Target Audience

My target audience are 'Townies' - otherwise known as the mainstream. Information about this target market has been found from uktribes.com, a website that specialises in finding out which social group 18-24 year olds belong to, from 'Alternative' to 'Chav'. 

The 'Townies' are the main group and mass market within young adults; this is due to most teenagers being mainstream and listening to chart music and shopping at high street stores such as, Miss Selfridge. However, many would not see themselves belonging to any tribe, this could be due to the lack of diversity and individual behaviour within this social group.

Usually, this tribe mainly listen to chart music, with the main music genres listened to are R 'n' B, pop and mainstream hip hop. This means they are different to many alternative tribes in that rock is not predominantly on their playlists. Moreover, the radio stations listened to due to this are Kiss FM and BBC Radio 1. Both of these radio stations focus on popular, chart music whilst BBC Radio 1 sometimes includes pop-rock into their setlist, KISS FM is mainly rap and R 'n' B. This groups choice of music already establishes that they follow 'dominant trends' and the masses in their tastes.

The main shops this tribe go to are Superdry, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins and Hollister. These brands clothes are all moderately priced and follow the latest fashions. They are also commonly placed in shopping centres and high streets, displaying how this group will often not go to independent or vintage stores to find their clothes. To attract this tribe in the magazine I must include the dominant or latest trends of that time and make it predominantly based around high-street stores whilst dressing the musicians. 

'Heat' and 'The Daily Mail' are the main choices of reading for the Townies. Again these often base their stories on celebrity culture and fashion, displaying this tribes keen interest in celebrity gossip and accessible fashion. To attract their interest I must include current celebrities, as it is obviously a keen subject in this group. 

UK Tribes argues that television is the 'biggest signifier for the Townie crowd'. This portrays how television and its shows are a key interest and how they must spend a lot of time watching TV. Furthermore, their favourite channel is ITV, whilst the shows they watch are often reality based or football. For example, shows often watched by this group are 'The Valleys' and 'Geordie Shore'.

Magazine Title Tally

ANALYSIS

Overall, these results show the magazine name 'The Buzz' is the most popular due to a vote of 17 out of 30 votes. This may be due to it being the most eye-catching and it being a short,snappy name. Moreover, the name is ideal due to it reflecting how my magazine will focus on the latest music creating a 'buzz' in the charts and music industry. 

Kerrang Magazine Analysis 2

THE COVER
The title:Why is it called that?What does the title connotate?

The title is short, expressive and in your face, reflecitng the type of music featured in the magazine. The title has connotations of loud, unapologetic music through the exclamation mark at the end, exhibiting how the magazine specialises in heavy rock music - the term 'thrash metal' was invented by the magazine.
 The masthead/title logo- analyse it.
The title logo is the same for each issue, meaning it is easily recognizable. The white text is slightly rugged and has lines goin through it, the title is placed on a blue background. This makes the text stand out more, whilst the effects placed on the text contribute to the edgy feel of the magazine, meaning it will be more attractive for its young, rock target market. The text is also Sans Serif adding to the young feel of the magazine.
Is there a strap line - analyse it.
There is no strap line on the magazine.
What is the main image? Analyse the facial expression, direction of gaze, body language, clothing etc. How does it reach out towards the ideal reader identified above?
The main image is of Gerard an ex-member of the band 'My Chemical mid-shot he has a serious expression and wear brown sunglasses, black top and distressed green army jacket. The expression may be to reach out to the target market as Kerrang is often thought of as a 'cool', rock magazine , meaning it would be unlikely that it would have a smiling picture. Additionally, the direciton of the gaze is directly towards the reader, this means it would automatically catch the reaaders eye. The body language is reserved and relaxed, meaning it keeps to the young, relaxed audience. The picture also retains the rock feel through Gerard wearing sunglasses, an accessory often worn by rock singers (e.g. Liam Gallagher), this further entices a younger audience. The picture is in colour making it stand out more,meaning consumers will be more liekly to pick it up as it would stand out on the shelf.
Romance'. In the
What other images appear on the cover? Why?
The other images that appear on the cover are advertismeents for other features within the magazine , for example, '6 amazing posters' are advertised on the front and next to the advert are the pictures of the posters included in the magazine. The extra pictures help the magazine jump out more for the audience, meaning someone will be more likely to pick it up. Moreover, it adds more colour and interest tp the page making it more appealing to the eye of the reader, it also gives the audience a deeper insight into what is featured inside the magazine.
What content is promoted by the cover lines?
There is a lot of content promoted on the cover, compared to NME. For example, a new album by the band 'A Day To Remember' is promotoed along with the chance for a reader to 'win a £500 guitar'. Overall, the things promoted are:

