MUSIC M

AGAZINE D

OUBLE

PAGE S

PREAD

L AY A

L TE

MR

AW

I

ANALYSIS OF ‘NME MAGAZINE’ FEATURING DIZZEE RASCAL

I am going to start off by analysing the images within the double page spread. The

dominant image of the singer Dizzee Rascal, is placed on the left page of the double

page spread. He is vandalising the wall as there is a spray can placed in his hand. He

is not looking directly at the camera as he may be looking over his shoulder to see if

someone has caught him or perhaps he knows that he’s up to no good. This allows

the article to be quite comical for the readers. This also relates back to the hip hop

genre as graffiti is part of it’s history.

He is dressed in a red puff jacket with a white vest underneath accompanied with

some jeans. Although the graffiti on the wall and his actions relate back to the stereo

type of the hip hop industry, the fact that Dizzee is not wearing any gold chains or

has his boxers on display may suggest that he is trying to differentiate himself from

the cliché.

The colour red is usually associated with elements such as power, energy, strength

and determination. Rascal looks quite determined to take the risk because although

he knows there may be consequences he is still finishing his work of art.

The hip hop artist is on the double page spread as it is a music magazine convention to

always have the main article featuring the artist on the cover. the targeted audience are

able to relate to the musician, due to reasons such as his age and the genre of his music as

well as the fact that he is vandalising public property which most young people do to rebel.

the urban background is full of graffiti. This represents the stereotype of the hip hop

culture, as this particular ethnic culture is associated with the gangster/ghetto lifestyle.

However, the colours create a vibrant and trendy atmosphere as the shades compliment

the cover ‘s colour scheme as well as the artist’s image(style).

On the right hand corner readers will find the article. The organisational structure of the

spread sheet allows readers to clearly read the article without finding it difficult. The article

usually relates to the images surrounding it.

NME have successfully used appropriate Mise-en-scene to emphasise the hip-hop industry.

The article has a header placed right above it in big, black, bold letters. “ From Tags to

Riches” this title emphasises the success of the young artist and how he has made it from

being an ordinary boy to a prosperous artist.

The header itself takes up half the page. This suggests the issue is image dominated

rather than text. This also suggests that the target readership is a younger audience as

youths prefer to look at pictures rather than read the text.

There is a catchy sub heading placed underneath the masthead. This gives readers a

further insight into the article. “ 2009 has been Dizzee Rascal’s year.” The fact that his

name is written in bold makes it clear for the readers that the article is based on him

specifically as some of the readers may not even know who he is.

The article is set out into four columns making it clearly visible to the readers eyes. It

starts with a drop capital making it clear where the article starts. The font and it’s colour

is consistently black throughout, this allows it to stand clearly across the white

background as the graffiti begins to fade.

Supporting the theme of the urban vibe are four empty bottles of beer and a vintage

music player. The prompts are used to add to the Mise-en-scene.

The title NME, date and page number are placed in the corner of the page. This is a

constant reminder for the readers to remember what magazine they are reading as well

as allows the publishers to promote their brand identity.

The editors have also credited individuals that have helped provide the

double page spread by adding their names to the header.

Over all the magazine has successfully used basic music magazine

conventions and altering them according to their specific style and

identity. They have successfully established the targeted audience as

well as the theme of the issue by using appropriate Mise-en-scene.

ANALYSIS OF “Q MAGAZINE” DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD FEATURING FLORENCE WELCH

I’m going to start off by analysing the images within the double page spread.

Florence Welch is known as the lead singer of the band Florence and the machine.

There are three images of the artist that take up majority of the double page

spread. She is dressed in a black cat suit and her whole outfit is dominated by the

colour black, this also allows her red hair to stand out. The colour black is usually

associated with elements such as power, mystery and elegance. The fact that her

outfit reveals so little skin produces a sense of mystery following the idea ‘ less

means more’ this also allows the artist to look elegant as she is not selling herself

or her body to the public eye. This may also suggest that she is a night person as

she is dressed up for an occasion. The whole outfit may reveal the edgy side of the

singer. The outfit would probably appeal more to the male reader as it produces a

sensual yet not a trashy atmosphere. The different poses make the artist look like

she’s dancing this relates back to the music industry as she is a singer after all.

Since the artist is not looking directly at the camera and her hair slightly covers

her face on each of the images the middle image has clearly been taken with a fan

facing her as this allows readers to recognise her and see what her make up looks

like.

The fact that she is dressed in black and is located across a white background allows all

focus to be on Florence herself. This may also be a connotation of her style as she has a

50’s style to her, therefore the black and white effect may be associated with her

background style.

