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Front cover analysis

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This issue of Billboard magazine features Nicki Minaj on the cover. Her unconventional outdoor photo shoot and colorful style suggest she is an individual. The article title calls her the "First Lady of Hip-Hop." The cover uses bright colors and represents a summer feeling. Since Billboard does not advertise giveaways, it differs from more mainstream music magazines that clutter covers with multiple artist features.

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1

This issue cover for the American magazine Billboard has featured female artist Nicki Minaj as their cover girl, and have placed her outside for the photo shoot – something that a typical fashion magazine does not do. Her outfit suggests that this artist is something of an individual and presents her own style. Her hair and clothing also tie in with the choice of location, outside amongst nature. When one looks at the cover, their initial reaction is that the cover has something of a hippie theme, until that is, they read the article title, in which they have named Minaj as the ‘First Lady of Hip-Hop’, a music genre which would not present itself in the way Minaj is presented. The colours mainly used here are yellow and white, with one article in pink which coincides with Minaj’s costume. The cover is obviously looking at a lot of colour, and represents a summer/spring feeling. The article title ‘The First Lady (Gaga) of Hip-Hop’ presents an idea to the audience who may already be aware of the artist known as Lady Gaga and therefore be able to distinguish how Minaj has been named the Gaga hip-hop version as Gaga is particularly associated with pop music. Since this magazine does not advertise for any free giveaways or reviews, it differs from more mainstream music magazines. Like Rolling Stone, it is not cluttered with articles and pictures of other artists, something more expensive or high-class magazines often do. Restrain from over-advertising the entire contents of the magazine so the audience are persuaded to buy the product if they wish to find out what is also included. Differences between the magazines are obvious since one is marketed as affordable to the average teen whilst the other looks at a more high-class style of magazine, such as Rolling Stone which has a renowned reputation for its film and music reviews whereas NME which has been around for a longer period that Billboard magazine has already created a niche market, similar to the way Rolling Stone has been so successful. This issue of NME takes a look at the band known as Vampire Weekend, and the two main members are featured on the cover. This magazine typically looks out for indie or up and coming bands, as compared to Rolling Stone who take an interest in those who are already known world-wide. In my view, I have a personal distaste towards this particular magazine since I feel they over-advertise their magazine, much like Kerrang!. I also feel as though the magazine looks much like a newspaper product like The Sun or the Daily Mirror. This is also due to the bands placed above and beside the masthead which advertise featured articles within the magazine.The colours used most here are red, white and blue, which coincide with the button of ‘We <3 USA’ in a patriotic gesture. There are also stars featured in the background which only further the magazines theme. Vampire Weekend fit into their claim of the top 25 bands which are ‘Making America Cool Again’. From this we can establish this is a British music magazine.

2

Masthead – Classic RockHere, a giveaway is advertised in the shape of a guitar plectrum, coloured in yellow with red writing.Banner & Picture – ‘Jimmy Page at the Olympics’Here the date, issue number and price are advertised.The main feature for this magazine is obviously dedicated to the band Metallica, and the ‘1000 days that changed them forever’. ‘From tragedy to supernova’. Such sub-headings may be linked to the words presented on the black background such as Tension, Nothing is real and NightmareThis issue from Classic Rock magazine features the lead guitarist and singer from Metallica, James Hetfield on the cover as he looks down in dismay, his hands astray from the electric guitar hung over his shoulder.Fitting to the band’s image, Hetfield is dressed in black, against a black background and accompanied by a black guitar. Here, other magazine features are advertised with sub-headings, one for a piece on Thin Lizzy which interviews the band in their hay-day. Another for a review on the new AC/DC album, and one for Gratful Dead and a ‘Plus’ section.The main colours used here are black, white and gold. The gold has been used to highlight the magazine’s Metallica theme and treats them as royalty, as an immensely popular band their fans would appreciate this.The PUG and magazine companyThis informs the audience of what to do if the freebie is not attached to the magazine.