• Metallica - 'Inside Lars' Movie Night'
• 'Deaf Havana as you've never seen them before'
• 'A Day to Remember - the album that almost destoryed them'
• 'Win a £500 Guitar'

Explain the connotations of typefaces (fonts), graphics, colours etc.
The logo is white on a blue background, making it stand out more, meaning it will catch a consumers eye more easily. The font and graphics used contribute to the edgy feel of the magazine, this is achieved through the distressed effect out on the text. Additionally, the text is all in bold, making it stand out more and making the cover more eye-catching. The text is a mixture of collours such as, red, yellow, white and black.
What sort of language/language features/language devices can you identify? How does the cover talk to the reader?
The language on the cover is basic; this means a wide range of people will be more likely to be able to read it. The language also directly addresses the reader, meaning the reader is dragged into looking at the title. An example of this is - 'Deaf Havana as you've never seen them before', this is a language device. This is how the cover directly talks to the reader.
Does the cover look similar to other magazines?If so why? What does thismagazine offer which other rivals don't (i.e. What's is USP)?
It does look slightly similar due to the 'rock' feel of the magazine through the person on the front wearing sunglassses etc. However, it difference is it has more content on the front cover compared to other rock music magazines. This makes it appear less glossy, this is relected in the cheap price of £2.20. It USP is it is a cheap hevay rock music magazine , whereas, most other music magazines focus on lighter music.
Is there anything else distinctive about the cover/format (e.g. size)?
It is a similar size to most other magazines, however, its logo is different to most other magazines. This is achieved through its distressed look, additionally, it has mosre pictures than other magazines on the cover.
INSIDE
How many pages are there?
63
How many pages of adverts?
14
Categorise the products advertised into types?
Gigs and Tours are the main advertisments thoughout the magazine, for example, 'Thirty Seconds to Mars' new tour is advertised
New albums and music are also featured such as, 'Killswitch Engage's new album 'Trivium' is included. To bring a wider audience to the magazine there is an advertisement for 'Kerrang! Get Social' where Kerrnag's Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and Youtube page is advertised.
Make a list of the features/article topics inside the magazine.
NEWS
You Me at Six
Crowdfunding - Is it a rip-off
Motley Crue
Introducing: Darlia
FEEDBACK
We made an amazing joke about salad on these pages
FEATURES
Gerard Way
Deaf Havana
The films that saved my life
A day to Remember
SHOTS
Fall Out Boy, Metallica, P!atd, Of Mice and Men and More!
LIVES
Tongiht Alive
Bless The Fall
Young Guns
Impericon Never say die Tour
ALBUMS
Linkinn Patk
The Swellers
Ihsahn
Protest The Hero
Fall Out Boy
GIG GUIDE
The Blackout/TRC
THE ULTIMATE ROCKSTAR TEST
Killswitch Engage
How many double page spreads are there?
7
Are there any advertorials where it is not clear is something is an article or an advert, or a picture of both?
No, the adverts are clear as they usually have specific pictures ans subjects and advertise mostly gigs and albums. The double page spread is also clearly recognizable due to the focal picture.
How does the magazine achieve a unified 'house style'? Think about language and mode of address, colour schemes graphical elements etc.
The magazine achieves the unified house style through including a lot of content on each page compared to other magazine. Each page is full of pictures and writing to add interest for the reader and to make the magazine more informative. Additionally, the house style is achieved through by each page number a small 'Kerrang!' logo being present and with text throughout being distressed.
Why is the house style appropriate to the target audience? What assumptions does it imply about the TA?
The house style is appropriate as the distressed feel of the magazine and mass content within the pages contribute to the edgy feel of the magazine, meaning it will be more attractive to the young, modern , rock-listening audience. It provides the assumptions that the audience is quite edgy, this is reflected in the magazine through it mainly featuring new bands and music.

