Media; magazine deconstructions x2

1. On this magazine front cover, the band stands out the
most; they are all in black which links to how they are
named ‘the worlds most dangerous band’. The colour black
has connotations with mystery, evil, death and danger. The
idea of the band being named dangerous, would make the
reader feel drawn in and wanting to know more about this
band. Each member of the band looks serious and some
members are holding potential ‘weapons’ this also gives
the impression of danger. Finally, the masthead is barely
visible, due to the fact that the band is covering it which
suggests their importance.
The word ’FREE’ stands out so that the reader will feel
attracted to the magazine and more likely to buy the
magazine, if there is something free included.
The other mentioned bands, are all in red writing because
the colour red stands out over the black themed
background. Also the colour red has connotations with
passion, determination , strength and energy which shows
how determined each band is, and how they have a strong
passion for music.
The band ‘Funeral for a friend’ is overlapping ‘Panic! At the
disco’ because the magazine could be trying to promote
them more than ‘Panic! At the disco’. This could be due to
the fact that ‘Panic! at the disco’ are already popular and
that the other bands need more promotion.
A lot of words are in capitals on this magazine front which
shows how the magazine is trying to promote certain
things more than others. It also shows how it is trying to
attract readers, and is trying to stand out by almost
‘shouting’ at the reader through the use of capitals.
Each band member is wearing black
which suits the genre of music they
produce; heavy metal. They are all
wearing stereotypical ’rocker’ outfits
which also suits the genre of the
magazine. The people who purchase
the magazine are expecting a certain
style, so ’Kerrang’ has to fill these
expectations by using alternative
bands.
Finally, the bands mentioned on the
bottom of the magazine, are all in
white text which represents how they
contrast to ’Avenged Sevenfold’ who
are all in black. This could be because
the bands mentioned below are of
slightly different sub-genres of Rock.
They are all mentioned on a yellow
background, to stand out against the
red and the black.
Last of all, the barcode in the bottom
of the magazine is quite reserved
compared to other magazines. This
shows that ‘Kerrang’ has better things
to publish on the front cover rather
than showing off about the cheap
price.

2. On this contents page, the first thing that stands out is Gerard Way; lead singer of My
Chemical Romance. He is in all black, including his hair and black has connotations with
death. This could represent the ’death’ of My Chemical Romance and how they split up.
The next thing that stands out on this contents page, is the quote from Gerard Way,
especially the words ‘Let it Go’. This could suggest that Gerard Way is trying to get his fans
to ‘let go’ and move on from the end of My Chemical Romance.
The background behind Gerard Way is all white, this makes him stand out more. Also, the
contents page is a deliberately simple design to ensure that the focus is entirely on
Gerard Way.
The magazine name, issue number and date is really clear which helps it to stand out to
the reader.
The only colours featured on this contents page are black, red and white; all of the
colours contrast with each other. Black and red are both ‘dangerous’ colours whereas
white is simple and pure. This could represent how My Chemical Romance is over but
there is ‘hope’ for more new bands.
Each band name is in capital letters, to stand out to the reader and represent the
importance of each band.
The way the magazine uses swearing in the contents page, gives and edgy feel to it. This
also links to the genre of the magazine.
‘Rock Sound’ gives the impression that it likes to be real to its readers. Especially when it
says ‘ignoring the idle gossip’ in relation to Marilyn Manson; and how the media like to
make false rumors about him. ’Rock Sound’ isn’t jumping on the bandwagon of
‘hounding’ celebrities, the editors are trying to provide a truthful magazine for the
readers.
‘Rock Sound’ likes to use rhetorical questions which makes the magazine conversational
and makes the reader feel included.

3. In this double-page spread, Lily Allen takes up a big proportion of
the page as well as the enlarged quote. She is wearing a red plaid
shirt which is often associated with the more alternative style.
Along with the black hair and dark eyeshadow, she fits the genre
of the magazine; NME.
The big black and white quote next to her looks like the cut outs of
newspaper letters, like when you send a ransom note. The letters
look unorganized and of different sizes, this could represent her
unorganized/carefree lifestyle.
In the article, when Lily Allen’s name is mentioned, it is in red
letters which suggests she is energetic and has a lot of passion
(connotations with red).
The magazine, NME, seems to want to dig deeper when publishing
stories. This shows that they aren’t interested in common rumors
and that they want to show readers the truth ‘NME dodges the
paparazzi and attempts to get behind the headlines’.
The colour scheme for this double-page spread is mainly black and
white with the exception of Lily Allen wearing a red shirt. The
colours blend well and don’t clash, they are also common colours
in the alternative fashion scene.
The fact that Lily Allen is leaning forward slightly, makes the reader
feel more included. She also has very relaxed body language which
is good for the reader to feel more comfortable when reading the
double-page spread about her.

