Question 1

We think music magazines are so popular because

·      Articles with musicians

·      ?

·      ?

Using examples, how far do you agree? (15 marks)

I absolutely agree that articles with musicians are a highly influential factor in the reasoning behind the popularity of music magazines. Articles including artists are repeatedly included in issues of magazines to attract a particular target audience. Both NME and Top of the Pops feature articles that will appeal to their target market. For example, the17^th November edition of NME – which features an article with Jack Bugg - references other bands - The Vaccines and The Maccabees – to help the audience feel a sense of pride that they are aware of the bands mentioned in the article; thus creating personal identity as the audience realise the kind of music they’re interested in. Using an intertextual heading – ‘The Times They Are Changing’ - once again enables the audience to feel a sense of intelligence as they understand the inside joke that Jake Bugg is the modern Bob Dylan; which wouldn’t be understood by people who aren’t interested in this type of music. The image of Jake which takes up half the page portrays Jake as slightly moody, not giving eye contact to the reader, holding his guitar to highlight his skills as a musician and to reinforce to the audience that he’s all about his music. His closed eyes suggest that he’s lost in the music and that he’s not interested in people’s opinions of him, just their opinions of his music. Similarly, in the 4^th December edition of Top of the Pops uses an intertextual reference to Rita Ora’s ‘How We Do’ to once again enable the audience feel a sense of intelligence that they knew the song without the name being mentioned. The article itself contains no reference to Little Mix’s music itself, simply a cheeky interview that highlights their secrets of a night out; however this is effective because the target audience could relate to this light hearted topic. The image that takes up half of the page portrays the Little Mix girls to be endearing with the direct address and facial expressions of excitement and happiness. Overall, both articles target different audience thus their creation being for different purposes. However, I believe that NME contained a more effective article in its attempt to portray the talent of musician, Jake Bugg. Both magazines address the uses and gratifications theory. NME, creates entertainment for the reader as the article portrays Bugg to be slightly sarcastic and arrogant which fans of him may find endearing. The article informs the reader of Bugg’s rise to fame as a 19 year old, musician who completely opposes stars who use The X Factor as a platform to fame.  Personal identity is formed amongst the audience as the reference to other bands – of a similar style – enables the reader to know the genre/style of music they like. Also personal relationships are created with Bugg as readers may feel as if they’re getting to know the real him. Top of the Pops creates entertainment as we are informed of Little Mix’s shocking party secrets. Personal relationships are created as the reader may feel as if they’re beginning to see Little Mix for who they really are. Personal identity is formed as the audience begin to realise the genre of music they’re interested in. Although I agree that articles with musicians are a vital factor in the popularity behind music magazines but I also believe that other factors such as reviews is also a highly contributing factor. To summarise, NME and Top od the Pops are contrasting magazines due to the difference in purpose and target audience. NME is increasingly popular with an older audience as its language is suitable and the content is far more relevant – the article is actually about Jake Bugg’s music. This covers the majority of people who typically read music magazines, which contrasts with Top of the Pops, which aimed is at a more niche audience of young, females. 

Mock Exam

1.   I agree that music magazines are popular because they provide a reliable source of information. For example NME often features bands such as Elbow and Coldplay in which they describe trusted albm, gig and signle reviews. I also agree that readers enjoy their favourite musicians which, as a magazine reader myself, know is true; even if audiences have never heard of the magazine and never thought they would buy it, would happily buy spend their own money if the main feature included images and/or interviews with their favourite artist. Additionally, I agree that they enjoy interacting either with letters to magazines or forums on websites on websites. In this day and age, using the internet is a very successful way of interacting with fans through social media. This enables the readers to comment on the magazine and new ideas of what to include. (11 marks)

2.   Yes, I do mainly agree that music magazines are generally aimed at male readers howver using my own knowledge I know that some music magazines do mainly appeal to females. For example, Top of the Pops aimed at 14% males, highlighting that not all music are aimed at males. I know this becasue typically Top of the Pops uses a colour scheme generally used to attract a female audiences; the colours usually involve pinks, purples, blues, yellows etc which stereotypically appeal more so towards females. Also, Top of the Pops usually feature artists attracted more so towards females such as One Direction, Justin Bieber, Little Mix, The Wanted etc; most of the artists featured would be considered as attractive and are therefore used to appeal to females, usually close up images are used and the artists are made to look happy.  This is significant because females usually pay more attention when it comes to how you look and and your facial emotions once again highlighting that not all music magazines are aimed at male readers. The language used is also of significance as informal, non - harsh language to make the magazine sound appropriate for its younger, female audience. However, there are several magazines that are aimed at male readers as 16 out of 20 writers are male. For example 'Kerrang' magazine is aimed at 57% male audience. This is evident as Kerrang usually features artists more aimed at a male audience, bands like You Me At Six, All Time Low etc are featured  which appeals more so towards males that are interested in rock music. The artists are usually made to look aggressive and sometimes grumpy to emphasize that male readers are not really interested in how the artist looks and more about the actual article itself; unike Top of the Pops. The language used is aggressive and sometimes uses language that would be seen as inappropriate for a female, younger audience. Another example of a mainly male orientated magazine to Q, which is aimed at 75% male. This is evident as the colours used are a lot less bright and cheerful (unlike Top of the Pops) and uses mainly contrasting colours such as deep reds and dark greys which connotate danger and wouldn't appeal to a female audience. Like Kerrang, mainly male artists are featured and when do, are made to look grumpy and sometimes aggressive. However, unlike in Top of the Pops, when female artists are used they're are used as a sex appeal for men and are usually photographed from the chest upwards to emphasis their female body parts to attract men. (14 marks)

