Double Page spread

Music Magazine: Planning 
 

• My magazine would be specifically aimed at the majority of young males or females that are interested in indie rock style music. Probable that they wear the same style as the artists on the front cover such a skinny jeans messy hair, or over the top iconic outfits. My initial idea was to have mainly a young male audience however this music and also particular music artists would appeal to young females as well expanding my targeted audience. 

• The main theme of my magazine will be indie rock music therefore the typical content will include reviews of gigs, new albums, artists, and festivals, interviews with typical indie rock artists, articles based around music,  and top 40 albums of the time. Initially i was not going to include articles however they can be varied as they can appeal for both genders as well as include vital information on this music genre.

• Possible cover lines could be 'Over the world gig blow out!' talking about possible reviews of gigs that not only take place in england but around the world as well. Another possible cover line would include my main image bands name and a model credit introducing the main topic of the interview. I would also include an article that will attract my target audience such as '100 things you didn't know about Oasis', there would also be a controversial headline to grab peoples shock factor for example 'Mcfly pop to rock success in a week!'. Then i would include and 'ultimate festival guide to kickstart 2013' as it is january and the start of the new year. 

• 'Unplugged' could be a possible music title for my magazine as it could follow the slogan of 'unplug your life to music' or 'Your guide to music.. Unplugged'. This is a possible title as it relates to this genre of music as you would normally unplug a music amp of a guitar and this is the main instrument for indie music making. Another possible suggestion would be 'INM' as it would stand for Introducing New Music, this could be a tag line as its plain and simple as well as easy to remember.

• A possible font for my music magazine could be Bernard MT as it look rough and ragged like a music icon is stereotyped to follow this particular trend. Another possible font for my title could be Momento Mori as it looks idealised to be on the front of a rock/indie magazine with its grainy and rough features. These are just ideas and no definite choice for my magazine as it may alter depending on my image and headlines or sub headings. Furthermore the colours can change depending on my image colour and feel.

• Depending on which title i will use will alter the tagline, for example if i chose 'Unplugged' it would be 'Your guide to music... unplugged' as it suggests it is a music magazine and acts as a 'guide' so will guide you in the right direction of music to listen to. Also as it is 'unplugged' this could mean that the information given is fresh and raw imitating the actions of unplugging something. On the other hand if i choose 'INM' the tagline would be the meaning which is 'Introducing New Music'.

• I have decided for my main images and smaller images to be of one person preferably a girl with the stereotypical look of an indie girl, something of a style icon. I will also ensure a white clean background for the main image to be taken so the colours do not contrast with the other colours on top of the image. The images above both show a clean background and a variety of shot distances as appropriate to portray the photography as professional, this also means i have more to choose from when creating my front cover, contents page, and double page spread. 

A contents page that has another main image and smaller images on a banner. There is also a text box where the content and page numbers are written. 

This is my flat plan for my front cover, i will have a main title, model image, cover lines a banner and puffs and promotions.

• I will incorporate a puff which has a promotion inside for a festival or associated with music, this will again appeal to my target audience to show who it is written for as this prize will draw the attention of this specific group of people. 

• My price will be around £2-£3 as most popular glossy magazines are around this price. It will indicate again the target audience and portray the type of content it will have as you will be provided with a variety of information that is worth this money, i will stick to a maximum of 3 main colours as this again shows it is a high end glossy magazine. 

• I will include a banner on both the front cover and contents page to make the information stand out and again professionalise the magazine. Within the banner will be content that my target audience will most be drawn to so it has to be a selling point and indicated on the left hand side as this is spotted first when looking at magazines and should be one of the main focus for a selling point.
  

 This was my first cover for my "Unplugged" magazine. I had a banner of images on the bottom and my puff was in an awkward position. To improve this cover I changed the images to a banner that runs across the whole of the bottom of my magazine to have band names. This also allowed me to make the puff less of a problem and look as if it was an appropriate position for this convention. I have also moved my title so it was more to the left. This makes the reading from the left third when in shops or on the racks of newsagents. Again by creating a long banner i have allowed room for the barcode, date, price, issue number and web address to fit in. They are also easier to see and notice when looking at the front cover of my music magazine. 

How does indie rock music magazines present the representation of the audience and artists

For the indie magazine genre normally the artists on the front cover follow the same mis-en-scne to create the aspired look for this particular genre of magazine. Often male artists will follow the same messy unkept hair do with skinny jeans, ripped baggy t-shirts, vintage coats, harrington jackets, and desert boots. This is often portrayed, depending on the magazine, in a white studio background or with a dark quirky setting to translate the style of the band. Props on the front cover would normally contain instruments such as a guitar so that it clearly demonstrates what type of music they will be promoting. The targeted audience would be seen to be copying this type of trends and style as this is what they aspire to be, therefore will be interested in gaining as much knowledge to become their aspiration.