4. On this magazine front cover, Jared Leto is the main feature of this magazines
issue. Although it is about his band, he is the only member there which shows his
importance and how the magazine issue could be focusing on him more than the
band. He gives quite a menacing/threatening look along with making a fist in
threatening way. This makes him look intimidating which links to the pull quote; ‘I
could be your worst enemy!’.
Jared Leto is dressed all in black which suits his music genre and the genre of the
magazine. Also, the colour black has connotations with power an mystery. This
connects to the pull quote; ‘Jared Leto’s dark side exposed!’. The pull quote also
suggests that Jared Leto has a bad side to him and that he could turn nasty if you
don’t tread carefully. This attracts the reader because they want to know about
his ‘dark side’.
The masthead is over the top of Jared Leto, but part of it has been edited to
make way for Jared Leto’s head which also signifies his importance/popularity.
Around Jared Leto, there are smaller images of other bands/singers. For example,
in relation to the band All Time Low; ‘Pop-punk’s new star laid bare!’ this pull
quote suggests that since the singer is new, people want to know everything
about him. The pun; ‘laid bare’ suggests that the magazine have lot’s of
information about him that other magazines may not have.
The magazine seems to have a humorous/light-hearted outlook. For example
from the pull quote; ‘‘I nearly croaked!’ Zakk Wylde’s Health Scare’ this suggests
their light-hearted outlook on a serious subject. The pun is used for humor which
readers often enjoy.
The colour scheme of this magazine front cover is mainly red, white and black.
Each of these colours can be associated with the ‘Rock’ genre and sub-genres of
‘Rock’. Also, red and black have connotations with power, mystery, determination
and passion which is a representation of singers/bands.

5. First of all, this contents page gives a simplistic look. You see Florence
Welch in plain black, quite elegant looking an a plain background. The
fact that the background is so plain, emphasizes the importance of
Florence Welch and how she is the main feature of this magazines
issue.
The pull quote; ‘Solitude: It’s an age-old problem for female
performers on the road.’ it suggests that she is talking about herself.
Florence Welch gives the impression that she is lonely which links to
the pull quote. The way that she is standing on her own, with a simple
background is a representation of her lonely lifestyle.
In the first text; ‘How did a chubby, melancholy Green Day fan
transform herself into the soul-dripping high fashion that is Florence
And The Machine? John Harris goes behind the glamour to find out.’
this all suggests that she has changed a lot, that she is considered very
glamourous which is shown in her picture; with the elegant jewelry
and dress. Also, it suggests that she almost hides behind the glamour,
and that the glamour is just a front; Florence Welch could be really
different when she isn’t under the spotlight. One of the pages;
‘Unearthed Rock portraits of steely cool and statuesque beauty, from
the rediscovered archive…’ I interpret this as a reference to Florence
Welch and how she is stood in a ’statuesque’ pose.
The overall colour theme for this contents page is quite ‘cool’ and
’steely’ and this is all a reference to Florence Welch and how she is
lonely. Also, the use of quite boring/plain/steely colours helps to make
Florence Welch stand out; especially with the warm colour of her hair.

6. The thing that stand out the most on this double
page spread is definitely the masthead/title. With
the big, bold font and the bright yellow, it
definitely serves it’s purpose; to attract the reader.
The reasoning behind using bright yellow I so it
stands out against the black background. Also, the
colour yellow has connotations with happiness
which refers to the band name; ‘Fun!’. Below all of
the text, are the members of the band; covered in
food because they are trying to give of the
impression they are having fun (like their band
name).
Although the yellow text is bold and easy to read,
the white text is quite difficult to see; it might be
different in the actual magazine but the online
version is almost unintelligible.
The colour scheme of yellow and black reminds me
of hazard tape/cordon tape which suggests that
the band is quite mischievous and that they could
have a bad/dangerous side. There is definitely a
contrast of colours; yellow is a happy colour
whereas black is a mysterious/evil colour. Also,
white is an innocent colour , so the text contrasts
with the background. The use of different colours
represents the different sides to the band.