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.