems to be blocked from some sort of a plant or gate. The strange thing is all the focus is on the band and the gate/plant has been blurred. It looks quite good but is not something I would tend to do but its unique and it works quite well. This double page spread looks quite boring and simple as well. Most magazines seem to be more creative with their double page spread. This one is completely opposite and it doesn't do much. Again I think this may be down to the fact it is set back in the 'old' days were things were much simple so they have made the magazine simple. There is nothing much to it and it isn't very creative. The only interesting point I think is the photo. Everything is lined to the right which makes it look tidy but I think I would have made it a bit more spacious to make it look better. It would look more up to date like the rest of the new 'indie' mags. As this is retro the look actually seems to work.
Institution
Shindig magazine is published by a small publishing company called Volcano publishing. It isn't a well know organisation and so there is limited information on it." Shindig! has established itself as a cutting edge forum and critique of the glories of 60s and 70s music, film and culture since its national mainstream launch in November 2007. Now established as a much loved glossy publication it previously existed for 10 years as a highly respected underground magazine." This is a quote from www.shindig-magazine.com/Shindig-SD15-media-pack2a.pdf The other institution for this is in fact Shindig itself. It is one of the most common magazines that portrays the genre of retro and 'indie'. It has been running for a long time and still to this day is sold monthly. It shows a particular interest in the in 60s and 70s music and brings out the best in the vintage take on music. This magazine attracts 15000 readers per issue, this maybe is not as many as the other two magazines attract but it is still a decent amount.
Ideology
The ideology of this front cover is the fact old fashion has been brought to today's reality. By just looking at it you can tell that it isn't a recent magazine you would usually find, it isn't modern. Their casually dressed as well as trying to look smart so they are expressing them selves but not to the extent they could. They are keeping it low key to respect them selves and us.
The contents page shows the contrast between music back in the old age and today. This is done just from the photos. The fact that it is allowing the music from the 60s and 70s to not be forgotten is good ideology. Its not going against it because of the new modern stuff that is introduced today.
The double page spread is quite interesting and I think it has a lot of connotations just from the picture. The fact that the picture is mysteriously featured behind a gate makes it feel like the band has an identity that it necessarily doesn't want to express. I think this uses ideology with the fact that every body is individual and they express them selves in different ways. Its like the band wants to be seen but there are many things that may be stopping them and they want to make sure everyone can see them. I think this is shown well as the gate is stopping them to be seen but as the camera is in focus we can still see them, so nothing will stop them.
Audience
Shindig magazine attracts more of an older audience than the other two. Its more about music and social behaviour in the 60s and 70s and so therefore will be most appealing to those who may have grown up with it. I would say the general age for people wanting to read this would be people 25+. As this magazine only attracts 15000 people each issue I would say the readers are very selective and would have to have a big interest in this magazine. The style of music it features in quite old 'indie' and so it still may attract those who are really into all the vintage but I think that other magazines such as NME would appeal more to them as it specifically targeted and made to appeal to them. This magazine had the old appeal to it and so older people may feel comfortable with it as its something they are familiar with. As I want my magazine to have a vintage/retro sort of look I will take note of what this magazine has done to put forward that genre however I want mine to appeal to those of a younger age (teenagers) as today it has being brought back to them.
Representation
I think the front cover of this magazine has quite a good representation as they are all dressed smart but at the same time casual and so they are all showing that they take pride in their appearance but at the same time don't want to come across to serious. They are dressed in sort of oldish clothes which enlightens the fact that it is an oldish looking magazine. They have worked to dress the band according to the style of the magazine. This is something I want to do in mine as I think that what your featured band wear reflects their style and how they want to be. Its almost a stereotypical thing as you assume that if someone wears a specific thing that they are classed under a certain name. This is really common in the music world and could maybe be seen as one important thing all music magazines choose to do and so I will also do this with mine. The music genre reflects the look of the artist.
The contents page shows only pictures of men and so I get from this that this magazine may only appeal to men that are interested in this type of genre. Most of the pictures show them smiling and so gives a good impression as they look confident and happy to be in the photos. The photos that are in black and white have the men dressed in suits to make them look quite smart and sophisticated and they are also not smiling as much. Black and white connotes quite vintage and old fashioned looks in photos.The coloured photos have the men dressed quite casual and their smiling more. This may indicate that the music has got better throughout the years as they are now smiling when they are in colour but they are a lot more serious in the black and white. I think this is quite a good idea but its not something that I would maybe do.
The double page spread again has only a picture of men but it is the same band that appears on the front cover. This shows that the main photo is usually a double page spread holding the main story. This is a conventional thing with most magazines.The men are dressed in the same suits that they are for the front cover and so they are represented the same. They are hidden behind some sort of gate type object which could suggest they are trying to keep hidden. The fact they are dressed in suits could say they are not being them selves ands that's why they are hiding behind the gate. However they are more in focus than the gate and so the main coverage isn't taken away from them.
I like the fact that this picture is different but I wouldn't do the same as you would have to read to much in to it just to work out why the photo has been taken that way.
I have researched this magazine and also had a look at the website.
Bands that may be featured on the front:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W3wX2aX7_s Giles, Giles and Frip.
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