Analysis of Questionnaire Results

To produce my music magazine I need to know who I am trying to connect with in my magazine otherwise known as the target audience. By creating a questionnaire I am able to find out more about what people like about music magazines and by analysing the results I can implement some key factors into the creation of my magazine in order to attract the target audience.

I have created a questionnaire relating to a music magazine and completed 10 questionnaires from music fans randomly.

From my results I have discovered that a great majority of my target audience fall into the 18 – 20 category. This is most probably because of the fact that the legal age to go clubbing is 18 in which my main target audience falls into and clubbing is possibly the biggest interest for music lovers from this age category. However I have also found out from my results that the 15 – 18 category should also be recognised as there are people within this category who are fanatic music lovers.

Dance music has been proven the most popular with my results as 8 out of the ten questionnaires voted for dance music as there favourite genre with R&B and Hip/Hop also receiving one vote each. So my questionnaires told me that 80% of people considered dance music as there favourite music genre. These people mostly fell into the 18 – 20 category which gives me the impression of dance music relates to clubbing and therefore attracts a large target audience.

I also was keen to know how often people visited night clubs or parties from my largest specified audience being the 18 – 20 category. From my results I have discovered that the majority visit night clubs or go to parties twice a week. Out of ten questionnaires 8 of them said that they attend clubs and parties at least twice a week. This indicates to me that the target audience are fans of raving and clubbing therefore ideas such as club reviews in my magazine are very relevant.

70% of my candidates said that they would pay up between £3-4 for a quality music magazine whereas 10% said they would pay £4 or more and the final 10% would pay between £2-50-3.

From my results I have discovered that the whole 100% of my candidates want to see artist reviews, Gig/festival reviews, music reviews, music charts, competitions and club reviews in a music magazine which has given me specific articles to implement into my new music magazine. The most attractive feature to the reader from my results on the front cover is information on what’s inside. This tells me that the majority of the target audience want to know what is in the magazine first and foremost so therefore I need to ensure that the magazine has quality within as this is what will entice the target audience to buy my music magazine. 

Questionnaire

1. What age category do you fall into?

15–18   r        18-20   r        20-25   r        25- 30   r        Other   r

If other please state: ………

2. What is your favourite type of music?

Dance   r        Hip/Hop   r        R&B   r        Indie/Rock   r        Other   r

If other please state: …………………..

3. How often do you buy music magazines?

Daily   r        Monthly   r        Annually   r        Never   r

4. From your favourite genre, who is your favorite artist or band?

Please state: ………………………..

Explain why:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………    

5. Which of the following articles would you like to see in a music magazine?

(Tick as many as needed)

Artist interview   r        Gig/festival review   r        Music review   r

Music charts   r        Competitions   r        Club reviews   r        other   r

If other state here: ………………………………………………………………

6. How much would you be prepared to pay for a top quality music magazine?

£2.00 - £2.50   r        £2.50 - £3.00   r        £3.00 - £4.00   r        £4.00 or more   r

7. How often do you to a night club or parties?

Once a week   r        occasionally/special occasions   r        monthly   r         

Twice a week   r        Other   r        Please state: ………………………….

8. On magazine front covers, which of the following is most likely to grab your attention first?   (tick 1of the following)

Information on what’s inside   r        Colours   r        Artist and celebrity gossip   r

An offer (competition for example)   r         

9. On a scale of 1 – 10 (with 1 being the least) how much does music feature in your life?

Please state here: ………

10. Are you a big music fan? Are you involved in any music producing?

Briefly explain how music features in your life.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

NME Music Magazine Double Page Spread

NME is renowned for its quality as a music magazine and this is a typical double page spread in which they have promoted Florence, a female artist in “Florence and the machine.” This particular double page is very effective in attracting the target audience. 

