The document provides an analysis of the textual elements and layout of various music magazine covers and articles. Key points analyzed include target demographics, masthead placement, imagery, and article formatting. Across all examples, an emphasis is placed on creating a rebellious yet relatable brand identity through unconventional design and a focus on authentic music coverage that draws readers in.

1. Textual Analysis

4. Key information
Male: 74%
Female: 26%
Median age: 23
Student: 42%
ABC1: 68%
Circulation: 33,875
Readership: 325,000
ABCe Unique Users: 5,342,246

5. The repeat of the masthead
creates a chaotic environment
mirroring the picture behind
it. Having their masthead
blend in with the crowd shows
the magazine sole focus is the
reader and being equal with
the reader. It is also
breaking conventions of being
place in the top third, though
they still have a clearly
defined masthead, this
reflects the idea that
magazine and its readers
don’t follow the rules or
society norms. NME are also
differentiating itself from
other magazines showing its
new and inventive.
The masthead would also
been seen and identified no
matter where is was on
display.
The band are presented as a stereotypical
rebellious band, sweaty, tattoos and
creating mosh pits. The picture depicts
them as quite gritty and down earth,
much like the masthead the band are
integrating with the crowd which will
appeal to the target audience.
The tag line “Gonna make you sweat”
directly address the reader and entices
them to find out more as not much
information about the band is revealed.
The text is positioned in a way that looks
like waves or music on a sheet to reinforce
the music's authenticity as well as adding
to the chaotic / unorganised style.
The yellow circle in the bottom 3rd briefly and
concisely summarizes what NME magazine
contains inside. The lack of text, headlines or
information entices a potential buyer or reader
into purchasing and reading the magazine find
out more. The main image clearly displays that
this is a music magazine, showing live music,
crowds and instruments.

6. Very little information is given
enticing the reader to buy the
magazines to read it and find out
more.
As NME now publish there
magazine for free meaning
they will receive money and
funding for advertisements
within the magazine, as
displayed here. The
advertisement used is for a
concert which will appeal and
be relevant to the readers and
the brand.
Including a message from the
editor makes the magazine
seem personal which links in
with the idea the magazine
wants to be on a par with their
readers.
The photo is dynamic and
edgy using angles to create
depth. The costume used in
this shot promotes an
urban and trendy atheistic
which will corresponded
with younger readers.
Their layout is organised using
boxes to differentiate the
different aspects of information
on the page. There is still a
sense of rebellious chaos
created by the logo being pasted
in numerus angles.
The logos reinforce the house
style and the breaking of
conventions.

7. The intertextuality associates them with another famous rebellious band
‘The Beastie Boys’ gaining interest and intrigue from fans of the Beastie
boys as well as associating them with the rebellious image.
The pictures present them to be masculine and
gritty by displaying tattoos, mean intense stares
and topless photos this adds to the rebellious
aesthetic.
Many of the photos reinforce the authenticity of
music and the importance of the audience by
including shots of them performing live as well as
interacting with the crowds.
The magazine as created a scrapbook looking layout by decorating the pages in blue and red brush strokes, these colours match those
used for the artist’s tattoos organising and linking the pages through colour scheme. The canted photos further convey the idea of an art
scrapbook making it look as though anyone/ one of the reader could have created it, once again showing the magazine wants the reader
feel equal with them. The art design surrounding the tag line resembles the illuminati symbol which is a popular symbol amongst the
younger generation, as well as giving the band and magazine a rebellious image as the illuminate is linked to the dark arts ect.
The pages are still organised into a 3 column split, use of a red and yellow
text boxes clearly differentiates and pulls out additional information from
the main articles .To further organise the pages drop caps have been used
to clear indicate the start of a knew paragraph.