Females artists presented on front covers of indie based magazines usually have quirky hair cuts or colours, as well as iconic fashion and make up. The imagery would be of a vintage style again located in either a plain studio or a slightly colourful dramatic background to captivate what there music and themselves represent. Female artists are not only put on the front to captivate the female targeted audience but also as sexual objects for males. Furthermore this could lead to revealing outfits and jewellery so that even though the male target audience look at the magazine and see a woman, they have elements about the artist that are made to attract both genders. By having an expressive female artist of this genre on the front cover of a indie music magazine the editors are choosing a target audience of females who are interested in music and standing out from the crowd with their dress sense therefore will want to read this magazine not just for music advice but also fashion if a music icon is on the front wearing an outfit similar to their taste. 

On a double page spread magazines still captivate the artists 'look' by sticking with the same mis-en-scene but rotating poses so that they can reveal more about the bands personality and what edge of indie they are presenting. By having the artist on a double page spread with images and their interview it is made clear that the magazine understands what representations it should present. In my magazine i would produce photography evident to other indie artists following traditional conventions indie magazines often follow. If a male was the main image of a music magazine their look would be made more authentic and messy as this is what they like to present, whereas if it was a female who graced the front cover she would have to represent quirky beauty as not only do females aspire to look like this but the targeted male audience aspire to go out with females who look like this. 

Deconstruction of indie rock Music magazine covers 

• The magazine sticks to 3 main colours, in this case it is red, white and black. There is also pops of yellow but not much as it is only used to highlight the most important news that wants to be recognised. It could be seen as exclusive news as it is in yellow attracting you to buy the magazine more as you feel as if you are personally receiving first hand information about music before any one else therefore you have exclusivity which you wouldn't want to miss therefore you feel more inclined to purchase it. Red has been used as it is a colour that catches your eye and therefore attention first. 
• It contains a lot of cover line's to represent its large content, they have also been made in the colour red and in a larger font than the extra information beneath as it wants to attract your attention first to then go on and read about the extra information that interests you. They all include some significance to showing you what type of music magazine it is such as 'Rolling Stones Exclusive' which you instantly link with a rock or indie genre magazine. 
• Its masthead is in the top left hand corner as people read from the left and look at the top first so your instantly attracted to it. It is in colours of ounce again red so you are attracted to it first and outlined in white to further enhance what the title is. All of the three main colours are interpreted in the masthead so that when ever you see them colours or that font you immediately link it with this magazine increasing its popularity. 
• Underneath the masthead is the puff/plug which is normally shaped as a star however it is now in a circle as it suits the genre of the magazine more. It contains a small piece of information which stands out instantly as it is a different colour from the usual main colours therefore it is seen to be one of the most important cover lines on the magazine as it seems to be the most exclusive. 
• The main image is of an indie band named 'The Last Shadow Puppets' which is made up of Alex Turner and Miles Kane who are both icons of the indie genre confirming who the magazine is aimed at. They also have the 'indie look' which is seen as they both have similar haircuts which is long and messy and have black harrington jacket types. 
• There is a model credit beneath the image and the name of the band, 'I was worried the monkeys would think i had an affair' which clearly shows the article is also going to be a bit about Alex Turner's other band Arctic Monkeys who yet again follow the indie trend. It also reveals a bit about his personality therefore how the interview will be carried out as he seems laid back and comical which we can see through the line 'think i had an affair' with a different band. 
• All of the cover lines are on the left third so that when advertised on a newsagent stand therefore all there key selling information can be seen instantly. This is why it is important the cover lines are short but can instantly provide you with the genre and meaning of the magazine. 
• In the bottom right corner there is a bar code which also includes the date it was issued and with the price therefore you can see whether it is the latest issue which is normally out a month before the month its written for therefore you get instant news before everyone else finds out the month after. 
• The selling line beneath the masthead is what NME stands for which is New Music Express, this is another clear sign to what the magazine is about and will deliver. The message is clear that the magazine will be delivering 'new music' information quickly which is what the target audience is basically buying it for.
• It has a simple clean cut sans serif font with no extra flourishes which again links with the type of magazine it is and suits this type of genre. It demonstrates the magazine will be sophisticated compared to others this also can be shown through the price. 
• The magazine has a banner above the masthead including information that also wants to be recognised instantly as it is written in yellow so that it stands out from the main colours. It also includes another two bands that are seen as the 'indie' genre of music to reinforce ounce again what sort of magazine it will be. 

Have music magazines affected the type of music we listen to in today's society?

In a particular research task one woman asked 100 people if they would buy a music magazine if it was specific to one particular genre, 75% said yes and the other 25% said maybe therefore showing structure and a not to busy content is seen to be more attractive to the public. This shows that each music magazine produced will have a particular genre that they will pursue throughout the whole of the magazine which has structured information about a specific genre of music. There are also not alot of popular music magazines that make the shelves of news agents and the ones that do both write about the same genre which is indie rock. This means these are the only available magazines you can buy at convenience so buyers will automatically pick up this magazine if they want to read about music, therefore there reading about this particular genre of music and will be interested finding out more about it by listening to it buying albums ect. This form of publicity can shape the way society select a certain genre of music they listen to and find of interest.

