The double page spread features an article on the upcoming album of the band My Chemical Romance. The main image depicts the lead singer Gerard Way staring down which represents the emo attitude of their music. The layout maintains the magazine's house style with bold colors and cracked text. While Gerard is featured prominently, the other band members are also included to show they are equally important. The article provides an exclusive sneak peek of the unreleased album to make readers feel privileged.

1. The title of the double page spread is a pull quote. This is unique as most
alternative music magazines have a short title to give a basic insight into the
content of the page. The pull quote connotes importance and the content as
news worthy. Although the pull quote connotes a newspaper type feel to the
pages, the vibrant colour scheme, cracked house style and tilted text allow the
reader to see the chaotic connotation of alternative music. The fact that the
pull quote is the title connotes the rebellious attitude of alternative music.
The standfirst allows the reader to decide whether they want to continue reading
the exclusive feature. By simply summarising the rest of the text, the reader can
then decide whether or not they want to find out more. The content itself is
represented as important through the “world exclusive” graphic. This encourages
the reader to continue reading as no other magazine has this content. The
content introduces the upcoming MCR album. Due to it not being released, the
reader will feel privileged as they presented with the inside scoop to the album.
The main image is a
medium long shot which
denotes the lead singer
of MCR, Gerard Way,
staring down to the
floor. This connotes the
pessimistic emo attitude
associated with their
music. Through the
composition of the
image, the
representation of Gerard
allows the reader to see
how he is an important
figure in the band, genre
and industry. This is
represented through is
distance in relation to
the camera. However,
the fact that the
drummer is also in the
shot, and the other band
members are in other
images on the pages
represents them band as
a team and that they are
all equally important
members of the band,
genre and industry. On
the other hand, Gerard’s
image is the background
of one of the pages and
therefore connotes his
superiority in the band.
Apart from the text and strip running down the right hand side, the page is in black and white. By having the images in black and white,
emo connotations are generated. This allows the reader to understand the genre of music. Additionally, by having the text follow the
scheme, it stands out against the large images. This represents the text as equally important to the large images which grab the readers
attention. Moreover, by having the main image of Gerard take up the whole of one page, Kerrang! follows the bold house style as the
Front Cover also has the main image taking up the whole of the page. This represents Kerrang! as reputable and professional as they
follow their house styles throughout. The monochrome images also represent the band as stepping out the shadows. This mirrors the
message of the text as they make a return to the music industry.
The vibrant colour scheme
used on the Cover is
maintained, following the
bold house style. The
colours red, white and
black are often associated
with Kerrang! as they the
colours most used.
representation. The colours
used also are a part of the
brand’s identity, creating a
vibrant and eye catching
name for themselves.
By using these colours, the
reader gains a feeling of
familiarity and therefore is
encouraged to read on. The
bold colours stand out
against the monochrome
background and images,
following the vibrant house
style. This cements the
professional
representation.

2. The double page spread has a simplistic yet busy layout, connoting the action packed lifestyle of a rock star. By having the main image take up one of the two pages,
the reader can clearly see Gerard’s powerful and important representation. There are no other conventions that are positioned on him, emphasising this
untouchable superstar representation. Although the left page is minimalistic with the attention on the image, the right hand page is very busy connoting the eventful
life of a band. The title stretches across both of the pages however most of it is positioned on the right page. This then draws the reader’s attention to the content
beneath it. The DPS is effectively split into two, with one page an image and the other text. This appeals to the target audience as there is a large image. The main
age bracket of the audience, 14-18 year olds would be divided over the text. The older part of the bracket would like it as it’s laid out in a simplistic manor and
conveys the necessary information whilst the younger members of the audience wouldn’t like it as it’s too bunched together and too lengthily.
By having images of equal
size, of the band, run
across the bottom of the
page, the images act as a
border to the text, drawing
the reader’s attention to it.
The fact that the other
band members are smaller
images represents Gerard
as the most important
member of the band.
The title uses a two sans
serif typefaces to grab
the reader’s attention.
The first typeface is used
for the words above and
below the middle line.
This typeface isn’t as eye
catching as the second
typeface which grabs the
reader’s attention. This
typeface is used for “THE
BEST MCR”. The
typeface is more bold
and follows the cracked
house style, part of the
brand’s identity. By
having this typeface, the
reader is familiar with it,
encouraging them to
read on and also stands
out, highlighting the
reader to the famous
band they have content
on. This cracked house
style also connotes the
rebellious attitude of the
band.
The article itself also uses a sans serif typeface which appeals to the target audience. The fact that a sans serif typeface
was used shows how the contributors and editors are fans of alternative music, like the readers. If a serif typeface had
been used then it would connote how they value the industry over the band as the band are associated with a sans serif
typeface. A serif typeface would look more professional yet wouldn’t follow the house style. By using a sans serif typeface
throughout, we can see how Kerrang! are only trying to target their target audience, and in particular, the teenage age
bracket.