3

This issue of MOJO music magazine has used the colour scheme of orange, white, grey and black. The orange is to match with the album which also uses orange as a main colour. The ‘Free CD’ sticker is placed in the top left corner. Like VIBE and Classic Rock they advertise giveaways and use this for exposure to a perhaps new take on the original magazine (VIBE).Masthead and other articles advertised. Another photo is featured with another article.Featured: Neil Young’s ‘50 Greatest Tracks’ as selected by other influential artists in the music industry. They have been put into order as to who would be the most instantly recognisable, starting with Paul McCartney – this is because the audience may not read the entire list at first glance but may be influenced solely by mention of McCartney.The medium close up of Young’s face has been captured in black & white which brings some authenticity since the photo would have been taken years before it was featured in this magazine.The 2011 New Music Review – All numbers featured on this front cover have been enlarged above the text they support and according to what the magazine thinks people will be most interested in have been placed in size order.This magazine features Neil Young on the cover as his CD is promoted as a freebie, as well as an ‘Exclusive Interview’ which is featured inside. PUG date of issue, issue number and price.

4

This issue of Rolling Stone has been cast in a sepia tone. This is perhaps to enhance the authenticity of The Rolling Stones band, and to perhaps even make fun of how long they have been around. Because of this the main colours used are beige, red and white. Above the masthead there are more indications of what is featured inside the magazine. There are few articles advertised on the cover of the magazine, mainly because the photo is so prominent and the editors want to audience to focus on the cover of a magazine however still know that people will purchase the magazine even though few features are advertised on the cover. The positioning of the band is to have Richards, Jagger and Wood in the front, whilst Watts is positioned behind them, which is not unfamiliar since the drummer is often placed behind the band. Members Jagger and Watts both have masks on whilst Richards has sunglasses leaving Wood to be the only member who is not covered in any way. This is to perhaps indulge the audience into believing that they do not know everything about certain band members, that that in the interview there are perhaps things that have not yet been said. The words ‘Out for Blood’ have been printed in red, connoting the mention of blood; however the font has not changed. The masthead to this issue has also changed colour, averting away from the infamous red. The band appears to have no emotion in this photograph, and are all staring into the lens. The quote ‘String Us Up and We Still Won’t Die’ has been printed surrounding the article advertisement and it is placed to indicate that the band stand together as one and remain together.This issue of Kerrang! magazine features the lead singer from the band Green Day as the article reviews their U.S tour. The colours used in this issue are white, yellow, green and black whilst the masthead is in white. The photo is of lead singer Billy Joel standing on stage staring at what can only be assumed is the crowd. This photo has a background of a spotlight shining on him which indicates that he was perhaps on stage when the photo was taken. The banner at the top of the cover features reviews of festivals and an 8-page pull-out which can be appealing to an audience to those who didn’t go and even to those who did. This magazine cover has substantially more articles advertised than the Rolling Stone cover, but this is also because the magazine is targeted at a different audience. Kerrang! Traditionally target rock, metal and heavy metal fans, bands such as Slipknot and Metallica are frequently featured in this magazine as they resemble the target audience. Even in this issue Slipknot are featured in a free giveaway. The magazine articles also include posters and popular artists’ albums reviewed. As a more prestigious magazine, they tend to focus on bands or individuals who have made it in both the music and film industry. They also turn to classic artists and those who are exceptionally well-known throughout the entertainment industry. Unlike magazines such as Kerrang! or NME, they restrain from cluttering their front covers and stick to a more classic and expensive advertising technique, where they sell a product of good quality and do not need to over-advertise since the audience will buy their product due to the brand name.

5

The main colours used here are red, blue, yellow, white, orange and back. They have chosen a more colourful approach to the topic and the magazine looks vibrant, eye-catching and interesting. Used here to illustrate Marley in a more positive light, though he died tragically at a young age. Masthead and an article heading have been placed at the top of the page.This issue of Billboard is dedicated to the memory of popular reggae artist Bob Marley and features a medium close up of his head and face, staring down the camera lens. The articles advertised on this front cover include information on bands which are touring at present, TV shows and politics. Clearly this magazine contains more than just music, as it must spread its interests if it wishes to expand the audience interest. ‘The Ghost of Marley’ could be a reference to Dickens's A Christmas Carol which features a ghostly character called Jacob Marley, and so they have used that here to re-create meaning for their audience.PUG, date of issue, inter-textual links and price are all featured at the bottom left corner of the page.However what the article entails is as fans celebrate his 66th birthday, Marley's family battles to protect his legacy and are building a million-dollar brand that gives back: The House of Marley.