The image in this double page spread is used very effectively in attracting the target audience. This image is a low angle shot where the camera is looking up at the Singer Florence signifying her as an important figure. The fact that the camera shot is making her look big and important entices the target audience to want to find out what the article is about. Florence herself can be described as a sex object in this image because of what she is wearing and her pose adds to the effect. This particular technique entices the male readers yet also the female readers as they could feel envy towards her. Her pose and costume suggest power and dominance in a variety of ways. Her pose is very relaxed looking down at the camera which gives the impression Florence is looking down upon the world in a very dominant way in this particular image. Her costume also adds to this feel of sophistication and mystery as she is in all black which seems to be a cooler in which does not reveal everything about a character. There is an element of mystery within her. Her fiery red light hair gives of the impression that she has lots of energy within her. This impression comes from her fiery red hair which adds to the powerful feel of the image.  The way she is wearing all black clothing adds to the effect that she could be sophisticated and mysterious person which could entice the target audience to want to find out more. Florence is a pop/indie singer which is an interesting combination but looking at the image carefully does show iconography in an attractive manner. For example her red hair and short dress gives off the impression of a pop artist with the white background adding to the effect that would appeal to pop lovers of the target audience. The comparison is her black dress which is more of a mysterious color in which gives off the indie side to her music in an effective manner. The image is very well constructed to attract more of the target audience than just a specified group of fans from one music genre. The image reflects different interests of the target audience very effectively. It displays Florence perched on a red and white cloth which symbolizes the USA and the way in which she is perched upon the top of it could mean that she is in control of the USA with her new music. This shows that she is globalizing her music which means she has good music which would entice the target audience. She seems to have a sexual pose in which would appeal to the male target audience as a sex object who looks to be in control because of the low angle shot making her look bigger and important. The way in which the pose reveals her legs makes the image seem more sexualized and therefore sexually appealing to the male readers.

In the textual context of the double page you immediately recognize the sell line or main heading “Got the love” which is one of Florence’ most successful songs which is very effective in luring in the target audience as this song is one of her most recognized songs. The song is shown in the script font style adding to the articles effects making it seem personal and intimate. The words “got the love” also make the piece seem more stylish and interesting, this piece becomes more attractive to the target audience. In the background you can identify the letters “USA” behind the singer but in a faded style signifying that its not the most important bit of information on the page however the size of the letters and the way its in the display format with uppercase letters adds to the effect in which attracts the target audiences attention and makes them recognize more about the article in one simple word.

The large “USA” in the background of the mount also suggests that the USA’s indie fans are behind her and supporting her. The text overall adds to the interpretation of the singer and helps the reader understand more about how the magazine has portrayed her which in this case is as a sex object but with sophistication and style which is what really attracts the target audience both male and female. The bold sell lines off both, “USA” and “Got the love” give off a clear impression as well as the image. It suggests to the reader that Florence is in U.S and that it relates to her music as “Got the love” is one of her songs so therefore without even reading the article the mount suggests gives a clear impression of what’s going to be within the article.

In terms of the layout of the double page spread, you can clearly recognize the way in which the image dominates the majority of the page over the text. The article has used the image to entice the reader into wanting to read the article so the image has been made to attract both the male and female target audience which it has done in a very effective manner. This is because Florence is portrayed as a sex object which appeals to the male audience whereas she also appeals as stylish and as a celebrity or star because of her singing ability which will also attract the female audience hoping that some of Florence’ magic can rub off on them. The page itself seems easy to digest and look at as it is not over filled with text putting the target audience off yet it has nicely displayed an attractive image which a relevant amount of text is an attractive manner that will attract the target audience. To get the reader of a magazine to read the text in an article sometimes they need more than a headline or an interesting caption, which in this mount is provided as the image is the main attraction on the page and as it grabs the target audience’s attention of the target audience very well. It therefore greatly improves the chances that more people will read the article. Overall I believe that the page layout is very effective in capturing the target audiences’ attention and in portraying an attractive double page spread article in which is easy to digest.

NME Magazine Contents Page

This is a contents page from the magazine “NME.”