3. Rock Sound have subverted the convention of having the title at the top
of the page. Instead, they have positioned it in the bottom right hand
corner. This is to connote the rebellious pop punk attitude of the band
and also to draw the reader’s attention to the main image which acts as
the background for the two pages. The title itself is the band’s name. This
represents them as important and clearly conveys to the reader what the
article is about.
The standfirst introduces the feature, giving the reader a basic insight into what the
content is about. By including this, the reader can then decide whether or not to
continue reading the feature. The standfirst follows the colour scheme, maintaining the
professional house style. The use of the white background behind the standfirst grabs
the reader’s attention and stands out on the page, encouraging the reader to find out
more. By directly addressing the reader in the standfirst (with “you”), the reader feels
like the magazine is personal to them and therefore wants to continue reading.
The pages’ layout
follows the simplistic,
organised house style.
The main image, and
only image, takes up
the majority of the
page, apart from the
left third of the left
page where the feature
article is. Like Kerrang!,
Rock Sound use the
image as a background.
This allows the colours
in the colour scheme to
stand out against the
darker background. It
also allows the reader
to see the
representation that the
band are very popular
and important in the
genre and industry. The
article in the left third
is read first as it is one
of the first things seen
as the target audience
read from left to right.
The content itself is structured into paragraphs rather than columns. This contrasts to Kerrang! who use columns as a way to maintain
organisation and structure. This would appeal to adults. By using paragraphs, one can see how the magazine targets teenagers. In
addition, the pull quote separates the paragraphs, creating a well organised article, representing Rock Sound as professional. By having
the main image as the background, the reader can see how the colour scheme brightens up the page. The fact that there are no other
images represents A Day to Remember as superior to other bands of the genre, emphasising their status above the rest.
The main image is a high
angle wide shot,
denoting the band
looking up at the camera
with the same
expressions as the Front
Cover. This connotes
familiarity for the reader
and encourages them to
continue reading the
feature. The high angle
connotes how Rock
Sound value content and
the reader over the
industry expectations.
This is because the high
angle represents the
band as vulnerable whilst
making the reader feel
powerful. This makes
them want to buy the
magazine as they feel
more important. Usually,
the band on the cover of
an alternative rock
magazine are
represented as more
important than the
reader. The fact that this
is the opposite shows
how they value the
reader over industry
expectations.

