1. Focus Group analysis
From my focus group, I found that the image is the main feature when purchasing a
magazine. I also found that ‘Vibe’ magazine was the most heard of rap magazine and it is
mainly a magazine aimed at males. Through selecting a number of magazines my focus
group found that sexual imagery is often used to draw the reader into purchasing the
magazine.
My focus group mentioned that they had never purchased a music magazine, especially rap as
it is expensive and music is produced nowadays through moving media and reading media is
less interesting that watching it. Going online to find music magazines or stories about
favourite artists is now the norm. This suggests that music magazines are not part of people’s
lives anymore and that we have now moved on to a new era of media.
When asked what type of artist they would like to be displayed on a music magazine front
cover, they mentioned the likes of Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Ross and they are currently
dominating the world of rap and they are fun to read about. They mentioned that interviews
and articles grab their attention and allows them to feel more intimate and feel a personal
connection with the artist.
They noticed that magazines more aimed at men feature women as a sex object which lures
the male reader into purchasing the magazine. Although, some magazines aimed at men
feature man-like features, for example strength, power and masculinity.
They further went on to mention that sex sells and in reality we only by magazines that we
are interested in and that reflect our personality. For example, the people in my focus group
enjoy listening to rap and hip hop and when looking at artists such as Rick Ross, they feel a
close connection with them as he mentions things to do with society and the current media.
They mentioned that they would only purchase a music magazine if the price was lower but
they would still refer to online media as it is easy to access and gives more information about
artists.
We know that people by music magazines to be entertained, to know more about their
favourite artists and to keep up to date with the real world and to escape from their own lives
to go into another.
Although, buying music magazines is now seen as old media as less people purchase music
magazines which is where my magazine fits in. From the results of my focus group, I want to
make a magazine that reflects my target audience and refers to the real world. I want to make
it entertaining and I would like it to differ from current rap magazines by drawing more
audiences into buying the magazine and giving them what they want.