Analysis Of Music Magazine Double Page Spread.

This is an example of a double page spread from Q magazine. The article is about Biffy Clyro and is a review of the band. The first thing you notice about the article is the large images most the the double page.This will attract the readers, whether they are fans of the band or not.
By doing this you consentrate more on what the image is telling you rather than te very small peice of writting.

Also, as it is a review, the audience will want to read it and see if their own personal opinions of the band are the same as those who wrote the article. If they are similar, they may pick up the magazine weekly to see which other bands/artists are reviewed.
Qmagazine is a very important and trusted music magazine. There opinion of bands and there reviews are tursted so the fact they have made the spread very very simple and make it look quiet grown up in a way is a typically thing of Q magazine.
The articale is layed out simple on a white back ground which i feel is quiet broing and that they could have done something more intresting and orgininal with there review and interview of Biffy.

The only thing i like about this double page spread is the subheading 'Take on the planet'. It makes the reader draw into the artical becuase they might feel they need to understand them and read about them befor they acheive muscal succes.

This is a kerrange double page spread of a band called fall out boy.
The font is clear and and simple with with heading being very bold. The colours are red black and white which also the same as the front cover and throught the magazine. In terms of text the colour is reverse, therefore it has a lot of white on black which is quite common. Using red I think is quite appropriate to rock as it shows anger, love, energy etc. which rock seems to have, if it was blue it wouldn't suit it as it is too calm and relaxing for rock.

At the top of the left hand page there is a title "Anything Could Happen" this is written in a bold, font. The biggest word is the first, "Anything" which is half red and half white, it looks like spray painting and it also is running which makes it look a bit like blood and again to fit the rocker image of the magazine. "could happen" is written in the same font, just slightly smaller and all white. This title is in quote marks, therefore suggesting that someone had said it. The word "exclusive" is written in red and the rest is written in white, therefore "exclusive" stands out, grabbing your attention of the reader.

The background is a picture of Fall Out Boy in concert, it covers the whole of the double page spread which means it acts as the background. The poses are really natural and makes you feel like you are watching them and looking at them up on stage.The picture is not in blakc and white but on a grey scale which adds to the effect of the magazine, being a rock magazine it seems to have strong theme of black, white and red, this therefore keeps with the continuity of the magazine. The page is very eye catching as it has big bold titles and eye catching images, also there is a good use of colour, all these things draw you in and make you read the article. They have thought about what will draw your eyes onto the artical when creating this double page spread as they use colours effectively and use big/small fonts to draw attention to things

This an NME double page spread. Its a typical double page spread with 1 page for the image of the band showing there style and the other page is about the band either an interview or review. Dave is the name of the band and the font at the top of the page in big black bold font so it stands out above everything else. This might be becuase it is a short snappy name that is very orgiginal and that you will remember.
It is in Serif font so its easier to read and it looks better for the magazine like NME.

Under the masthead it has a sub head telling the readers that this band isn't about witty banter as it says it the writting. This makes NME look like a seriouse music magazine that looks into seiouse song writers.
Then it has a block of writting underneath talking about the band being in NME and on tv. On the right hand side with all the text, at the bottom it has in green block saying NME.com, so then people now the website and can read more about it online.
The text consists of four columns. So it is spread out better and easier to read and also better presntable.
They have made all the text in black so its better presented and then little blocks in green so they stand out so the readers can notice it straight away. The picture is of the band in the city, proberbly beacuse they are from that city or they play there. Under their feet, there is a white box of writting, not that important, but still Acknowledged if you look at the whole picture. It has a white background so everything on the page is more clearer and therefor stands out better.

Analysis Of Music Magazine Content Page.

 The contents page of this magazine "Q" is very well set out. It is layedout in a very orderly way and it allows the reader the navigate the page easily. Q contents page follows the theme of the Q magazine front cover. The Q logo is similar on both pages and is positioned on the top left-hand corner as in every issue. The colours used are also the same; red, white and black which denotates passion, innocence and darkness which links to music and the pose which Cherly Cole is doing; biting her finger away suggests mystery and sexy. 

The font is the same on both pages and the text is all in capitals which is masculine and eyecatching. In addition some of the text on the contents page are in boxes like the box for the logo on the front cover which gives the magazine the more profession and neat look.

 Also the contents page is in 3 columns like all magazine.

  Down the left hand side the column has been split into two different sections; ‘features’ and ‘every month’. The ‘features’ section shows readers what is in this issue that won’t be in any other issue of Q. The ‘every month’ section shows regular readers where they can find things that are in every issue. In the ‘features’ section is a smaller part dedicated to their ‘Oasis Special’. This special is in its own separatesection of the features column and is written in gold to emphasis that it is a ’special’. The gold colour goes against the rest of the conventions on the contents page, which are white, red and black. So the gold colour used to write about the ‘Oasis special’ shows this is an issue which includes something no similar magazine will include.