NME Magazine Analysis 1

THE COVER
The title: Why is it called that? What does the title connotate?
The title is short, punchy and easy to pronounce.A longer title may not have had such a dramatic effect, additionally; the succinct title reflects how the magazine often gets the latest bands and new acts. The title is short for 'New Musical Express' portraying how the magazine specialises in new music acts. The magazine originally had the longer title, however,  in 1978 the title was abbreviated to NME. The reasons for it changing are the new title had a younger, more urban feel to it , reflecting the magazine young, hip target audience. Additionally, it was too long which made the  magazine less eye-catching and punchy.

The masthead/title logo - analyse it.
Every issue of NME has the same structure of the title, with the same title and font used. This is to have a clear branding for the brand and made avid readers know the title format well. The white, sans serif writing is put on a bright red background, making it stand out. This makes it stand out more due to the different colours, meaning people will be more likely to buy it.
Is there a strap line - analyse it.
The strap line is 'the past, present and future of music'. This clearly shows that the magazine is based on music and increases the magazines appeal as it shows it does not have a specific time frame on the music it features meaning both young and old customers will be attracted to the magazine. The strap line also means people into music will have more likelihood of buying it as they will get to know the latest music through the magazine. Its target audience will also be attracted through this strap line as the word 'future' exhibits how the latest, newest music will be featured , something that a  young, hip audience would take an interest in.
What is the main image? Analyse the facial expression, direction of gaze, body language, clothing etc. How does it reach out towards the ideal reader identified above?
The main image is of the lead singer in the band 'Arcade Fire', it is of only his face and he holds a direct glare whilst his facial expression is solemn and serious. This may help reach the target audience as NME often tries to be 'cool' or modern, meaning that a young audience would be attracted to it due to the impression of the picture. The picture maintains as the modern feel through having faded colours throughout it, meaning interest is caused as it is not just a black and white image.
What other images appear on the cover? Why?
Other images on the cover are other band members; however, they are smaller but still have the same colour wash on their faces. They all maintain a serious expression and direct gaze. They could do this to fill space on the front cover and also to show the hole band, so the reader gets to know them better and more interest is caused. The other pictures also help to balance out the front cover, meaning there is not too much focus on the main individual in the band.
What content is promoted by the cover lines?
Other bands the magazine features such as , the 'Arctic Monkeys', and a quote from the main band member is included. Moreover, at the bottom the magazine promises the reader 'insight' into Arcade Fire's new album. This content may be included to allow the reader a direct view of the main stories inside the magazine.
Explain the connotations of typefaces (fonts), graphics, colours etc.
The logo is in white and lies on a red background, meaning it stands out making it more noticeable to the consumer. The red background ensures the magazine is available for both exes, as other colours such as pink would have had connotations with a female market. The font is Sans Serif, mirroring how the magazines is modern and relaxed - it is aimed at a young audience. The colours also help to emphasise the young, quirky feel of the magazine as there is a mixture of colours on the front cover, meaning it will catch a consumer's eye more easily.
What sort of language/language features/language devices can you identify? How does the cover talk to the reader?
The language on the cover is basic, meaning a wide range of individuals will be able to read the front cover easily. A language device used is the phrase 'look into our eyes' surrounding the pictures directly addresses the reader and directs them meaning they are more likely to notice the magazine and also notice the pictures as they are told to look into their 'eyes' - this is how the cover talks to the reader.
Does the cover look similar to other magazines? If so why? What does this magazine offer which rivals don't(i.e. what is its USP)?
No, it does not look similar to other covers of magazines due to the range of colours used on the magazine and the expression of the artists face. I believe its unique selling point is that it features often indie bands meaning it has a specific market, additionally; it is at a cheaper price than other rock music magazines such as , The Rolling Stones.