3.   So, I hear you're looking for a brand new music magazine? Well, you're in luck, as I have just what you're looking for and I am sure with our combined efforts we can beat Top of the Pops 25,000 copies sold weekly.

An engaging title
Well, I have decided to call my magazine 'imusic' which, I am sure you're aware, is instantaneously relatable to 'tunes'. I have decided to use this name because I feel that my target audience (of 10-16) will be attracted to this as 'itunes' is an extremely popular downloading service. I will place my font in a purple colour to once again appeal to tagret audience.

House Style
Each week my magazine's layout will stay relatively the same to make my magazine instantaneously recognisable to my regular buyers. I will include different competitions and prizes for my audience to win as I feel this will enable my audience to get 'more than they bargained for', and I know from Top of the Pop's forums that this is a very successful way of targeting a wider range of audiences. Using the study of semiotics, I will use a constant colour scheme to once again attract my target audience. Seeing as my target audience is girls, I will use colours stereotypcially associated with the gender, such as pinks, purples, yellows, greens etc.

Regular Features
Each week my magazine will include a different artist who would have been interviewed with questions asked by our readers using our twitter and facebook pages. There will also be a chance for audiences to download a free single from the artist featured using a link directly to 'itunes'. I think that this is my magazines main unique selling point and will be what guarentes us success in the profit. Not only will my magazine include exclusive interviews artists nut fashion tips from artists will be included and true life storys to increase my magazines variety and therefore attract a wider target audience. What more can you ask for?

What will make it appeal to your target audience?
Using the uses and gratification theory, I will ensure that my magazine will appeal to my target audience because it will be enjoyable to read as I will feature several different features inside my magazine each week that will appeal to them, for example in my first issue, I have included One Direction, Fashion Tips from Little Mix, a true life story about a girl's battle with bullying which is a very serious and current issue with my target audience. Furthermore,

Task 4 - Mock

Task 2 - Mock

Evidence that Q appeals to more to men (75% male orientated)

·         Colours - Very little colours used, therefore won’t attract a younger female audience. Main colour is red which is harsh, bold. Also, uses darker colours such as black and white (although appeal to both genders) which appeals to more so towards males.

·         Aggressive bold font – Title ‘Q’ is displayed as a simple font which won’t appeal to a younger audience. Also, the title is simply one letter which means some younger audiences may not be able to comprehend what the magazine is about.  Other headings and sell lines across the cover are normally in capital harsh letters (harsh, you can’t miss it) sometimes come across as shouting which won’t appeal to females as they’re polite, caring, gentle etc.

·         Aggressive language - “Liam’s beady eye kick off” uses violent, cruel unsympathetic language; reinforced with the aggressive phrase ‘kick off’ (males comes across as the more ruthless of the genders)

·         Front cover image - usually presents artists as moody and angry (unwelcoming facial expressions) and made to look directly at the camera. Usually male artists or bands are featured who aren’t conventionally considered as attractive to females. However when a female is rarely included they are represented as a sexual icon and are photographed from the chest upwards (not showing what the female is wearing), not as an inspirational role model.

Evidence that Kerrang appeals to both genders (57% male orientated)

·         Scruffy heading – Appeals to males, boys are scruffy and are less likely to care about their appearance than girls are. Title ‘Kerrang’ has an edgy look therefore links to the music genre the magazine is about – this will persuade both male and female music fans who are interested in this style. The style of ‘Kerrang’ is more interesting than the title ‘Q’ which will attract a broader range of audiences.

·         Images of male artist/band – artists come across as cheekier than aggressive (less serious and more fun) However, the artists also never tend to smile – normally have weirder, abnormal facial expressions which could be humorous so both genders may find it funny and enjoy the humorous side of the magazine. 

·         Colours – Almost always use contrasting colours (black and white, black and gold etc) different colours attract different audiences

·         Plugs – magazine sometimes includes free posters which attract female audiences if they are interested in this particular genre; females are more likely to stick posters of their musical icons, or artists they consider attractive on their bedroom wall. Males may feel the same about desiring female artists to be on their bedroom wall however to a less excessive extent.

·         Fonts – ‘Kerrang’ features many different fonts which make the cover look busy, hectic, messy creating a chaotic atmosphere. Having a range of different sell lines will attract a wider audience of both male and females.

