AS media studies - genre research task - indie music magazine

1. Genre Research
By Becca Lowes

2. Genre
The direct definition of genre is a category that a piece of
music, art, or literature fits in to and can be identified by
certain aspects, including colour, props, font etc.
Sometimes a piece can be classed as cross genre. This
occurs when two or more genres are combined together in
a piece of music, art or literature
Audience develop an understanding of a certain genre
and create expectations linking to the certain genre.

3. Indie
Independent music(shortened to indie music) is music produced
independently from major commercial record labels or their
subsidiaries, a process that may include an autonomous, do-it-yourself
approach to recording and publishing. The term indie is sometimes also
used to describe a genre (such as indie rock, indie metal or indie pop);
as a genre term, "indie" may include music that is not independently
produced, and most independent music artists do not fall into a single,
defined musical style or genre and usually create music that can be
categorized into other genres.

4. Indie magazine genre features
Many features used in Indie Magazines are used in order to
identify the genre easily.
Colours – Simple, primary colours are most commonly used in
indie magazine, normally consisting of red and blue. In addition
lots of back and white are used in order to crate a focal point to
the magazine images and shadows.
Model – The model used has a distinct ‘indie’ fashion style, with
voluminous, straight hair most commonly. The outfit worn
portrays the message of edginess and individuality.
Font- the font is typically big, bold and in capital letters in order
to stand out to audience.

5. Example 1
NME (New Musical Express) is a very popular indie
and pop music magazine that has been published
every week since march 1952.
This is a very good example of an indie music
magazine showing all the features in which I
explained are typically used in this genre of
magazine. Firstly, the font is bold, capital letter that
stands out against the background. The colour red is
used, commonly associated with indie magazines
Secondly, the model, looks like a typical indie music magazine model, will the
messy hair, oversized clothing, cigarette, bold makeup, eye contact straight into
camera etc. The model intrigues the audience, through their fans, style etc.

6. Example 2
INDIE is an independent style magazine with
a focus on fashion & music. INDIE is
distributed worldwide - English and German
editions are available and is quite new to the
market.
This is also a good example showing features
of the indie genre with the quirky model,
bright colours, and bold font.
Although bright colour are used,
INDIE has stuck to 3 or 4 main
colours, them being red, pink,
yellow and blue. The lighting draws
attention to the model, intriguing the
audience.

7. Summary
My chosen genre for my music magazine is Indie.
Therefore, in order to create a professional looking indie magazine there must be features in
my magazine in order to fit into the genre.
Colour must be used correctly, not using to many but sticking to a few colours and black and
white, most likely the primary colours, to keep it simple and edgy.
The model must fit the typical appearance of an ‘indie model’ with bold makeup, crazy hair,
oversized/ripped clothing to add to the edginess etc.
Location is very important when it comes to this genre, I could use a plain white background
in order to keep the model as the focal point on the front page but i could also use
something like a brick wall for example as the background to add to the layout of the
magazine cover.
Finally the font that will be used, must be bold, most likely in capital letters. This is to follow
the house style of the indie music genre. I will keep the font clear, no fancy handwriting, but
an edgy style to keep the house style consistent.