4. The use of direct address makes the magazine feel more personal to the reader, making it more likely that
they will buy the magazine. All the band members are staring in the same space, giving it the effect that they
are staring at the reader. This increases the circulation and also further conveys the idea that they value the
reader over the industry expectations as Rock Sound have created a DPS which attracts the reader and
makes it feel personal to them where as other magazines would make the reader idolise the stars instead of
representing the stars as being on the same level. The fact that there is a lack of brand identity on these two
pages also reinforces how the reader is a priority to the magazine.
The content, like Kerrang!, is an inside scoop to a
new album. This appeals to the reader because not
only do they get a bit of background knowledge
about the band, they also get unknown details
about the upcoming album.
The colour scheme
used is the same as the
one for the Front
Cover. This represents
Rock Sound as
professional as they
maintain the colour
scheme, providing the
reader will familiarity
which makes them
want to read on. The
background of the
image, the grassy area,
represents the band as
natural as well as
making them stand out.
In addition, the white
text grab’s the reader’s
attention because it’s
against the black
background area. The
light blue colour used
for the title connotes
both a male and female
target audience.
Although blue is a masculine colour, the shade of it would appeal to girls as well. Overall, the colour scheme stands out however it
would not be the biggest reason for why the reader is attracted to the magazine and maintains interest. The reader would want to
look at the feature because of the main image and because of how Rock Sound have made the reader feel important. In addition, I
don’t think that the connotations of alternative music can be seen in the colour scheme either. Therefore, the colour scheme is not
very effective in appealing to the audience. On the other hand, the reader can see how the bold house style is maintained in this
feature as the title, pull quote and standfirst all create an eye catching double page spread.
Rock Sound have used
several sans serif typefaces
to create a bold DPS. By
using these sans serif
typefaces, I can see that the
magazine is targeting
teenagers as these typefaces
appeal to them. If a serif
typeface had been used
then it could be suggested
that the magazine would be
trying to target adults.
However the structure of the
content contradicts the idea
of attracting adults as they
would prefer a well an article
in columns. Additionally, by
using a variety of sans serif
typefaces, the pages become
eye catching. By standing
out, the reader can see the
bold lifestyle connoted with
alternative rock.

5. The standfirst has been used to introduce the
following feature. This lets the reader decide
whether they want to continue reading. After
being drawn in by the title’s graffiti typeface
and large main image, the informal language
and expletive used, would appeal to the
reader, making them want to read on.
The Title of the double page spread, Still disorderly, connotes the chaotic lifestyle and rebellious attitude of the
band. In using a graffiti typeface, the reader is drawn to the title as it stands out compared to the article and
represents the band as rule breakers and hooligans. This representation links to the alternative music genre. By
positioning the title at the top of the page, Big Cheese have chosen not to subvert the convention. The fact that
the title is only two words shows how the band and their music need minimal introduction. This represents them
as successful and popular as they feel like the reader will already know them. It also sums up their new music in a
way that would still appeal to the reader and connote their music genre.
This is because they use this
kind of language and the
familiarity and relatability of
the language would therefore
appeal to them.
The layout of the double page
spread differs significantly to
than the DPSs of Kerrang! and
Rock Sound. Big Cheese have
decided to structure the page
so that the conventions flow
down the page. This is so the
article is read before the image
is looked at. This connotes how
the content is more important
than the band’s image. Fans
should judge the band based
on their music, not their
appearance. This why they
have a casual, normal
representation. The fact that
the band’s image runs across
both pages represents them
and each individual as
important. In addition, the
article takes up the same
amount of space as the image,
representing both as equally
important. On the other hand,
this equal representation is
contradicted through the text
flowing around the band. This
represents them as
untouchable.
This untouchable representation makes the reader idolize the
band as they are represented as normal, everyday people
through the image, yet are untouchable rock stars. The
content itself is a Q&A about their new upcoming album. This
appears to be a common theme for content and something
I’d consider doing for my Double Page Spread because it
makes the reader feel like they have the inside scoop to the
story, making them feel privileged. This would encourage
them to buy my magazine.
The colour scheme is
maintained
throughout the
magazine,
representing Big
Cheese as
professional.
Although the Front
Cover is vibrant and
stands out, the colour
scheme is less
effective on these
pages as the reader is
more interested in
the content and
image as opposed to
the vibrancy of the
page. However, the
red used does stand
out, allowing the
reading of the article
easier as the reader
can distinguish
between question
and answer. The fact
that the article is in
bulky paragraphs
connotes an adult
audience as young
teenagers wouldn’t
like this layout of the
text.
The lack of brand identity shows
how Big Cheese are purely focused
on the promotion of artists and how
they value these artists over their
own gain. The only convention that
links to the brand’s identity is their
name at the bottom of the pages,
next to the page numbers.

