Analysing Music Magazine Contents Page
This is the single contents page in an issue of Kerrang! Music magazine.
This contents page has a very different layout in comparison to many other music magazines. This is because the images used are usually in the corners or at the sides of the magazine. Kerrang! have a layout that will appeal to the creative minds of the target audience of Kerrang! Magazine who differ from the mainstream. The masthead has not been located in the traditional place [at the top of the page]. This was done to make for the image at the top of the contents page . This must mean that the image must have some significant importance as it has taken over the most important space on the contents page, where the readers eyes will go as soon as they turn the previous page. The masthead is placed in the centre of the page so the readers are able to distinguish what page it is [though it is still obvious without it]. The changing of where the masthead used to be has added a edgy touch to the magazine’s contents page as it is different, looks more creative and original. The contents page title is has been placed at the top left hand corner of the page so the readers are aware of what page they have turned to as the layout differs from the other issues. An image is at the top of the page so the reader may wonder what page it is without your name included. Sans serif font is used or all of the writing on the contents page. Thos connotes that Kerrang! Are open for change and are continuously evolving. The main colours used throughout are yellow, white, black and red. The colours used are very cohesive. The way Kerrang! used them together has created a bold signature look for Kerrang!.
Underneath the ‘CONTENTS’ title is one single page spread and one double page spread. This was done planned deliberately to get the reader into what else they can find inside the magazine without actually opening it and is another way of telling them what is included in the magazine without writing it down as text with a page number. There may be fans out who see their dedicated pages and so they would be interested in reading/looking at it. Its also a chance for the other bands or musicians inside the magazine to get a chance to be noticed firsthand. Some readers just skim through the magazine or decide to go through the first few pages of the magazine but when they see the mini images of the spreads inside they may then decide to read into the magazine more. Both spread pictures are on the main image of the contents page it will receive more attention.
The main image on the contents page of Oli Sykes from the band, Bring me the Horizon. He is the singer/screamer of the band and therefore gets the most attention. This is the reason why his photograph has been used instead of the other band members. The image clearly shows him signing autographs at a concert as there are young teenage girls surrounding him and the stage lights can be seen behind him Sykes wears a plain shirt, a popular fashion item for young men now which will surely attract female attention. According to their fan base Bring me the Horizon are receiving a lot of it. Kerrang! most definitely want to show the readers of the popularity Bring me the Horizon have gained as half of their contents page are on them signing autographs. Through Sykes’ non verbal communication it is clear that signing autographs is now a very normal thing for him and signs away with humbleness. His behaviour is a turn away from the stereotypical ‘rock stars’ who are very boastful, obnoxious and full of pride. Though this cannot be concluded from one image but the fans of Bring me the Horizon will feel as though their Sykes’ cares about his fans and takes his time to appreciate them through him signing.
The bottom half of the contents page consists of the editor’s letter which is seen at once as her photograph id different from the others. She looks very smart looking and composed as her photograph is being taken. This is now what most people would expect from the editor of Kerrang! magazine. As most would imagine the editor as being a male that has the typical rock’n’roll look.
Besides the editors letter taking up most of the bottom half of the contents page is where the page numbers are and what the readers will find there. Kerrang! have clearly made an exceptional effort into ensuring g that their readers are entertained right from the start of their magazine. Photographs of band members such as Gustav Wood from the Young Guns, special posters of 30 Seconds to Mars and album reviews are all included on the contents page. This is a way to engage the readers and make them want to find out more about what Kerrang has to offer and to make their magazine look even more entertaining.
Each of the subheadings are written in highlighted looking text, which make the subheading more visible, appealing and interesting to read. The attention of the readers goes automatically to the subheading as this will trigger the reader’s interest as the rest may seem irrelevant as long as the subheading is interesting enough. One of the subheadings says ‘SWAG’. This term may have been previous been referred to as prizes. Swag is the promotional merchandise distributed usually at concerts to or given away by music businesses such as Kerrang! magazine. It is not given away for a profit as most swag/prizes given away are free, but are used to promote the band, group or musician.
In the right hand corner of the page is the subscriptions box where the Kerrang! readers can subscribe for ‘£6 a month’. This seems like a reasonable amount as Kerrang comes out every week and costs £2.20. Though a small amount is saved Kerrang! Magazine readers may find this useful as they will save more than buying it every week individually. And as the target audience for the magazine is men and women of the ages 15-25 they would need to keep the price as low as they possibly would.
To conclude Kerrang! magazine include many aspects to their magazine that many others do not. Thye add their own signature look to their contents pages, no matter the layout they decide to print. This is my analysis of Kerrang! Magazines 1286 issue contents page.
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