On this contents page, NME uses two main images as an of trying to attract the target audience. The two male singers in the images are from the indie/rock band Oasis who are very successful and carry a huge fan base. The magazine celebrates this type of music and by including one of the best bands as a main attraction on the contents page is a very effective technique in attracting the target audience. The singers themselves reflect the indie/rock music typically for example the singer on the left with a black jacket and a scarf on which is typical to a band of this genre. Many indie/rock artists go by this look as it is not too formal and very casual which is an ascent of this type of music. Whereas the other singer on the right is playing a guitar and has long and untidy hair which is typical features of the specific genre. The lighting itself behind the singers is dark which little light in both images which adds to the effect of them belonging to a specified genre. Dark lighting is a typical convention of indie/rock. They are both also low angle shots looking up at the characters making them seem significant and important. This gives off the impression to the target audience that they are important people within there music genre. Both artists also seem to be performing on stage live as well which could be a big event, this makes the reader ask more questions such as where are they performing. The live performances relate to the target audience as it is an interest for many of them to attend music events. By displaying this style of fashion the target audience will be enticed to want to know more and therefore read on.

On this particular contents page the font style known as “display” dominates the page with main headings and mastheads all being used in this format. From the first look at the page the phrase “Oasis kicked off their world tour” grabs your attention immediately. The word “kicked” is also a very casual mode of address. As Oasis are a very popular band the way in which the phrase stands out and grabs the attention of the reader increases the target audience’s interests because many of them want to know about what they are doing all the time. Because of this caption grabbing your attention you are likely to be more observant of the rest of the text displaying what is in the magazine because the readers’ attention has been captured. The images themselves could be taken by members of the targeting audience watching the artists perform live and this adds relevance to the articles and is an effective technique as it gives of the impression that this could be any member of the target audience watching live and taking these pictures.  The language used for the phrase about Oasis is straight forward and to the point which the target audience will appreciate as it tells them exactly what about Oasis is in the magazine which is what they want to know. It is made interesting to the reader because the font is in bold and different to the rest of the text as it seems to be more in the sans serif text as well as there being images which also relate to the text to enforce the message and attract the target audience. At the bottom of the page in the box plot is an advertisement for the magazine about subscribing for the magazine which is an effective technique in getting a consistent amount of readers as it is a way in which the target audience will consider a good opportunity to save money as there is an offered discount which can save the target audience money which is in the greatest interest of the reader and going to attract the target audience. Down the left side of the page is a common convention for a music magazine as it has a band index going write down the page. This is a very common feature which is effective as it makes the audience feel they are getting more for their money as well as making them want to look inside. On the right side of the page is the column separating what is in the magazine which has main headings such as “news” and “radar” which are convenient methods in making the page east to understand and therefore more attractive to the target audience as it shows them exactly what’s within the magazine. The page continues to use the same context as for its front covers and double spreads with the traditional colours which are used effectively to capture the target audiences’ attention. The balance between the text and the images is effective as you feel as if the pictures are relevant and all the space on the page is filled well in order to make the magazine seem as if there is a lot in there, making the reader feel as if they are getting there moneys worth.

The contents page uses the traditional layout as of its front covers and double page spreads as there are the same colours being used such as the red, white and black which all have an effect and relate to the genres the magazines celebrate. The traditional “NME” is on the top left hand side of the page to add to the traditional layout and to add to the effects that make the contents page achieve brand identity. Also the traditional large, “display” font is used to add to the brand identity as this style is used in both its front covers and double page spreads consistently. Overall if you analyse the colours, effects, and fonts on this contents page you realise that they are all very similar to that of the front covers and double page spreads produced by the magazine giving the page brand identity very effectively. 

NME Music Magazine Front Covers

NME is a very successful music magazine that is renowned for delivering quality to its target audience.

The masthead is a very well recognized symbol for this music magazine and is clearly significant with the primary color red displayed with upper case letters very effectively. The masthead uses the bright color red with the white outline in order to make the title stand out more and become more recognized. The NME symbol with both red and white signifies British culture and gives of the impression of a celebration of Brit music. The symbol is very recognizable which suggests that the magazine has trust in the loyalty of the target audience. Adding to the effect of the front cover you can see that the singer “Florence” has part of her head over the NME symbol. This is an interesting technique as the fact that her head has taken over part of the mast head signifies that she must be important as it needs to be a very important symbol to override the powerful masthead.