6

This issue of VIBE features the new solo artist, Drake on the front cover. The medium close up reveals from his arms to his head, and shows off his hat, an iconic fashion accessory for his musical reputation. Masthead, VIBE in white block letters, with a ‘New’ banner over the top of the VArticles advertised boldly stand out against the black background and include ‘Exclusive’ Interviews. The title – Hip- Hop’s new religion can be easily linked tot he iconic jewish symbols around Drake’s neck. This is perhaps for him to re-instate his religion as a major part of his life, and as a hip-hop artist this is unusual.The colours used here are black, white and yellow. White on black being one of the most original eye-catching elements, along with a vibrant yellow which really grabs the audience’s attention.The white VIBE above Drake’s head looks as though it casts a luminous shadow over his face and clothes. Drake is clothed in a black hat and shirt with UNSTOPPABLE printed on the front, possibly showing his ambitions and that he is now ‘unstoppable’ since he is at a promising stage in his career. Synergy: a print magzine encouraging the use of online activity via Twitter.Stamp reading ‘Resurrection – The Legacy Continues.

7

In this issue of NME there are few colours which remain prominent within the colour scheme. Those colours include red, black, light blue and brown (both light and dark). A layout which differs from typical magazines is to have a direct quote from the interview placed on the front cover against an image of the band. The body language of the band suggest a “we don’t care” attitude which works well with their boastful quote which is to say that “WE are the biggest band in Britain now!”, meanwhile believing that their popularity will eventually be replacing that of the infamous British band Oasis. Unlike other NME covers this issue features only one cover image and less advertising on the front cover, an obvious difference when compared to the VIBE issue. This is a calmer approach to the audience and doesn’t categorize itself as a cramped representation. In fact it looks more prestigious as it also strays away from any attempt to look like an affordable newspaper. In my opinion this is a better approach to audience attraction, as the image and colour scheme are the most eye-catching elements.This issue of VIBE features Hip-Hop and rapper Lil’ Wayne on the cover. He is photographed squatting on what looks like an expensive chair, possibly to resemble a royal theme. This is add a sense of mockery and to highlight Wayne’s nature of rebellion. The colour scheme here is yellow, orange, white and blue. Like Drake’s cover, yellow has been used again as it is an eye-catching feature. Also like in the Drake issue, there is a sticker in the top left corner of the page. This again reinforces the use of stickers and banners and the common use of placing them in the top left corner. NME has also followed this example.Unlike other VIBE issues this one has more of a crowded approach. This however is cancelled out by the interesting colour choice and image - something new and eye-catching. While a simple medium-close up of an instantly recognizable artist is effective, an image of an artist in an unexpected position also draws attention.