Next, I will be discussing features such as the writing e.g. the font. The double page spread

is image dominated, this allows the article to have an image feel rather than a written one

as they may want to attract readers who enjoy pictures.

The writing is located on the far right hand side of the page and is set out into two columns,

the organisation of the layout makes it clear for the audience to read. There is a

subheading that says Florence in white across a black background so that the artist’s name

stands out. A quote from the artist herself is located next to the first image on the left hand

side of the double page spread. “ it had all the tappings of a great hangover: lost phone,

chipped tooth, hotel on fire…” The fact that it is within quotation marks allows and is

located right next to the artist, allows the reader to immediately know the words are

coming out of her mouth.

The word hangover itself makes it clear that the magazine is directed at a younger

audience as they would be able to relate with that feeling the next day after having

too much to drink. The three dots at the end of the sentence would encourage the

audience to keep reading to find out what she is exactly referring to. The neutral

colours used suggest that the article is aimed at both sexes.

Overall, the article follows the basic conventions of a double page article and alters

them to suit their targeted audience. However, the magazine also lacks basic

conventions such as a header (title) for the article. Conclusively , the magazine

uses appropriate features to portray the target readership.

ANALYSIS OF “VIBE” DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD STARRING SOLANGE KNOWLES

I’m going to start off by analysing the images within the double page spread.

Solange Knowles is a well-known artist especially for being Beyonce Knowles’

sister. Although there are around 8 photographs the double page spread is not

image dominated. The main image is a long shot image of Solange, wearing a

striking red dress with ruffles on the end. The colourful image contrasts with the

plain colours of the page everything is in black and grey aside from the subtle

blue writing. The colour red associates with elements such as love and lust. The

fact that the dress is quite short, tight and shows an alluring part of the female

body, her legs, connotes a sense of desire. She has topped off the dress with a

colourful yet dark fur collar. That varies from blue to brown. This directs all the

attention to the dress. She is wearing peep toe high heels that have a hint of

orange between the purple colours and accessorised with two necklaces (a long

silver one and a colourful chocker) her outfit has a young vibe with a

sophisticated twist. This reveals the artist’s young side as well as her sense of

class

The outfit would definitely appeal to the male readers due to how short and

tight it is, female readers would enjoy the images as well as they are fun and

stylish. The singer is standing in a basic position with her hands placed behind

her back. She is staring straight at the camera; this represents a direct mode

of address as if she is talking directly to the readers. She has a serious/straight

look on her face, this contrast with the way she is posing for the other camera

shots behind her. Readers can tell that this is the dominant image as it is

larger than the others and is in colour. The way the images are set from left to

right make them look professional and unique. The black and white coloured

poses give the readers an insight to the artist’s personality. This also is used

as ‘eye-candy’ for the male reader, as the attractive singer looks flirtatious.

This allows the readers to visualise how the text relates back to the images, as

well as makes the article more interesting and eye-catching. The layout is

organised, the black lines separate the images from the texts this allows the

readers to clearly read them text rather than having everything scattered over

the pages.

Next I will be discussing features to do with the writing such as the font. The

language and tone that is used is essential to any magazine as it describes the

type of relationship the magazine wants to have with its readers. ‘Vibe’ uses a

convention to differentiate itself from other magazines, this is done through

the first sentenced that is written.

The article begins with a snappy sentence whereas most magazines usually

start their articles with a dropped letter. ‘Forget her sister. The outspoken

Solange Knowles created one of the year’s best RnB albums.’ The fact that her

name is highlighted in blue suggests importance, as well as allows those who

don’t know the artist to identify her, the use of mentioning Beyoncé is also a

way to recognise the artist as Beyoncé is highly known internationally. The

word RnB would immediately suggest that RnB fans will be interested in the

article and how the artist came to selling one of the year’s best RnB albums.

On the other hand it uses the basic conventions of any magazine by using

features such as columns that divide the text as well as makes the article look

neater and easier to read.

The quote next to her is taken out of the article. The fact that it is within quotation marks allows and

is located right next to the artist, allows the reader to immediately know the words are coming out

of her mouth.

The colour scheme of the article is grey dominant (background) with black and slight blue writing.

These neutral colours suggest that the article is aimed at both sexes; however the subtle blue

suggests that the article is not female based and that it would appeal to the male reader as well.

The colour Grey is usually associated with elements such as cloudy and sadness. This may be used

as Mise – en –scene to symbolise the quote ‘’It’s no fun to feel like I have to audition for everyone…”

the fact that the quote is written in capital letters suggests the importance and moodiness of the

words.

Overall, the article follows the basic conventions of a double page article and alters them to suit

their targeted audience. However, the magazine also lacks basic conventions such as a header

(title) for the article. Conclusively , the magazine uses appropriate features to portray the target

readership.