The large picture of The Courteeners reflects the style of music that is reviewed and written about in Q magazine. They are dressed in skinny jeans and shirts and have long hair, which shows that they are a modern indie rock band. The people who read this magazine are going to be fans of indie rock music and will probably dress similarly to the band in the picture. The fact that they are by themselves is a way of showing that they are an indie band, indie is short for independent which is what they are in that picture. At the bottom of the page is a section that shows readers the reviews included in the issue of Q. There is a tag line that refers to Q as ‘The world’s biggest and best music magazine’ which could give an advantage over similar magazines when people are making their choice. The ‘review’ section boasts the different things they review such as; ‘CD’s, music books, digital music and DVD’s’. A list of examples is then given underneath to show readers what they can read about.

At the top of the page is the title “Contents” this is in a big, bold font. It’s in a black box, and the font is a bright yellow. This makes the page more noticeable to the reader, and evidently shows them what the page is about. Also in a smaller font there is the issue number and cover date this is to remind the reader what issue this is, even though its been published on the front cover.

Like many magazines, on the right hand corner there is a quick note from the Editor. This is alongside a picture of the front cover; in this short note the editor is talking about why Biffy Clyro (the main people on the cover) is included in this issue of the magazine. The type of language used is chatty and informal. “We Heart Biffy Clyro” they are using taboo words. This is effective as it relates to the target audience; and offers a more personal approach to the reader; as they feel they can connect and relate to how the editor is writing.

The contents page informs the readers, what’s going to be included, not only by text but also by pictures. I felt as the reader this was good in the sense of making the page look more attractive, as it would look quite boring and simple with just text. On the right hand side of the page there is a long column that highlights the main features included in this week’s issue. Small subheadings are used and these are shown in a bright yellow font. This is to show their importance by using subheadings and dividing the magazine up they have made it much easier for the reader to find exactly what they are looking for.

In the left hand corner there is a red box highlighting to the reader that they can get “K Delivered to their door” underneath this there is a number for readers to subscribe to this offer. The reason why they have used such a bright red is to attract readers to read and sign up to their exciting new offer. Again they could have put this somewhere else and filled up the space with better information.

The colour scheme is limited on this page, and the background is white. It’s main purpose is to inform readers what will be included in the rest of the magazine. There is a common theme of black and yellow, all the subheadings, masthead and page numbers are either in black or yellow. This keep the page tidy, and makes it easier for the reader to understand and read. Overall this is an effective contents page, it gives enough information to the reader without the page looking untidy or confusing.

This contents page from NME magazine is separated under different headings; news, radar, reviews, live and features, these are all down the right hand side of the page. Down the left hand side of the page is a ‘band index’ which helps readers find a specific band inside of the magazine which is a really clever helpful way of finding what you want quickly. To find something that had a place on the front cover there is a small red arrow pointing at the stories that are mentioned on the cover. The title of the article and the page number are clearly separated by two different colours used to write each of them in, red for the page number and black for the title. The NME logo is kept in the top left hand corner to keep the contents page similar to the front cover, again this is constant re-enforcement of the brand identity.

At the top of the page it says ‘this week’ in a large bold font, this reminds the audience that this is a weekly magazine. It is also a more informative title than ‘contents page’ because it gets the point across that it is a weekly magazine. And also less informal to accommodate there younger audience

In between the two contents are two large pictures with a small story underneath, this is a taster to give the reader an idea of what the rest of the magazine will be like. This doesn’t make this page a strict contents page as it also has a small story about Oasis who are one of the most recognisable artists in Britain.

Adding the story makes the page more interesting and fills the gap in between the two columns, the fact that a story was used about Oasis makes the story more appealing as they will be recognised amongst the British audience. If the story wasn’t there then the writing would have to be bigger which would go against the common conventions in NME, or they could have written an editorial to make the page more interesting and that is what most magazine contents have in it.

Also down the centre of the page is an advert that boasts NME’s subscription offer, ’subscribe today’ is written in a bright yellow colour to grab the readers attention which makes sure they know about the offer. The yellow used to write ’subscribe today save 33%’ is the brightest colour on the whole of the contents page. As it is the brightest colour on the page this could also indicates that the subscription is a bright idea. In a way this is looks a bit tack for a contents page and it could have been put in the back of the

The red, whites and blacks that are used on the front cover are continued onto the contents page keeping the magazine looking familiar throughout the issue. The fonts and font sizes are also kept the same.

The large fonts and spacious layout show that this is for a teenage audience who will only want a quick read to find out about new bands and gigs. This is why NME have also put a ‘band index’ on the contents page so that whenever someone picks up the magazine they can find what they are looking for straight away. Teenagers are going to want to know about gigs and there is a red box in the bottom right hand corner promoting the ‘gig guide’ and the page it starts on. It is in a red box so that the readers know that it is there and will not be missing anything.

Analysis Of NME Front Cover March 07.

Analysis of front covers of magazines.