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Front cover analysis

  • 1. This issue cover for the American magazine Billboard has featured female artist Nicki Minaj as their cover girl, and have placed her outside for the photo shoot – something that a typical fashion magazine does not do. Her outfit suggests that this artist is something of an individual and presents her own style. Her hair and clothing also tie in with the choice of location, outside amongst nature. When one looks at the cover, their initial reaction is that the cover has something of a hippie theme, until that is, they read the article title, in which they have named Minaj as the ‘First Lady of Hip-Hop’, a music genre which would not present itself in the way Minaj is presented. The colours mainly used here are yellow and white, with one article in pink which coincides with Minaj’s costume. The cover is obviously looking at a lot of colour, and represents a summer/spring feeling. The article title ‘The First Lady (Gaga) of Hip-Hop’ presents an idea to the audience who may already be aware of the artist known as Lady Gaga and therefore be able to distinguish how Minaj has been named the Gaga hip-hop version as Gaga is particularly associated with pop music. Since this magazine does not advertise for any free giveaways or reviews, it differs from more mainstream music magazines. Like Rolling Stone, it is not cluttered with articles and pictures of other artists, something more expensive or high-class magazines often do. Restrain from over-advertising the entire contents of the magazine so the audience are persuaded to buy the product if they wish to find out what is also included. Differences between the magazines are obvious since one is marketed as affordable to the average teen whilst the other looks at a more high-class style of magazine, such as Rolling Stone which has a renowned reputation for its film and music reviews whereas NME which has been around for a longer period that Billboard magazine has already created a niche market, similar to the way Rolling Stone has been so successful. This issue of NME takes a look at the band known as Vampire Weekend, and the two main members are featured on the cover. This magazine typically looks out for indie or up and coming bands, as compared to Rolling Stone who take an interest in those who are already known world-wide. In my view, I have a personal distaste towards this particular magazine since I feel they over-advertise their magazine, much like Kerrang!. I also feel as though the magazine looks much like a newspaper product like The Sun or the Daily Mirror. This is also due to the bands placed above and beside the masthead which advertise featured articles within the magazine.The colours used most here are red, white and blue, which coincide with the button of ‘We <3 USA’ in a patriotic gesture. There are also stars featured in the background which only further the magazines theme. Vampire Weekend fit into their claim of the top 25 bands which are ‘Making America Cool Again’. From this we can establish this is a British music magazine.
  • 2. Masthead – Classic RockHere, a giveaway is advertised in the shape of a guitar plectrum, coloured in yellow with red writing.Banner & Picture – ‘Jimmy Page at the Olympics’Here the date, issue number and price are advertised.The main feature for this magazine is obviously dedicated to the band Metallica, and the ‘1000 days that changed them forever’. ‘From tragedy to supernova’. Such sub-headings may be linked to the words presented on the black background such as Tension, Nothing is real and NightmareThis issue from Classic Rock magazine features the lead guitarist and singer from Metallica, James Hetfield on the cover as he looks down in dismay, his hands astray from the electric guitar hung over his shoulder.Fitting to the band’s image, Hetfield is dressed in black, against a black background and accompanied by a black guitar. Here, other magazine features are advertised with sub-headings, one for a piece on Thin Lizzy which interviews the band in their hay-day. Another for a review on the new AC/DC album, and one for Gratful Dead and a ‘Plus’ section.The main colours used here are black, white and gold. The gold has been used to highlight the magazine’s Metallica theme and treats them as royalty, as an immensely popular band their fans would appreciate this.The PUG and magazine companyThis informs the audience of what to do if the freebie is not attached to the magazine.
  • 3. This issue of MOJO music magazine has used the colour scheme of orange, white, grey and black. The orange is to match with the album which also uses orange as a main colour. The ‘Free CD’ sticker is placed in the top left corner. Like VIBE and Classic Rock they advertise giveaways and use this for exposure to a perhaps new take on the original magazine (VIBE).Masthead and other articles advertised. Another photo is featured with another article.Featured: Neil Young’s ‘50 Greatest Tracks’ as selected by other influential artists in the music industry. They have been put into order as to who would be the most instantly recognisable, starting with Paul McCartney – this is because the audience may not read the entire list at first glance but may be influenced solely by mention of McCartney.The medium close up of Young’s face has been captured in black & white which brings some authenticity since the photo would have been taken years before it was featured in this magazine.The 2011 New Music Review – All numbers featured on this front cover have been enlarged above the text they support and according to what the magazine thinks people will be most interested in have been placed in size order.This magazine features Neil Young on the cover as his CD is promoted as a freebie, as well as an ‘Exclusive Interview’ which is featured inside. PUG date of issue, issue number and price.
