2. 1) How does the choice of band featured in
the article suggest who the target audience
will be?
The article features an unsigned band called
‘Little Boots’ this suggests that the target
readership is aimed at a young audience and
could possibly be interested up and coming
artist who aren’t well known.
3. 2) What type of language is used in the article? Give examples of
words or phrases which are specific to the style of the magazine
The interviewer uses a conversational tone when introducing ‘little
boots’ and throughout the article. However the bands replies use
colloquial, informal language that’s regularly used amongst the
younger generation today. Her responses included swear words
which is usually uncommon in magazines which re-enforces the
target audience as adults would most likely be shocked.
4. 3) How is colour used?
The use of colour is limited; the article itself is of a black text placed
on a white background, however the drop cap is bright purple and
the slug and logo/ end of article marker is a square divided into to
four parts and uses the colours; blue, purple, pink and black. The
slug (top right hand corner) and end of article marker (bottom right
hand corner) can be found on every article within the ‘new noise’
section and promotes unsigned and up and coming artists. These
particular logos act as anchors for a typical c-line eye flow
commonly used in double paged spreads.
(1) – Drop Cap
(2) – The Slug
(3) - End of article marker
(4) - Example of the c-line
eye flow
5. 4) What style of text is used? Is it similar to
any other pages? What does it say about the
image of the magazine and the audience?
This particular article uses both a serif and
sans serif font, the article as a whole is serif as
is one of the pull quotes, however the main
pull quote that’s centred directly in the middle
of the article uses sans serif and is written in
bold. The whole article appears to be
conversational which appeals to the target
audience and expresses the type of
relationship NME want from their readers,
casual and welcoming.
6. 5) How is the double page spread laid out?
How much of the pages are taken up by
images and how much by text? How does this
reflect the audience? What do they value?
The left hand of the page is an enlarged image
of Victoria Hesheth (the lead singer), with the
leading headline promoting the bands
name, ‘Little Boots’, however the opposite
page is filled by text introducing the band, as
well as exploring Victoria as an individual. This
gives the audience a small amount of
information, but allows those who wish to
know more to research there sounds and is a
little bit of information for those less
interested. The fact that her image takes up a
whole page suggests the reader is interested in
the bands appearance as well as there
sounds, but also that they don’t want a lot of
reading. Therefore they value little but
detailed information and are interested in the
bands look.
7. 6) What tone is the magazine using when
addressing the reader (as a close friend, a
member of an 'in' crowd or an informed
intelligent fan?) - provide evidence
The text is extremely conversational and often
quite inappropriate; however this allows the
audience to connect with the writer,
addressing them as a close friend. “It’s bollocks
of course” uses improper language, “and that,
readers” here it’s more relaxed and uses
inclusive language, both highlight the friendly
relationship NME aim to gain.
8. 7) How is the artist/band presented to the audience
through the images? You may wish to carry out a
textual analysis.
The image depicts a beautiful girl, with a pale
complexion that emphasises her eyes, as does the
chosen false eyelashes. Her hairstyle is retro and relevant
to today’s fashion. However personally I feel from the
image we do not gain any insight as to the style of music
the band produce or even her style of clothing. It an eye
level close up shot, that focused on her facial expression
which makes her appear dazed or lost, once again there
isn’t any indications of interest or influences.
9. 8) How does the style of the article match the
style of the front cover?
10. 9) Does the article demand any prior
knowledge? Give examples.
This particular article doesn’t require any
previous knowledge as it can be found in the
‘new noise’ section, and introduces or
promotes up and coming and unsigned artists.
However it gives you just the right amount of
information, if you are interested in the artist
then you can research further.