The image used of Florence is a low angle shot that slightly looks up at her making her seem big and powerful. The background is of a car in which Florence seems to be getting out of in what could be interpreted as an escort or a show fur which signifies to the audience that she travels in style and makes her seem very important and significant. However the audience could interpret the yellow car Florence Is getting out of to be a traditional yellow American cab which links to the main sell line of Florence in America which is a very effective technique in adding effect to the mount. The fact that she’s just got out of the cab suggests that she’s just arrived; almost as an export from the U.K to the U.S. Florence herself seems to be dressed up in an interesting fashion would appeal to some readers and could possibly be referred to as a sex object to the male audience. The magazine is making her look attractive with what seems excessive make up to add to the effect of the image. She seems shocked in the image or in anticipation, possibly for fans that are waiting to greet her. The way in which Florence is dressed up makes her sexually appealing and attracts the male sample of the target audience. Despite her sexy costume she appears confident and powerful too, as achieved by her heels, black colors of her costume and the fiery red hair which all add significance to this powerful image. Her costume shows off her legs in which again is sexually appealing to the male sector of the target audience and also makes her seem confident about her figure and image.

The sell line saying, “Florence takes America” is very powerful technique in enticing the target audience. The uppercase letters and the bright red add significance to the sell line and the way it takes up a lot of the mount and the fact that most of the rest of the cover lines are in white and in smaller text sizes signifies how important this sell line is to the mount. The sell line itself is very direct and to the point and the target audience can identify what the article about the singer is going to be about. Some of the sell lines could be referred to as representing the interests of the target audience such as, “The 25 best rock starts of all time” which is an obvious interest for the target audience and is a good sell line in which will entice the target audience. The color of the sell lines are used to add effect and significance to them as the bright red and white makes them stand out to the target audience. You can also relate the primary color red which makes up the sell line to the U.S flag which again is highly significant. The term, “Florence takes America” also makes her seem like a god-like figure within the music industry as you need to be a significant and powerful figure to “take” America therefore the significance of Florence is added to making her seem powerful and almost “captive” to some extent of how she can “take America” for “72 hours” which links on to the sell line beneath. This reads, “72 hours with the year’s greatest export.” This sell line is extremely effective as it is so direct and to the point. It says that Florence is the “year’s greatest export” making her music seem of a high quality and makes her seem very successful over the year and the fact that she is predominantly in the U.S for “72 hours” signifies that America only has three days which this iconic figure adding even more effect to her dominance and power. The language used or mode of address is basic and not to complex which makes the magazine more attractive to the male side of the target audience as they don’t want too much complication as it doesn’t appeal as much to male readers. An example of this basic language can be signified in the line, “Florence takes America,” where the word “take” is used which is slang and therefore less formal and more effective in attracting different types of the target audience to the magazine.

The main sell lines are on the left hand side of the page which is a different technique in comparison to other music magazines. The fact that they are on the left where readers read from left to right signifies their importance and make them seem more important on the mount. At the bottom of the mount there are artists in which are listed that are included within the magazine. They’re displayed in white text in upper case letters which add significance and they are a very effective way to entice more of the target audience to the magazine as some of the audience may not be too attracted to Florence so the options of other artists provide the audience to look for someone else in which they are more attracted to so therefore the extra artists listed is a very effective technique in luring in more of the target audience. There is also an image of Pete Docherty on the mount which doesn’t stand out as much as Florence however is still easily recognizable and clear to the reader. The eye level shot of Pete is of great contrast to that of Florence as she is looked up upon as a powerful figure signifying success whereas Pete’s eye level shot with a blunt expression expressing little emotion seems less important however still significant. The uppercase “exclusive” captures the audiences’ attention and the line, “Pete on life support” will reach out to his fans and others that want to find out more on how he is. The quote by Pete, “My heart stopped” seems very serious and is an effective way of attracting the target audience as it seems a serious issue in which a majority of the target audience will be intrigued to know more about.  The page seems well balanced with images and text and the overall mount is not over cluttered and hard for the target audience to interpret. It looks like it’s got a lot inside the magazine though which is going to entice the target audience to want to buy the magazine. The cover seems strategic as it has everything in a well organized fashion in which the target audience can clearly interpret and understand. 

Analysis of Media Text

Music Magazine Double Page Spreads

This is a “Mixmag” magazine double page spread which is advertising a band known as the Black Eyed Peas. The double page is effective in attracting its target audience.

