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.