The magazine is called WIRE and focuses on underground and indie music. The front cover features a headshot of Ben Frost taking up the whole page to draw attention. It uses a simple and minimalist design with a dark color scheme to create a retro feel. The contents page continues this minimalist theme with sparse white space and small images providing insights into stories inside the issue.

1. Analysis
WiRE

2. Front CoverMasthead
The magazine is called WIRE. It’s
masthead is a large and bold font
with equal spacing between each
letter to fill the space. The white
text stands out against the dark
background which makes it more
eye-catching.
Main Image
This image is a medium headshot,
which is spread across the whole
page and is the only image on the
cover producing a tone of
simplicity. Also the model is looking
directly into the camera to perhaps
draw attention to himself. The
slicked back hairstyle and grown-
out beard are typical feature of an
indie male. In addition to this the
simple tones present us with a
classic retro feel which indie music
often creates.
kicker
The kicker is “BEN FROST” which suggests
this is the who main focus or article is
about, it could also suggest that the only
male is this “BEN FROST” as he is the only
person on the front cover and the text is
written over the the man's forehead.
Sub-articles
This informs the reader as to
what and who else is talked
about in the magazine. It could
potentially attract more
customers.
Barcode & price
This is a standard addition to to almost every magazine and is only small to
not take attention away from the main image also the price shouldn't be
flaunted as this will not attract the audience. This magazine costs £3.99
Colour scheme
Quite a dark colour scheme has
been used on the cover of this
magazine in addition to the
purple/brown background to
offer a retro vibe.

3. Contents PageWhite space
There is an unusual amount of
whitespace in this magazine with a
ratio of almost 2:1. Through my
research I have discovered most
magazines pack their contents with
information however, this does not.
Although as it is an indie magazine
the unusuality adds to the character
of the magazine and reinforces the
idea that indie are alternative and
quite unique.
Consistency
The front cover of this magazine is
very basic and simplistic and that
theme has continued onto the
contents page. It provides the
reader with a quite contemporary
feel as it can also be described as
minimalist.
Selling point
The selling point of this magazine is
influenced by the front cover and
appeals to people who are
interested in Ben Frost. Due to the
placement of the pictures at the top
suggests that they may be exclusive
features in this magazine.
Small images
These small images and character
to the magazine and may interest
the customer and give an insight
into what may be inside the issue.
Structure
This magazine is laid out in a very
simple, minimalist format which is
a common theme in this magazine
with 3 small pictures aligned above
3 separate columns of sub-articles
all in a very slight font.

4. Double page spread
Main picture
This picture fills the
entirety of the right hand
page and shows Ben
Frost's head wrapped in
foil blanket, which stands
out against the dark red
background.
Clothing
In this image no clothing
can be seen as he is
wrapped up, this may
suggest he is trying to hide
away from something,
although the shiny foil
attracts attention which is
contradictive.
Background
This plain one tone (red)
background draws
attention to Ben and allows
the reader to view him in
full.
Difference
In this magazine there is
no titles or straplines that
head the article, which
continues the theme of
minimalism and
alternative style. having no
titles generates the idea
that the artist likes to
blend in and not stand out.

5. Audience
❏Wire magazine is aimed primarily at those who enjoy listening to underground
indie music that is not covered in mainstream media.
❏Although Wire magazine is underground it covers a multitude of music genres
and features a variety of artists on its front covers which may appeal to a
wider audience who want to expand their music taste and portfolio.
❏In addition to music the Wire offers its readers an insight and ideas to
alternative arts and lifestyles (fashion,living)
❏Recently released issues have included (all front page) Ben Frost, Mark Fell,
Julia Holter and Deep Cover.

6. Background information
Wire magazine is an independent magazine that keeps to its own agenda to avoid
mainstream media seeping through and marking its reputation of underground
coverage. It was set up in 1982 as primarily a Jazz magazine but moved further
afield in year 2000 to cover more underground music.
Their offices are located in London however still operate and cover artists
internationally. The magazine is made up of only 60 freelance writers with
experience as critics and experts that are based across the world.