COMP 3 MUSIC MARKETING - MAGAZINES

MUSIC MAGAZINES

ROLLING STONE 

The first thing a reader would notice is the artist featured on the front cover as it is the first and only photo on the front cover. The fact that it is only one image on the front cover make the artist the main area of focus for the reader and he take up most of the space on the page.
The background for this particular issue is an all white background which further emphasises the artist in my opinion as there is no distractions. His costume of a black shirt can be argued to have two different meanings. It can give off a sophisticated look but could also give him a sexy twist also. His messy haired look gives the artist an effortlessly bad boy feel perhaps to intrigue his fans into buying the magazine and support their favourite artists.
Shawn Mendes is looking directly into the camera which could also be a way in which they get people to buy the magazine because it is as if he is luring readers with his eyes.

the red masthead makes the title of the magazine very visible and stand out from the rest of whats on the page, making it clear to the readers what magazine they are reading

WRITING ON THE FRONT COVER:
there isn't a lot of writing on the front cover to perhaps focus the readers' full attention on the artist. However it does have writing about the main artist but also  the question "can facebook be fixed?" to make the readers curious as to what the answer is and make them want to read more

NME

This magazine from NME reflects the conventions of an RnB magazine due to the use of the colours. The colours red and black connote rebellion, violence and power which is what the music also reflects which is clever as the magazine has a connection not only to its target audience but also to the music.

- costume = street style: leather jacket, trainers

BILLBOARD

In my opinion, this front cover is similar to the one above in the way the artist is used. The artist on this magazine is also looking directly into the camera perhaps to play out the same technique as the one above, and that is to lure the readers with the eyes of the artist that they love.
The colours used on the front cover is interesting because it doesn't make the artist stand out as much but the use of bright colours make the eyes be drawn into it especially as they use a gradient of happy colours such as yellow, pink and peach.
His posture may suggest that he is serious about his work and would like his fans to do the same.

Unlike many magazines, Billboard puts their title on the side of the page which can be seen as unusual but is a way they would find themselves on a rack of other magazines, it is their unique selling point. But as all music magazines have, their masthead is the writing that must stand out the most.

use of costume is also interesting as the colours co-ordinate with the masthead of the magazine, making the audience know that he is part of this community build with the magazine. His costume can also be seen as one that everyone can wear further emphasising the fact that the audience can easily be influenced by whats on the magazine.