  • 4. This issue of Rolling Stone has been cast in a sepia tone. This is perhaps to enhance the authenticity of The Rolling Stones band, and to perhaps even make fun of how long they have been around. Because of this the main colours used are beige, red and white. Above the masthead there are more indications of what is featured inside the magazine. There are few articles advertised on the cover of the magazine, mainly because the photo is so prominent and the editors want to audience to focus on the cover of a magazine however still know that people will purchase the magazine even though few features are advertised on the cover. The positioning of the band is to have Richards, Jagger and Wood in the front, whilst Watts is positioned behind them, which is not unfamiliar since the drummer is often placed behind the band. Members Jagger and Watts both have masks on whilst Richards has sunglasses leaving Wood to be the only member who is not covered in any way. This is to perhaps indulge the audience into believing that they do not know everything about certain band members, that that in the interview there are perhaps things that have not yet been said. The words ‘Out for Blood’ have been printed in red, connoting the mention of blood; however the font has not changed. The masthead to this issue has also changed colour, averting away from the infamous red. The band appears to have no emotion in this photograph, and are all staring into the lens. The quote ‘String Us Up and We Still Won’t Die’ has been printed surrounding the article advertisement and it is placed to indicate that the band stand together as one and remain together.This issue of Kerrang! magazine features the lead singer from the band Green Day as the article reviews their U.S tour. The colours used in this issue are white, yellow, green and black whilst the masthead is in white. The photo is of lead singer Billy Joel standing on stage staring at what can only be assumed is the crowd. This photo has a background of a spotlight shining on him which indicates that he was perhaps on stage when the photo was taken. The banner at the top of the cover features reviews of festivals and an 8-page pull-out which can be appealing to an audience to those who didn’t go and even to those who did. This magazine cover has substantially more articles advertised than the Rolling Stone cover, but this is also because the magazine is targeted at a different audience. Kerrang! Traditionally target rock, metal and heavy metal fans, bands such as Slipknot and Metallica are frequently featured in this magazine as they resemble the target audience. Even in this issue Slipknot are featured in a free giveaway. The magazine articles also include posters and popular artists’ albums reviewed. As a more prestigious magazine, they tend to focus on bands or individuals who have made it in both the music and film industry. They also turn to classic artists and those who are exceptionally well-known throughout the entertainment industry. Unlike magazines such as Kerrang! or NME, they restrain from cluttering their front covers and stick to a more classic and expensive advertising technique, where they sell a product of good quality and do not need to over-advertise since the audience will buy their product due to the brand name.
  • 5. The main colours used here are red, blue, yellow, white, orange and back. They have chosen a more colourful approach to the topic and the magazine looks vibrant, eye-catching and interesting. Used here to illustrate Marley in a more positive light, though he died tragically at a young age. Masthead and an article heading have been placed at the top of the page.This issue of Billboard is dedicated to the memory of popular reggae artist Bob Marley and features a medium close up of his head and face, staring down the camera lens. The articles advertised on this front cover include information on bands which are touring at present, TV shows and politics. Clearly this magazine contains more than just music, as it must spread its interests if it wishes to expand the audience interest. ‘The Ghost of Marley’ could be a reference to Dickens's A Christmas Carol which features a ghostly character called Jacob Marley, and so they have used that here to re-create meaning for their audience.PUG, date of issue, inter-textual links and price are all featured at the bottom left corner of the page.However what the article entails is as fans celebrate his 66th birthday, Marley's family battles to protect his legacy and are building a million-dollar brand that gives back: The House of Marley.
  • 6. This issue of VIBE features the new solo artist, Drake on the front cover. The medium close up reveals from his arms to his head, and shows off his hat, an iconic fashion accessory for his musical reputation. Masthead, VIBE in white block letters, with a ‘New’ banner over the top of the VArticles advertised boldly stand out against the black background and include ‘Exclusive’ Interviews. The title – Hip- Hop’s new religion can be easily linked tot he iconic jewish symbols around Drake’s neck. This is perhaps for him to re-instate his religion as a major part of his life, and as a hip-hop artist this is unusual.The colours used here are black, white and yellow. White on black being one of the most original eye-catching elements, along with a vibrant yellow which really grabs the audience’s attention.The white VIBE above Drake’s head looks as though it casts a luminous shadow over his face and clothes. Drake is clothed in a black hat and shirt with UNSTOPPABLE printed on the front, possibly showing his ambitions and that he is now ‘unstoppable’ since he is at a promising stage in his career. Synergy: a print magzine encouraging the use of online activity via Twitter.Stamp reading ‘Resurrection – The Legacy Continues.
  • 7. In this issue of NME there are few colours which remain prominent within the colour scheme. Those colours include red, black, light blue and brown (both light and dark). A layout which differs from typical magazines is to have a direct quote from the interview placed on the front cover against an image of the band. The body language of the band suggest a “we don’t care” attitude which works well with their boastful quote which is to say that “WE are the biggest band in Britain now!”, meanwhile believing that their popularity will eventually be replacing that of the infamous British band Oasis. Unlike other NME covers this issue features only one cover image and less advertising on the front cover, an obvious difference when compared to the VIBE issue. This is a calmer approach to the audience and doesn’t categorize itself as a cramped representation. In fact it looks more prestigious as it also strays away from any attempt to look like an affordable newspaper. In my opinion this is a better approach to audience attraction, as the image and colour scheme are the most eye-catching elements.This issue of VIBE features Hip-Hop and rapper Lil’ Wayne on the cover. He is photographed squatting on what looks like an expensive chair, possibly to resemble a royal theme. This is add a sense of mockery and to highlight Wayne’s nature of rebellion. The colour scheme here is yellow, orange, white and blue. Like Drake’s cover, yellow has been used again as it is an eye-catching feature. Also like in the Drake issue, there is a sticker in the top left corner of the page. This again reinforces the use of stickers and banners and the common use of placing them in the top left corner. NME has also followed this example.Unlike other VIBE issues this one has more of a crowded approach. This however is cancelled out by the interesting colour choice and image - something new and eye-catching. While a simple medium-close up of an instantly recognizable artist is effective, an image of an artist in an unexpected position also draws attention.