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.

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