Researching into music magazines

1. Researching codes and
conventions of music magazines;
contents pages
OF Q, KERRANG AND BILLBOARD

2. Codes and conventions of ‘Q’ magazine
Close-ups/Mid-shots are regularly used throughout the contents page, a more visual approach
and creates personal relationship with the audience (uses and gratification).
Popular page numbers are given in large font, in order to locate certain pages easily and it helps
the reader to differentiate between the different information the magazine provides.The red lines
that separates the information are eye- catching and aesthetically pleasing.
The organisation of the magazine is clearly categorized, with the logo in the same position as on
the front page creating awareness.

3. This includes the masthead, bold
font and colour, due to the
repetition of it can create greater
awareness of the magazine. Its also
signalling importance as its just
before the ‘contents’ title.
Date of issue informs the reader
when the magazine was released
along with the issue number of the
magazine.
The largest photo on this page
dominates the page as it takes up
most of the space on the page as
‘Adele’ is the main feature of this
issue, her glance is very simple yet
effective as she is looking towards
the camera, but not directly at it.
The images also create a narrative
tension.
Incudes a website for the readers to
access any information from the
magazine online, as well as to
receive recognition online.
The review, at the bottom right
corner, to summarise the main
articles in this issue, this gives a
professional element. And gives an
overview to the customers.
Page numbers, inform the readers
what page which specific article is
on. They are bold and red and are
easy to indicate.
List of the articles, these are bold,
in capitals and very short as they
draw an attention, then to give
more information a sentence with a
smaller font is provided for the
audience to know if they are
interested. This would often include
what celebrities are in this issue
Every month; makes customers
purchase the magazine every month
and creates repetition throughout
the issues, this could cause
customer loyalty.
The colours throughout are white,
red, grey and black to keep the
magazine colours consistent.
This column, consists of specific
subject which is broken down into
articles, in this case ‘women in
music’ this help the reader find
what they are looking for quicker
and easier.

4. Codes and conventions of kerrang
A large image is usually used, the artist relates to the genre of the magazine and the page
number of their interview/article is in bold, eye-catching font.
The images are usually mid-shots with direct mode of address or artists within a live
performance, either way this positions the audience in the middle of the musical action of the
genre.
An organised layout is common, with the use of columns and large page numbers to locate
certain pages easily.
Comments from the editor or the artists or even lists of the artists in the magazine fulfils social
integrative needs.
The house-style of the magazine is continued throughout the magazine, the colour-scheme of
yellow, black and white is also carried through.

5. The title; the contents masthead is
positioned on the left hand side of the
page, with the name of the magazine. As
this is the first thing which would catch
the readers eye, it has been highlighted in
yellow against the blue, the name of the
magazine is also made to stand out in
white from the background. The style and
layout of this is constant throughout the
Kerrang! issues to create recognition.
Subheading; some subheadings are shown
in the right hand side, for separation of
the articles as each one has its own place
and category, which are in the issue of the
magazine. this makes the reader to find
what they are looking for quickly and
easily.
Sub-images; this gives a picture preview of
what is in this issue. As shown here, the
double page spread has been shown,
where the main image and the title is
clear for the audience, this straight away
tells the reader what the main focuses
are.
Banner; is placed as the background for
the masthead as blue to make it stand out
from the other parts of the page
Date of issue informs the reader when the
magazine was released along with the issue
number of the magazine.
Page numbers, inform the readers what page
which specific article is on. They are bold and
either white or red, which shows that they
are very easily recognisable.
Main image; of the featured cover consists of
an leader of a band ‘WE Are In The Crowd’ as
this is the largest image it shows that the
magazine will be focused on her in this issue.
They have used a very vibrant image, then
rather just having her stand still, this could
make the audience feel engaged with the
artist, as well as reflecting it with the genre of
the magazine.
Colour scheme; the colours are very
persistent though the page of mostly blue,
white , black, yellow and red. The colours do
contract each other and d look professional
rather than overcrowded and all over the
place. Black and yellow is constantly used
though the rest of the magazine showing
continuality.
Subscription; information is provided to show
how readers can subscribe, encourages the
reader to keep buying the magazine.

6. Codes and conventions of Billboard
The house-style of the magazine is continued throughout the page.
The colour scheme is also continues with white, black and blue for an professional look.
A large image is usually used, so show the artist which has the most focus in that specific issue.
The images are usually mid-shots with direct mode of address.
An organised layout is common, with the use of columns and large page numbers to locate
certain pages easily.
Always includes the charts, informing the audience of new songs and what place they have in
the chart.

7. Date of issue informs the reader when the
magazine was released along with the issue
number of the magazine.
Magazine name provided at the top of the
content page, created repletion and better
recognition
There are four images being used in the contents
page the largest one is the main concentration
with a full body shot, whereas the tree at the top
gives a insight towards what else is in the
magazine to the reader. These three use direct
mode of address showing that even though they
are not the largest images, they still share a part
of importance.
Page numbers, inform the readers what page
which specific article is on. They are bold and red
and are easy to indicate.
The events at the bottom of the page, which is
the last thing the reader will see could be
purposely placed there as they might spend
more time reading it there
Masthead; the contents of the masthead
has been created in a different font/style as
the magazines name font, this could imply
an sense of ‘change’ which would link to
the charts changing every week. It is very
easy and recognisable to read and also is in
black which stands out from the rest of the
page.
Billboard chart; as the magazines main
purpose is to provide the readers with
information about what the best song of
each week are, they have created a music
chart at the left hand corner as that would
be the first place a reader would look.
Therefore, the magazine would have a
wider audience range as it gives the
information of different styles of music
rather than just having one genre. The top
charts have also been categorised into
different sections such as albums and
singers. This makes the reader easier to
navigate to sections which they are most
interested to. The numbers on the chart
are surrounded by very vibrant colours
making them to stand out more and
contrast with the billboard masthead.
The colour scheme is very simple of blue, black
white and grey. These colours make it seem
professional as they are not to bright and make
most important information stand out