Analysis of Music Analysis of Music Magazines ContentsMagazines Contents

(Q, atmosphere, mixmag)(Q, atmosphere, mixmag)

Q : Mainstream

Q : Further AnalysisThe contents page remains the house style by maintaining the limited colour pallet (red, black & white) as well as the mast head being presented at the top of each page. This allows the magazine to flow better.

It also helps to orientate the reader and strongly project the lead articles. The main image of Matt Bellamy is the largest on the contents which because some readers may have bought the magazine specifically for the lead article and will therefore want to be easily directed to the article.

The pictures also help to orientate to reader to articles of particular areas of interest eg. The picture of Ant and Dec may interest some readers therefore the image will allow them to find the article quickly.

ATM: Drum & Bass, Dub step

ATM: Further AnalysisThe contents page continues the house style with the limited colour pallet (grey, white & deep purple) the minimalistic stylish look is also continued. Unlike Q, ATM doesn’t have any pictures to orientate the reader, however the cover lines & lead article are emphasised through the use of bold text and grey backing. This also contributes to the stylish look of the magazine.

Like many magazines the different sections are clearly labelled ‘Features, Regulars, Reviews’ the music reviews section is aimed particularly at ATM readers as they are interested in music, and ATM covers ‘Drum & Bass, Hip-Hop, Dub step’ which are the styles of music ATM readers are interested in.

Mixmag: Dance

Mixmag: Further AnalysisUnlike Q and ATM, mixmag does not maintain the colour pallet used on the front cover. However the font style used on the cover lines is used on the contents page which provides a link between the cover and contents page.

Mixmag uses lots of images to help orientate the reader to specific areas of the magazine. Unlike Q most images are artistic shots of festivals or fashion shots. This is because mixmag readers are interested in partying and looking good. Therefore the images will attract them.

Like Q the images also have the page numbers of the article on them which effectively helps to clearly allow the reader to jump to the section of interest.

The contents sections are clearly labelled ‘VIP, Tunes, Club Country, Regulars, Features’ which are areas of interest for the readers of mixmag, and again helps of orientate the reader.