Q Magazine is a top selling music magazine which caterers for most genres of music.
The colours they have used are black,red and white. Red suggesting a different vibe from the NME red. The Q Magazine uses the red to suggest a sexy seductive look because they are using Cheryl Cole on the front cover.
The fonts they have used are small around the picture and large on the heading about Cheryl Cole which is the main article. The reason for the same fonts on the side is to make more room for the picture of Cheryl Cole and to make the magazine stand out by the quality of the photo.
Also on the right hand corner they have used the word 'Best' in a larger font than the other words. This makes us look like they have gone and found out the best for the reader.
The strape line at the very top of the magazine is always there with the same line ' The UK's Biggest Music Magazine'. By having this you will always know that you will be reading the best music magazine and they the reviews and interviews will tell you everything you want to know and need.The pug stand out to us and they have also having the first word ('John') in a large font makes us look at it more and notice it.
The main image is of Cheryl Cole who is just starting out her solo carer form the girl band Girls Aloud. Cheryl is a very famous, iconic and recognisable woman so by using her the magazine will bring in all different types of readers.
The pose she is doing is again very sexy which will bring in the male audience into reading the interview with Cheryl Cole. Also the fact they have used rain makes the photo look really professional and a very different look for Cheryl than the normal photos that we see of her.

Kerrang! is a hard rock and metal music magazine.

The main colours for kerrang include black and white with other colours but for this issue they have used just black and white. This stands out and makes the magazine look for futuristic and more Gothic.
For the front they have used a Gothic looking font with the word 'HIM' this gives us the idea that Ville Valo's music is rocky and Gothic. Also the black outlining on the 'The amazing resurrection of ville valo' makes it stand out and also using it goes with the theme of black and white.
The front cover shows Ville Valo on the front cover with the cover line saying “The Amazing Resurrection Of Ville Valo” so the magazine will feature something about him inside. It also lists more bands down the side, this shows there may be interviews or reviews or something about them inside the magazine as well and if your a collector of Kerrang you will know that there interviews and reviews are good and will give you the insight that you need.
Ville Valo is on the front cover; from the main cover line “The Amazing Resurrection Of Ville Valo” we can assume that he is making a comeback of some sort. He is the lead singer of the band HIM which is a mainstream rock band who Kerrang!’s readers would like.
Their target audience would be interested to read an interview about him and about his comeback to the music industries.

“The Amazing Resurrection Of Ville Valo”. This implies that the band “HIM” are coming back, seeing as he is the lead singer of the band. The word “resurrection” suggests that even though they might not have made it big first of all but they are back and better.
'Life Is Loud” is the strapline for the magazine. This tells you that the magazine definitely does music, the word loud could also imply that they do a certain genre of music e.g Indie,rock and Gothic thus why it is loud. This also suits the genre of music that is inside kerrang! The target audience for this magazine would primarily be teenagers (mainly those 16+) and also those in their 20’s. Some of its audience would be around their 30’s (the same age as the people featured in the magazine). You can tell that the target audience is mainly teenagers because the bands featured in this magazine have got mainly teenage fans, and also the title itself appeals to teenagers and people in their late 20’s (the design of it is edgy).
The pose of Ville Valo is a very close up with him what looks like he is smoking. His make up is very dark around his eyes and is skin is quiet pale. Again this is showing us a very Gothic issue. By having the smoke coming out of this mouth adds to the rebel look and gives the photo something different and makes it look professional, and also the black and white theme



Analysis of front cover.
The main colours of the NME magazines are red,black and white. Red suggests danger and energy, excitement. White is used with either red or black to balance out the bold colours used, complimenting the other colours. If only red and black were used on the cover, it would be less effective and readers may be put off by the presence of just punk style, bold colours. By having the different outlining colour around the lettering it makes the font stronger and more grown-up.

The fonts that they have used suit the image of NME magazine well because they look rocky/dirty by the way they have put dirt on 'Gossip' lettering. This is aimed at their audience of young, dirty teenagers. The average age of the NME reader,is 21. As a majority they aren't going to be attracted to a swirly Edwardian style font. By using different sized fonts, the main features are in the largest size, with the less important headings in smaller sizes. So by using bold fonts the audience are attracted.

The main image is of a band called The Gossip who play 'indie pop' which is part of the genre that NME Promote. By the way the magazine editors have over laid them over the NME Logo means that they want you to firstly see the main article that they are writing about instead of the logo. There audience know their colours so they don't need to have the title showing all the time. Even though it is not showing, the magazine heading is in a fixed location. Its colour and fonts stay the same in every issue helping to develop brand identification.
The pose of 'the gossip' is mainly taking over by there lead singer and Band promoter Beth Ditto. By having both at the front this lets us recognize the band very quickly. Also having her standing in front of the boys shows some sort of power within the sexes. Also by the clothes they are wearing show their futuristic look they are sending out this is shown manly by the glasses she is wearing.