Planning: Existing Music Magazine Cover Analysis (2)

As part of my research for my own music magazine, I have also decided to analyse the front cover of 'NME' Magazine. The main focal point is an image of the main member of the band, Arctic Monkeys. I think that this is because it is located in the centre and the first thing that stands out to an audience. The fact that they have included an exclusive article with the Arctic Monkeys itself is effective in attracting their target audience, as they are a very well known band and are often seen as iconic figures. Their code of dress includes casual clothing, such as shirts, jeans, tshirts etc., and I think this is something that an audience can relate to as they have dressed quite commonly; nothing out of the ordinary or seemingly expensive. This adds to their image and makes them appear to be 'normal' people, despite the fact that they are famous. The majority of the band also appear to have longer hair. This is stereotypical of an 'indie music' image, and suggests to us that the main target audience would be young adults, mostly male, based on who the target audience for the arctic monkeys would be.

Their code of gesture is them standing with their hands behind their back. I think this shows importance. This consequently relates to a quote taken from the article, located beneath the image. 'We can't worry about what other people think.' My interpretation of this is that people may have different opinions of them as a band but at the end of the day, they enjoy doing what they do, and make millions out of doing so. Therefore they cannot afford to let what other people say effect them. Having a quote from an article on the front cover is very typical of magazines, and I will take this into consideration when creating my own music magazine. It is often that a quote will be taken that makes the reader curious as to what the overall article is about; they are then left to make their own interpretations of the band as I did previously. Focusing back onto their code of gesture, another suggestion for them having their hands behind their back may be so that the attention is not drawn back to their hands. By having them behind their backs, the attention automatically goes onto the face. Their code of expression is curious, inviting and somewhat hypnotising. The main persons eyes are open wide and making straight eye contact with the reader, therefore drawing you in.

Lighting has been used effectively on the cover, shining mainly onto the arctic monkeys, and casting shadows around the edges. This not only focuses the attention onto them, but also adds a mysterious theme, aswell as relating back to their gaze; hypnotising and inviting, encouraging an audience to read the magazine. The main colour schemes for the magazine is a neon orange and white, with the exception of the red 'NME' logo. Because NME has a good reputation as a music magazine, it increases the credibility and makes it more appealing and reliable to an audience. They are familiar with it and know that it is more than likely going to be a good issue, therefore reading the magazine. This also increases the popularity. We can therefore see, after analysing the magazine that having a constant logo used throughout, is very effective. I will also take this into consideration when creating my own. The colour scheme has also been used effectively, as there are no bold contrasts and it really stands out. The font throughout the magazine is bold and large, making it easy to read. Located at the bottom and top of the magazine also, are things that the magazine includes, such as articles, bands etc.