10. Key information
ABC1: 71.8%
Median age: 34
In employment: 70%

11. They have placed the masthead in the top left
hand corner so that when placed on a
magazine stand/ shelf the reader can clearly
identify the brand. They have used a striking
red box that stands out against the dull and
shadowy image, capturing the readers/
potential buyers attention. The bold red is
used to highlight certain headlines pulling
focus to it. Along the bottom of the cover
they have used white and red alternately this
is to make each name stand out without using
an array of colours and keeping to their house
style.
“The worlds greatest music magazine”
suggests that the company are confident in
their magazine and their knowledge of the
music industry which makes the reader trust
in them and shows the mission statement is
unrivalled
It could also suggest to the reader they have
won nominations for best magazine making
them pick that over another music magazine.
The band are placed in a formation that creates a 3
column split organising the layout. The way the
band have been blocked suggest the guy at the
front is the leader of the band/ lead singer. The V
formation gives a sense of depth creating the
illusion of being drawn / pulled into the magazine,
this is amplified due to each member of the band
looking directly down the camera- direct eye
contact is also used in the smaller image in the top
right corner- the intense eye contact engages
and connects with the reader while also giving
each individual an edgy look.
Many of the bands presented are older artists and
bands, reflecting the magazine has an older and
more mature target audience who would have
more interest in bands who have been around for
years.
Minimalist writing is used for the cover lines only
the names of the artists or bands are displayed,
this could be used to entice the reader into
reading/ buying the magazine to find out more .
It could reflect the magazines image of a
sophisticated reader who knows enough about
music and the artists to be drawn in by the big
musical names.
Their neat and straight lay out reflects a
sophisticated reader showing that the
magazine have a clear understanding for
their target audience.
They have included a competition advert
on the front which will encourage readers
to buy their magazine to win the
promotional feature. They have included
the mage of a phone which will also
promote an online app. The image catches
the readers eye bringing attention the
text.

12. Their contents page uses a clear
and precise layout using a
double page spread to clearly set
out the content splitting it into 3
categories. To further
differentiate the main headlines
from the smaller features and
reviews the magazine uses
different colours to help the
reader easily navigate through
the magazine. This also shows
they have a wide range of topics
to read. This could pull in more
readers as the variation in topics
will appeal to peoples different
interest.
The pages are split into a 3
column structure to further
organize the layout, even the
visuals are placed to fit the
structure.
Some of the images
include and reflect how
the magazines wants to
promote
authentic music by
capturing images with
guitars or singing on
stage.
Much like the front
page the main image
creates a perception of
depth. The use of
blocking makes it seem
as though the guitar is
coming through the
page. The guitar also
corresponds with the
shape and horizontal
lines of the room. The
top of his head has
been cut from the
background to create a
sense of depth as well
as to make him stand
out.
Under each heading a fair amount of text is used,
giving a reader a brief summary of the
information featured in the article. By doing this
the magazine intrigues the reader causing them
to follow to the page and read the article.
Featuring a slightly large amount of text reflects
an older and educated reader.

13. Thought-out the article the magazine has used boxes.
The boxes help to organise the page while also creating
a house style. Drop caps have also been used to clearly
direct the reader a new paragraph.
A pun/play on words has been use as the header,
this creates a relaxed and informal setting from the
start. Making the band/ magazine seem humours
and fun.
The stencilling used for this mimics the stencils
used to brand the tour gear. This links in to the
articles theme of being on tour with the band ,
giving the reader a more authentic experience.
Having a group shot taken on the bus makes the reader feel included with
the band as often the tour bus is a private and exclusive location. The bus
setting is a small space with each member filling the frame creating a
intimate atmosphere between them and the reader. This is further
heightened as each member is looking directly at the camera and
appearing as though they are focused on the reader making it seem more
inviting and personal.
The pull quotes are used as a
device to attract the reader into
reading the whole article . Key
aspects of the interviews are
drawn out, often using
interesting or obscure/ funny
quotes to create intrigue in the
reader. To draw further attention
to them the background of the
boxes have a black fill with white
writing, standing out against the
rest of the article that uses white
with black writing. While being
more prominent the colours
keep to the house style of white,
black and red, with the band
members name highlighted in
red to create a more personal
touch and inform readers the
names of some members.
The fact that the band have allowed Q to join them on
tour, suggests the magazine has exclusive access and a
close relationship with the band and possibly other
artist. This might appeal more to readers as having a
close bond with the interviewees would lead to a
more truthful and exclusive interviews
Many images used
reinforce the
authenticity of the
music by using lots of
images that depict
the band performing
on stage.
Close up images of each band member and text underneath
them is included as a way to let the reader get to know each
individual member of the band, by including the individual
images the reader can clearly identify each member. The
information also reflects a close bond between the band
and the magazine by including unique and exclusive
information.