The image used presents the band black eyed peas in an interesting manner as they are portrayed in Long shots showing their whole figure. They’re made to look cool in many different ways such as “Fergie” who is the female of the group who is displayed as a sex object as her revealing top gives this impression as well as her pose and make up which make her seem attractive. This attracts the male target audience. The other three singers are in interesting costume with serious facial expressions indicating to the target audience they are serious about something which could be referred to in the article. There clothing is very un-common command appears to be designer which will intrigue target audience as fashion is an interest of the reader. In particular and more evidently, “Will I Am” who is the second from the right seems to be illuminated making him more obvious and powerful on the page. The lighting signifies to the reader that he is the most important member of the band and he is what the article is referring to or focusing on. This technique and the way in which the image is presented entice the target audience to want to read the magazine. The way in which the band are presented gives off the impression that they are glamorous and important because of the bright lighting which is typical of R@B and dance magazines whereas dark scenes reflect more rock and indie types of music. Because of this you could say the image does relate to the bands genre. They are all presented showing their whole body which means their whole outfits and they all seem to be wearing designer clothing which is an interest to the target audience. The clothing is not what you see everyday and far from common and they seem expensive garments such as “Will I Am” with the gold clothing on with interesting materials which are likely to be expensive and therefore designer. Designer clothing appears to the target audience because it is a great interest to people who go out clubbing and partying that want to look good. The fact that they are all dressed up and the shot is in a bright lighting could reflect the target audiences interest in getting dressed up and going clubbing or to a party. This helps the target audience relate to the band. This is an effective technique in interesting both the male and female members of the target audience.

The text is very conventional for a “Mixmag” magazine as they use the same font style and use of effects in which they use for both their front covers and contents pages which you could say creates brand identity. On the left hand side of the page is the large text saying, “Will He, Wont He?” The use of a question creates intrigue as to what the article is about. It refers to “Will I am” who is the singer lighted up as the most significant figure on the page, so this large text which clearly relates to him gives the impression to the target audience that the article is mainly focusing on him. The way in which Will is lighted up in a dark yellow light and the rest of the band is in a faded grey is used to effect as in the large text the bit explaining Will is also in the bright yellow saying “Will He” whereas the dark faded grey saying “Wont He” refers to the rest of the band. This technique is very effective as it makes the audience wonder what is happening and in entices them to want to read the article and find out more about the situation. The mode of address is typically basic for “Mixmag” magazine as it is not over complicated and easy to understand with basic language such as the heading “Will He or Won’t He,” which is basic and easy for the reader to understand. The audience will expect the article to be about “Will I Am” due to the lighting on his image and the main heading and this is an effective technique in getting the target audience to read on because he is arguably the most recognised figure in the band and therefore attract the most attention and entice people to read the article. The way in which the colour is used and the relation between the main text area and the image entices the reader and makes the article seem interesting and entices the target audience to want to read the rest of the article. The font is similar to that used in both the front cover and contents pages as the magazine uses the conventional technique of making the most important issues bigger and bolder which makes the magazine so much easier to interpret and entice the target audience.

The text to image ratio strongly favours the image on the page as it is used as the main effect or technique to entice the target audience. The visual side of the page takes over this article signifies the fact that it might be focused more on attracting the male target audience as it has been proven that men are more attracted to visuals than woman. Also an image is more likely to grab our attention and make us want to read it. The technique and effects used between the text on the left hand side of the page and the main image relate to make the article seem more attractive for the target audience and make the article easier to digest as the text on the right hand side of the page doesn’t seem as interesting nevertheless the effects used with the rest on the page layout entice the reader to want to read the rest of the article therefore making the smaller text easier to digest and it does not take over the page. Because of the images taking over the majority of the page, more of the target audience are going to be attracted because naturally people respond better to visuals and because of the image which has locked the reader into the piece, the text becomes easy to digest because the image has provided enough for the target audience to want to know more and reads the article.

Analysis of Media Texts

Music Magazine Contents Page

This is a contents page from the music magazine “Mixmag.” These magazines are recognised as one of the best in dance music and are very effective in delivering top quality magazines to their target audience.