6. The bulky paragraphs and small, professional-looking, sans serif typeface connotes an adult target audience. This is because stereotypically, bold, large typefaces in
this genre of magazine appeal to teenagers. The fact that the typeface used for the article was sans serif connotes a teenage target audience as well. I think that the
sans serif typeface was used because a serif typeface would connote organisation, sophistication and peacefulness, the opposite of the lively alternative rock genre.
The age of the band also conveys how some adults are being targeted. This is why the colour scheme is less important as they deem content more important than
vibrancy. In order to appeal to the teenagers of the audience, a graffiti typeface is used for the title. This stands out, grabbing their attention. By using this variety of
typefaces, the magazine successfully appeals to several different age brackets of the target audience.
The main image is a wide shot denoting the band on a sofa. The dead pan expressions connote the aggressiveness and seriousness of their new album. These
connotations successfully represent the alternative music genre. Interestingly, the mise-en scene contradicts the wild lifestyle of rock stars. By sitting on a sofa, the
band are represented as normal people. This is to allow the reader to relate to them as well as letting them feel equal to them. This is unusual as many alternative
music magazines represent artists and bands as superior and important. The fact that Big Cheese haven’t shows how they subvert expectations. This adds a unique
feeling to the magazine, making the reader want to buy it. By directly addressing the reader, by staring centrally, the reader feels like they are staring at them,
making the magazine more personal to them.

7. Like Kerrang!, XXL use a pull quote for the title. By doing this, the
content is represented as news worthy and therefore worth
reading. The size of title stands out on the page as it takes up half
of the right hand page, emphasizing the importance of the content.
Although a standfirst is used, the title is also very effective in telling
the read what the article is about. The reader can then decide
whether to read it or not.
The use of expletives in the title would appeal to the audience as it is language also commonly
used by them. The fact that it has been censored shows how much more serious the
censorship laws in America are compared to England as Kerrang!, a UK publication, uses a
number of expletives which haven’t been censored. By using the expletives in XXL, the reader
can seen the thuggish and intimidating representation of these artists as they use rude
language.
The layout of the
magazine follows the
minimalistic house
style with emphasis
on the main image
which connotes the
lavish rap lifestyle.
Like some of the
alternative music
magazines that I’ve
analyzed, XXL uses the
main image to take up
one of the two pages.
This allows the reader
to see the successful
and bragging
representation of
these artists. In
addition, it also
represents the
content as equal to
the image as they
take up a page each.
The layout of the
article connotes an
adult target audience.
The lengthily paragraphs wouldn’t appeal to young teenagers as they
would prefer a busy layout which incorporates the text in a way that is
spread out across the page, rather than being bunched all together.
This layout of the article appeals to adults as it is easily navigable.
However, due to the informal language used, and the genre itself, I
think that the magazine would be targeting young adults.
The main image
maintains the
intimidating
representation of these
rappers through the
low angle shot. This
low angle represents
them as powerful in
comparison to the
reader because they
are looking up to them.
In extension, the
reader can also see
their successful
representation through
the gold accessories.
These accessories
connote their wealth
and fame. This fame
can also be inferred
through the fact that
there is no title. This
represents them as
famous because it
connotes how they feel
they don’t need a title,
their image is enough
to tell the reader about
them.
The monochrome colour scheme creates a dull looking DPS. Due to the lack of vibrancy,
the gold accessories of Soulja Boy are more visible , emphasizing his wealth and fame. The
colour scheme keeps the attention of the reader on the main image, representing the
image as more important than the content.

8. The brand’s identity can be seen in the layout, as one image
usually takes up one of the pages. The magazine’s URL is also
next to the page numbers. This connotes their influence
online as well as print.
The typeface used for the title is bold and sans serif. This stands out
compared to the article which is in a smaller sans serif typeface. This
sans serif typeface connotes a teenage audience. The monochrome
colour scheme draws attention to the main image, which also appeals
to the target demographic as they aspire to be like the stars in the
magazine.