Magazine 2 Research 2

Rock Music Magazine:

Masthead: The title of this magazine is 'Kerrang!' as it is clearly stated at the top, in which some of the letters are covered by the main image. This shows that the Masthead is popular as it doesn't need to be seen, this is because the same type of magazine is common as the title is shown on every single magazine. The image is the main focus as it stands out and is placed in the middle of the page. The fact that the image taken is a medium shot allows the audience to see the types of clothes the models are wearing. The image is aimed at their fans which are in black, red and white as they are stereotypical colours targeted at young middle aged people who have an interest in rock music. The fact that the image is taken of men who are placed in a certain position; two men are in front and a couple are behind suggests they are in some sort of rock band and work together. It also shows that the men were position in a certain form in terms of body language therefore they are posing. The facial expressions indicate that their music is very serious in which is therefore dedicated to people that are serious about what they listen to.

The Straplines which are on the top and bottom of the page tell the audience what the magazine it include suggesting that that names stated are common and known as part of the rock genre. The fact that it states 'Plus' in red capital letters tell us that the straplines consists of people which is are extra part of the magazine. The magazine has used extra promotions in order to gain more buyers. The straplines are in white who are placed at the top and bottom of the page in capital letters stand out as they have used white which stands out from the background as the magazine cover mainly uses black and red.

The tagline which is ‘THE BEST IN TOWN GO GLOBAL’ suggests that the men in the image which is a band are now known to be even popular as their band is going worldwide. The fact that the tagline uses words such as ‘Best’ and ‘Town’ suggests that the band did not travel many places in which not of their fans were therefore able to see them real. However, the word ‘best’ shows that they are being stereotypical as they think that the rock genre is better than the rest such as ‘pop’ and ‘grime’. The tagline uses red in which stand out as they on top of a black background which is just used for the tagline the fact that line ends with an exclamation mark gives emphasise as it indicates that the audience should be surprised about it.

The words, ‘The Blackout’ are placed on the main image and top of the tagline in a way to show what the magazine includes. It is eye catching as it stands out against the image in which fans should recognise the name which is why it has been placed in that way.

The cover also uses a kicker which is placed on top of the straplines .The kicker stands out as the number ‘5’ is larger in terms of font size compared to the rest of the words.  However, the fact that the colour of the font is yellow stands out and also fits in with the generic conventions of rock as it is one of the colours used often for the genre. The fact that the colour symbolises happiness and the main image used does not show this through the facial expressions shows that even though rock may use the colours red and black which are quite depressing and dull suggest that the personality of the men does not clash as they may be living normal happy lives. The fact that two images are used indicates other known rock bands which are named above the images. One image uses a close up/mid shot as it also shows similar ways in which the image on the cover is related as the men also positioned the fact that one man is wearing glasses, and one is wearing a hat and they are not looking all directed all us suggests that the picture artistic . All members in the bad are wearing black and white which tells us that they all one group as they have something in common in which we see all members as being equal. The second image is taken in terms of rules and thirds and in depth. This is because the man in the left hand corner is shown to be looking somewhere in which we cannot tell as he is wearing black shaded glasses. However, the fact that he is not standing completely straight but is tilting to the side suggests that he looking at something. In the background there are men which also are members of the bans. The image uses a long shot as we can see a full image from head to toe in which they used to show their clothes as well as their body language. The men are posing with their arms crossed which highlights that they are standing in a way to show that they are cool.  The kicker has been used so that a larger audience can buy the magazine as it includes free gifts which are the five posters. A kicker has been used to promote so that they are gain more buyers. As a result, it might catch eye attention in which people who do not like or know about rock may therefore buy the magazine to find out about them. Also, it also attracts fans as they would want to have the gifts if they are to do with certain rock bands in which they may like. Therefore, fans may buy the magazine to gain the free gift instead of actually read what the article says.

The contrast of the cover is from red, black, and white to yellow.  All the colours stand out as they being used for different purposes as well as being used as one of the generic conventions. The fact that the kicker used yellow suggests that it will attract customers as the colour is quite bright and represents cheerful and is a positive colour therefore it sets the mood of the cover. The four colours used are simple and used in the right ways in which have been thoughtful as the cover does not look like the colours have blended in with each other but looks quite professional. Also, the layout has been used thoughtfully to make the look like the rock genre as well as attract as much customers as they can by using free gifts. The bar code is place on the right hand size horizontally