Task 5a

1. Choosing a Music Magazine
In order to understand more about my chosen/intended genre I have
carried out research amongst magazines that have a similar sub-genre to
me. By understanding the codes and conventions of rock/pop music
magazines, I will be able to determine who my target audience are and
what sort of features/elements would appeal to this target audience. This
research is necessary as it would be difficult to produce a music magazine
without any basic understanding and insight; therefore what I find will
help me to develop a successful upcoming magazine.

2. Choosing a Music Magazine
Q Magazine is based on a combination of Rock and Roll Music and American pop. This relates to my sub-genre as I
am hoping to do pop-rock. However, there is a large amount of rock music magazines, which would make it
harder for a new music magazine to create awareness. Although, a lot of magazines now provide access to their
features through the internet, which would create a wider awareness for a new magazine, as it would reach
wider target audience.
Rolling Stones magazine is a traditional rock music magazine, but has some of the most well known pop music
writers contributing to it. This gives the contrast of the relevant rock music news but from a pop music writer’s
point of view. This contrast would be appropriate for my sub-genre as it would give a more diverse opinion and
content. Even so, it may lack in experience and awareness as a new magazine.
Whilst Blender magazine mostly focuses on pop music, it does include some aspects of indie rock, which is
similar to soft-rock/alternative rock. Therefore, this demonstrates that a combination of pop and rock can be
successful. However, a lot of the content is simple and confined, which may not be ‘risky’ for a new magazine,
as it needs to make a statement allowing it to be identified by its target audience.

3. Research
From my research I understand that rock music magazine are typically aimed at white
British and American people, who are between 25 and 30 years old. Whilst they may seem
like they aiming their magazines at both genders, the physical features appear quite
gender specific – predominantly male. Therefore, I hope to make a more feminine
magazine and for a younger age group . Therefore, this will create a new niche market as
there is a lack of female magazines in relation to pop/rock music. Recently, in the last
decade, rock music has become more popular with young adults/teenagers, which is why I
feel it is necessary to create a new innovative magazine which is appropriate for ages 16-20
years old. Furthermore, as well as being female, o am white British, so I have a more in
depth understanding of the suitable magazine elements for this ethnicity. Generally, it is
this ethnicity that listen to this genre of music, so it would be more efficient to develop a
target audience who are white British and/or American.

4. Choosing a
Music
Magazine
Musical Genres:
Pop-rock
Indie Rock
Alternative Rock
Pop
R&B
House
Names
Company
MM (Music Matters)
Pop & Rock
Clash
Article Ideas
Interview of an upcoming band.
Interview of a well known band.
Review of a music festival.
Review of a new album.