18. Key information
Circulation: 44,013
Readership: 421,000
ABC1: 52%
Mean Age: 22
SOLUS readership: 70%
Buy every issue: 87%

19. The masthead is in capitals, spread across
the page making it easy to identify as the
logo and to draw attention to it, the yellow
furthers this and stands out against darker
tones. It also suggests warning or danger
reflecting that the magazine, reader and
the artists/bands featured are dangerous
and rebellious . The exclamation mark and
cracked broken glass effect in the
masthead gives the impression of loud and
heavy music mirroring the heavy metal/
rock music they publish. It also links in to
the onomatopoeia of the name, being the
sound made when strumming a guitar.
The majority of headlines are displayed
on the left hand side to catch the
readers eye when on the shelf, also
people tend to read left to right.
Everything has been boxed off from each
other to further organise the page by
splitting the headlines into groups. Each
box stands out further by having red or
yellow fill the backdrop colour.
The messy and canted lay out creates a
laid back and a ‘we don’t care’ image but
while appearing messy they still use a 3
column lay out. By doing this they can
portray their rebellious image while still
presenting it in a clear and readable
fashion.
Posters show the magazine is aimed
at younger readers (mean age 22) use
of lots of images and basic text also
reflect this
The headline reads “Danny’s back”
clearly pointing out there is a “reunion”
This is why “Danny” is made so
prominent on the page, being blocked a
lot closer the camera compared to his
fellow band member. His head also over
lays the magazines masthead, making
him the focus of attention and showing
the magazines confidence in its self to
not have to feature every detail of their
logo.

20. Important information (band name and
which page) in bold so the reader can
quickly see what they want without
having to read too much, reflecting a
younger target audience.
Including a message from the Editor
makes the magazine more personal to
each individual reader and creates a
clique/gang effect, as listening to heavy
rock/metal or punk music often becomes
a lifestyle rather than just the music
effecting the way they behave, dress etc.
For extra emphasis on the “personal
touch” at the end editor, George has
signed his article with a handwritten
signature, as well as a picture featuring,
George and a famous rock singer showing
the close and relaxed relationship
Kerrang! Share with artists featured in
their magazines.
The magazines house style carries through the
colour scheme; Black, white, red and yellow
The black and yellow striped strip down the right
hand side looks like warning tape, once again
creating a dangerous image. Due to its placement
its as if the reader is being warned not to cross
the line onto the next page making the reader
seem rebellious in doing so.
The readers eye would immediately be drawn
to the graphic art, taking up two thirds of the
page, quickly drawing the readers attention to
the main headlines. The lack of information
creates intrigue into what the articles about.
The magazine has put the main focus on the
bands logos suggesting their readers have
good knowledge about bands and music.
The smaller uses of graphic design surrounding
the title “contents” have quite dark, edgy and
cliché themes e.g. Ouija board or skull,
reflecting the readers cultural context.
The designs also mimic tattoos, which are
often associated with this particular music
genre.

21. The title is a pun/ play on words using the bands
name creating a relax, funny and welcoming
opening for the reader.
It also shows the magazine has a close/friendly
relationship with the band furthering the idea of
being in a community/ gang.
The photo used is quite stylized,
taking up the background of the
double spread inviting the reader in
and building on the idea of a close
connection to the band. They have
been blocked so that each member is
clearly visible so as not to be cut off
by the gutter.
The photo is taken in a basic,
enigmatic dull location apposed to a
glamourous set, portraying them as
“real musician” who's sole focus is
about the music not the fame.
The magazines house style carries through the colour
scheme; Black, white, red and yellow. The colour
scheme has also been used for the bands clothing
having them all be dressed in black and white
The graphic art has also been carried through.
A pull quote has been used to create
intrigue so that they will want to find out
more by reading the article. The quote has
been placed in the far left bottom corner
in the first column. The distance between
the pull quote and the main article causes
it to become more prominent, as the left
page only features the background
picture, a title and the pull quote. This
helps to immediately draws focus to it.
The quote itself refers to the bands new
album saying it “will be a slap in the face”
The phrase creates strong imagery/
connotations of strength and power
reinforcing Karrangs! Image of loud, bold,
heavy, in your face music and artists.
While intriguing the reader into reading
the article it also helps promote the
album, which is a big feature about the
article as an image on the album has been
included. Not only does including the
image help promote album sales it all so
suggests a bond between the band and
the magazine causing the reader to trust
the magazine for exclusive information.
Again the "warning tape” has been used,
becoming a house style.
The minimal text reflects a younger
target audience as younger audiences
prefer images to text. This shows the
magazine has a clear understanding of
their readers and will cater to their target
audiences likes and dislikes.