As music progresses so does the type of articles magazines write about which can be very influential to those who read them. If an article slates and hates a certain album, artist or music genre, society might be naive and trust what the magazine is suggesting therefore only listen to what the magazine recommends creating popularity for that album or artist ect. Also you don't want to feel out of the loop if everyone has heard this particular song or album and you haven't therefore the majority of people who want to be up to date and on trend with music will listen to what ever is new or of the moment to fit in. You also read magazines to find rising stars before they have made it big time which can be found in music magazines and if only a couple of music magazines provide you with this skill you are most likely to pick up and read this. 

Most of society find music magazines very influential as they provide you with up to date news on the music industry specifisised to the particular genre it is writing about. If you rely on music magazines to feed you up to date information on what is deemed popular of the time then you are most likely to trust the article and follow what is suggested. This shows artists wouldn't be as successful without music magazines as they promote there music or albums ect. There growing publicity and followers might of found out about them through reading or seeing something about them in a magazine or article they have read which shows just how much music magazines shape the genre of music we listen to.

This is why i want to produce a music magazine of the 'indie' genre as it is an influential type of music which is vastly gaining popularity. Therefore more people will want to read about it to seek advise on who and what to listen to and 'NME' or 'Q' can not cover all of it which is why there is room for another music magazine on the shelves. This will also provide the audience with more selectivity to choose from which is what society like and can have a more personal feel of their choice of magazine because the style suits them best which my new music magazine might provide and account for which 'NME' could lack. 

What type of Music Magazines do we find most popular? 

Music magazine's do not seem to be as popular among newsagents stands as fashion or lads magazines, which could demonstrate that their might not be such popular demand for a magazine devoted to music. However the music magazines that are viewable are 'Q' and 'NME' which both seem to carry the same music influence of rock or indie culture. These seem to be the most selling and popular music magazines due to the music genre is accompanies for, 'Q' modestly calls itself "The Worlds Greatest Magazine" which could be deemed difficult to argue. The music magazines both seem to account for not only this genre of music but to the interests of people that listen to this type of music which includes gig's, festival's and everyday life. Both magazine's are glossy and stick to 3 main colours keeping it classy and appealing to a middle class society which could also address the targeted audience it expects and add to why this genre might be so popular as they can afford to attend festivals which is where this genre is most revealed.

'Q' magazine has become so popular it has even set up its own radio, music channel and website to further appeal to their targeted audience allowing them to enjoy 'Q' in what ever way they want. 'Q' has transformed with the technology which could contribute to its popularity as it has it can even be downloaded on an iPad for those who are on the go and maintaining a busy working lifestyle to pay for their further enjoyment of music such as festivals, which do not come cheap! The content of Q magazine includes reviews, up to date gossip, and interviews with the main stars of this particular music industry, which could be why it appeals to the majority of the public as it gives you inside information before the rest of the public find out making you feel privileged as you feel you are receiving something before every one else. 

'NME' is also seen just as popular as it follows the same trend as 'Q' but with an enhanced rock music genre. It is not seen to be as popular as 'Q' but still has a huge fan base following cover stars such as The Killers, Radio Head, or even The White Stripes. 'NME' seems to be less technology based and more about the content as they only have a website which is still however full of reviews, news, blogs, new music and even films and TV. This could add to the appeal to the audience as unlike other magazines 'NME' includes content the target audience wants to hear or read about especially as it focuses solely on the rock indie genre. Furthermore the audience which favourite's this genre of music might be interested in reading about it and getting more out of music than the CD compared to other music genres such as hip hop or pop where they might only listen for recreation and not want to further their knowledge by reading. 

Overall 'Q' and 'NME' seem to be popular magazines that grace the shelves of newsagents, both including content on similar music genres which could show the popularity and high demand for information on this music. Even though it might not seem mainstream it is becoming increasingly popular to the extent where readers only have two music magazines to choose from and might want more of a selection on this particular genre.

This summerise's why i should make a music magazine following the same genre as 'NME' or 'Q' as they are the most popular music magazines around. This would mean i would still produce a magazine that is going to sell or be interested in by my target audience so want to boost the popularity of a fresh magazine writing about their favoured genre of music. Therefore i am still producing a music magazine as more are needed among the shelves of newsagents but of a popular and wanted genre any way which most of the targeted audience of music fans would be in to buying any way. 

This is my final piece for my student magazine. I have pushed all the text to the edges of the page to make it even i have also changed the font colour for my subheading of 'Why we love iphone 5' so that it is more visible. Not only that i have made sure 'heres how' links with 'want instant money fast' so now it doesn't look to distant. The things i like about my cover is i have stuck to the three main colours which match the main image of my magazine. I also like how i have a mixture of fonts as it looks unique, i have only stuck to 3 different fonts as it doesn't look to confusing and messy or cheapen the magazine. 

To my contents page i have added extra information under each subheading as it gives you an idea of more of the content and what each category will contain when reading so you can select what you would prefer to read. i have kept each added information the same font colour and size so it doesn't get to confusing and mismatch with all the other fonts added in. I like that i have continued the 3 different colours and fonts as it looks neat and matches my front cover. I also like my title of 'Contents' as it is laid out in a unique way that allows the rest of my content list to fit everything in and make it look like i have a larger content.