Is there anything else distinctive about the cover/format (e.g. size)?
The size of the magazine is average , however, the main image on the cover is a lot larger than other magazines, meaning the reader gains the knowledge of who is in the magazine more quickly. The type of photo used also sets it apart from gossip magazines etc. as they are clearly photo-shoot a picture, meaning the magazine comes across as more professional.
INSIDE
How many pages are there?
There are 66 pages inside the magazine.
How many pages of adverts?
14
Categorie the products advertised into types.
Gigs and Tours - there are many concerts and shows advertised throughout the magazine, such as the band 'Foals' doing a sold-out tour. To advertise the tour a picture of the band is usually included, as well as the name of the band and the dates of when they are performing.
New albums/music- musicians advertise new albums coming out such as the band 'Arcade Fire' stating there is a new album out now on the back page
Films - only a few films are advertised in the magazine , on is 'Villager {Awayland}'
Make a list of the features/article topics in the magazine.
'Sounding Off' - where readers report back their views on the previous magazines editions
'On Repeat' - the new weeks essential new 20 tracks
'This Week' - where the magazines states the goings on of that week, and has a main story on rock star Lou Reed. It also holds interviews with other bands and the weekly survey from NME.
'Radar' - a specific part of the magazine dedicated to NME's new band of the week, and other new music out
'Reviews'- where NME reviews new albums, books and gigs
'NME Guide'- where NME directs the reader who to see live and which new artists are playing now
'Think Tank'- crosswords and puzzles
The magazine then features 4 double page spreads on artists
'This Week in...' - shows what was published in the magazine years go, this weeks is 'This Weeks in 1988'
Then a last interview with an artist.
How many double page spreads are there? What are they about?
There are 4 double page spreads and they include the main interviews of bands such as, 'Arcade Fire'. Additionally, the last one is focused on Keith Richard's drug trial in 1978, linking to how the magazine shows the 'past' in music as well.
Are there any 'advertorials' where it is not clear if something is an article or an advert, or a picture of both?
No, the adverts are clear to see as they are mainly gigs an albums and usually on a separate page.
How does the magazine achieve a unified 'house style'? think about language and mode of address, colour schemes, graphical elements etc.
The magazine achieves a unified house style through only using Sans Serif font throughout. Moreover,all features and sections of the magazine are titled in the same black, basic font, meaning the magazine has a unified look. The background throughout, except for adverts, is white, whilst the page numbers are placed at the side in a specific space on each page.
Why is the house style appropriate to the target audience? What assumptions does it imply about the TA?
The house style is appropriate as it is basic and keeps an indie feel throughout the magazine, reflecting how the audience may be like this and also into rock music. Additionally, the sans serif font helps reinforce a modern feel throughout, mirroring how mainly modern and new music is featured throughout.

Magazine Title Ideas

• The Buzz - This name would be suitable as my magazine plans to feature the latest music, the title would reflect this.
• Crush- This name is short and snappy, meaning it would catch the eye easily.
• The Download - This name would be suitable as the magazine is aimed at young people, who often use the internet, this reflect show a younger generation would use the internet to download music. Additionally, it represent how the consumer will get the 'download' of the latest music.
• Reloaded- This title name clearly shows the consumer that the magazine is based on music and how there may be features on past music as well
• The Chase- This represents how the music magazine is always on the 'chase' for the latest music
• The Talk - This magazine title would be suitable as it portrays how the magazine will talk about the latest music in the charts

Print Production Brief

Preliminary exercise: using DTP and an image manipulation program, produce the front page of a new school/college magazine, featuring a photograph of a student in medium close-up plus some appropriately laid-out text and a masthead. Additionally you must produce a mock-up of the layout of the contents page to demonstrate your grasp of DTP.

Main task: the front page, contents and double page spread of a new music magazine (if done as group task, each member of the group to produce an individual edition of the magazine, following the same house style).