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

Analysing Music Magazines

Ed Sheeran Concert Review

 Ed Sheeran Concert Review (14th October 2012)

Ed Sheeran’s concert contained most of the hits from his phenomenal album +. In such an intimate venue, (Hammersmith Apollo) Ed was able to interact with his fans portraying his down to earth personality that could only make his fans love him even more. Audiences found themselves mesmerized at his unbelievable ability to play the guitar and flawless voice; playing most of his more lyrical, slow, heart felt songs, which allowed the audience to really to appreciate his ability to translate a story through each and every one of his songs. With such a mixture of people from young children to full grown adults, some may have been worried that he would have had a hard job of pleasing everybody but I can happily say that everybody left the Apollo with nothing but a smile on their face. The only expectation that hadn't been exceeded for me personally was that no covers of other songs were performed now was his old tracks from previous and although Ed himself repeatedly requested, the crowd refused to be silent during the more quiet and poignant songs which in some ways ruined the beauty of the songs. However, overall a really enjoyable night, and an experience I’m sure, will remember forever.

+ Album Review

+                                                                                                                                         Album review

★★★★ 

Lines between genres have never been more blurred than right now, Ed Sheeran's debut album '+' is a classic mix of meaningful lyrics, R&B styling's, hip-hop influenced delivery and heart churning love songs. An album that speaks to the younger generation, tackling issues such as drugs and relationships.

The opening track, The A Team, is filled with heart-breaking lyrical content, a moving, poetic lyric about a teenage beauty that turns to prostitution.

Two songs, which display Ed Sheeran at his best, are Small Bump and U.N.I, which reveal the amazing talent of the artist because of his use of acoustic guitar. Small Bump is a beautifully written and well-executed song, which one can't help but be overcome with emotion. U.N.I is one of the albums love songs, the hip-hop delivery of the lyrics, balanced nicely with soft singing within the chorus.

The versatility of the album is revealed through the song You Need Me, I Don't Need You, as the audience are enlightened with an R&B track. A track mostly aimed at Sheeran's old manager, the industry and pretty much anyone who has a problem with him.

Tracks such as 'This', 'The City' and 'Lego House' the listener is treated to a complete emotional rollercoaster. From the heart breaking self-realisation of 'This', again using the acoustic guitar, offering a slow pace and melancholy tone. 'The City' which introduces some 'beat boxing' about harsh truths of living in London. This track has some, in my opinion, bizarre musical arrangement. 'Lego House' then takes a complete U-turn throwing in the previous mentioned hip-hop style delivery of the lyrics intertwined with a passionate chorus voicing some strong opinions.

Finally we come to the end of the album with 'Kiss me' and 'Give me love', beautifully written songs with powerful and highly emotive personal messages.

The '+' album is thought provoking, emotional and raw, knowing exactly what buttons to push and heart strings to pull.

Music Genres

Exam Guidance

Music Press

Mylo Xyloto Album Review

Mylo Xyloto                                                                                Album review

After a momentous three year wait, Coldplay's follow up of 2008's biggest-selling album: Mylo Xyloto automatically attracts Coldplay’s most obstinate fans. 

The album represents the band’s first attempt at a concept album. Fans of both old and new Coldplay will be pleased, as the album incorporates just as many intimate acoustic moments as it does electro-rock synths.

The record’s title track serves as a short, instrumental introduction to “Hurts Like Heaven,” the first full-length song on the album.  it presents an upbeat, drum-driven number that showcases the talents of Jonny Buckland (guitarist). Following the hugely successful “Paradise” comes the album’s high point; undoubtedly one of Coldplay’s finest songs to date “Charlie Brown.”

Also not to be missed are “Us Against the World” and “Up in Flames.” The former features a rarely heard duet with lead singer Chris Martin and drummer Will Champion, heavily reminiscent of “Fix You” (X & Y). This satisfying blend of old and new sounds makes for an album that is surprisingly cohesive considering the standout singles it contains.

“Princess of China,” which precedes “Up in Flames,” has proved to be the most memorizing song in all of Coldplay’s works. The song features world-famous pop artist Rihanna. The single takes them in a completely new direction. It is a perfect representation of Coldplay’s new and fresh sound.

For an older band, Coldplay has demonstrated a remarkable ability to keep its music current and fresh—Mylo Xyloto is no exception. However, f the album’s title could be of possible pronunciation then that would have guaranteed absolute chart success.