Evidence that Top of the Pops appeals to females (14% male orientated)

·         Colours -  bright colours used illustrate the Top of the Pops is aimed more so towards females

·         Informal, positive language – coarse language is associated ith male readers as they’re typically the more aggressive sex signifying that Top of the Pops is more aimed towards female readers

·         Front cover image - Using artists like one direction implies that Top of the Pops is a magazine aimed to attract females; one direction aren’t completely remembered for their music but for their good looks.                                                                                                                  

·         Masthead – title uses bright eye catching colours. Also sometimes includes swirly writing once again implying that Top of the Pops isn’t aimed at males.

Task 3 - Mock

So, I hear you’re looking for the first issue of my very own music magazine? Well, I have just what you need, ‘imusic’ a brand new pop music magazine that will soon be hitting the shelves of shops all around the country and with our combines efforts I am confident that we could knock Top of the Pops

Engaging Title
Why imusic I hear you ask? Well I believe that it was an appropriate name as it is relevant to a very popular music downloading software ‘iTunes’ which appeals greatly to my target audience as will most likely download music from iTunes. Speaking of target audience, females aged 9-14 are the main people whom I think will benefit most from the articles featured. I believe there is a definite gap in the market and with your help I can guarantee imusic will take the music magazine industry by storm.

House Style
For each artist featured inside the magazine, the barcode featured on the front cover will be able to direct the audience to link that enables them to download a free single from that specific artist when scanned on a mobile device. Each artist featured will release music of my magazines genre (pop) to attract my target audience. I will use the same colour scheme for each issue in which case: blue, silver and purple; which once again are colours typically associated with females therefore attracting my target audience. Also, included a barcode for each issue makes the magazine more trustworthy according to the study of semiotics

Regular Features
For each issue released I will include competitions, reviews, images, an exclusive 6 page spread interview with a pop artist. I can insure you, if my magazine continuously uses the same theme for every issue, imusic will be a recognised music magazine within week with the help of social networking and the internet. Top of the Pops (our largest competitor) annually get a circulation of 10,000. A tough number to reach? Well, it’s certainly not an impossible target. With regular features in the magazine, I think that imusic will reach around a realistic circulation of 12,000.

What will make it appeal to your target audience?
Using the uses and gratifications theory, my magazine will appeal to my target audience as I will make it informative whilst an enjoyable read to ensure kids can come home from school and be happy to take the time relaxing, taking a break from homework and the stress of school to read my magazine. My magazine will have its own twitter and facebook feed plus its own website to increase the creation of personal relationships; through this my audience will be able to write in ideas for the next issue to the magazine, talk to our editors and sometimes artists will take over our twitter to carry out a ask and answer from their favourite pop artists. Also, to increase my magazines variety, another feature my magazine will include is fashion tips and ideas of cheaper options of what celebrities are wearing; this will increase personal identity.

Thank you for your valued time and I hope you consider my ideas.

Why music fans might buy a music magazine

A music magazine is a magazine dedicated to music and music culture. Every time a certain magazine is released each month/week etc they include different segments that may be based around a certain event, artist, group, album to appeal to varied audiences. Every different magazine is specifically designed towards different music genres. For example, Top of the Pops would appeal to people who are interested in pop music whereas NME would appeal more so towards people who listen to rock music. This means it is easy for music fans to buy a magazine that will specifically appeal to them whereas the Internet might give a more broad approach.

 People buy music magazines for many reasons:

 • Music News
 • Gossip on music artists
 • Posters
 • Interviews
 • Album/single/artist/gig reviews
 • Upcoming music events
 • Exclusive photo-shoots
 • See what is going on in the music industry

A big advantage that the Internet holds over a physical magazine is that it is free and in this society almost everybody has access to it. Social media is something that a lot of people are aware of and is major threat to the magazine industry. People are now using the Internet, phones and TV to gain knowledge about the music industry instead of buying magazines. Facebook and Twitter are very popular accessible, quick and easy ways of following the music industry. They allow audiences to follow and like pages, which enable you to join music communities and preview magazine issues before they reach the shops, and follow accounts, which are updated regularly. Magazine editors tend to tweet and post articles, photos, bloopers from the magazine, videos, gigs and create online debates, allowing their followers to first hand see the creation of the magazine.

However, dedicated music fans that collect music magazines over a long period of time feel a sense of satisfaction knowing they have willingly bought the magazine every time it is released each week/month, which is something the internet doesn’t offer. Some people also choose to buy the magazine itself because of its possible value in the future. A subscription is another thing that differs the Internet from music magazines as this enables readers to automatically receive the magazine each month. Magazines allow them to find other artists that are like the ones they listen to, and they can find out about competitions and gigs/concerts that are related to the genre of music that the magazine is based on. You can also carry magazines around with you whilst travelling, and not everyone has access to the Internet 24/7.

Rihanna