On this front cover the images are used very effectively to entice the target audience to read the magazine. The way in which the images have taken such a large percentage of the page reflects the magazines male readership as men are more attracted to visuals than woman. This could be a technique used to entice the male sector of the target audience to read on. Images tell a story of what’s inside without having to use words and demand effort from the reader. The images seem to be focusing typically on making the artists look cool as the main image portrays the artist drinking a beer with a checked shirt on which relates to fashion and the interest of drinking which both relate to a night out for the male target audience. This makes him seem cool because he represents them. The artist at the bottom right has shades on with what seem to be a leather jacket making him seem sophisticated with dark colours and very cool with big shades on. Nevertheless their background locations seem to be in very common locations such as the bottom right image of an artist seemingly perched on either a wall or even a bus and the main image with the artist in what seems a cramped back stage area. The fact that he is drinking a beer makes the image more relevant to fans as it makes him seem like them as this relates to the target audience as they go out drinking. This is an effective use of the image to entice the target audience to read on. The images also offer an insight to what is within the magazine as they are portraying what can be seen as two artists and a fan. The later, being the fan, is very significant to the target audience because it relates to and represents them so therefore the target audience is going to be particularly attracted to this page because it has a clear and obvious relation to them. The images show and briefly explain beneath them what the topic is but you can clearly see that there are going to be two artists from the main image and the bottom right who are most probably going to be interviewed and the bottom right image illustrated fashion which is clearly all topics you’d expect to e discussed in the magazine as the target audience either male or female. The images are very effective in reflecting the interests of the target audience. From the main image of the male singer, there are distinctive signs which represent the target audiences’ interests such as the beer he’s drinking which is an extremely common interest to clubbers who both male and female, this will attract them to read on as it shows the artist to be common. You could also say his clothing is very casual and common which some of the target audience can relate to and furthermore entice them to read the magazine. Also from the bottom right image with the woman dressed up which relates to the male target audience as the woman appears as a sex object in a club which is going to intrigue male readers and make them want to find out more. This could also refer to the male members of the target audience but overall is a common habit in which many of the target audience would be interested in and enticed to find out more. The images are constructed to make both the two men and the woman look cool but not necessarily glamorous as the backgrounds for the three images are not luxurious to any measure, for example for the main image, it seems to be situated in a small dressing room which is small and messy. This particular message might be that the fact that these people are seemingly presented in a common manner that some of their interests and habits may relate to you as the target audience. For the bottom left image of the woman she is almost lit up because of the use of the lighting on a dark background which makes her more significant and gives the impression that there is something about her in which the target audience wish to find out about. The lighting makes her seem glamorous and attractive and this could be referred to as a sex object which would entice the male sector of the target audience. 

The text is presented in a clear and conventional manner for a music magazine as it displays the main sections “VIP” and “Tunes” for example with related issues below each topic. The sub heading “VIP” signifies importance to the audience and makes the section seem important. From this word as the reader you get the impression that this section is about famous artist and experienced well recognised producers because VIP signifies very important person which therefore signifies clearly to the reader what kind of people are within the section. The other heading “Tunes” obviously relates to songs however it seems very casual and relaxed as this word is very informal and is used in favour of music which signifies that the magazine are making the section more attractive to the target audience as its language in which people use to refer to songs and therefore can be easily recognised and understood. The main sections are clearly evident through their use of colour being in the illuminous colour of pink in which stands out significantly to the reader and makes it easier for the reader to find what they’re looking for or interested in, in the magazine.

Beneath the main sections are articles and other relevant issues which are in bold so the target audience can pick out which article they are interested in and the use of the bold black makes it clearer to the reader. The mode of address used is very precise and to the point as every article is clear and easily understood for the target audience. As explained before the words “VIP” and “Tunes” used for the headings are very clear with their message yet also they tell you in these simple words everything you need to know about the sections. The language used is very uncomplicated and easy for all the target audience to understand and this is effective as no one wants a magazine in which doesn’t clearly show where everything is in a magazine. In terms of the textual size on the contents page it seems to go to the conventional technique off making it clear what is the most important textual information on the page. Illuminous colours are known as a consequence of dance music. This technique is effective because it makes it evident what the magazine is offering to the target audience. The image to text ratio is clearly more to the visual side with the images taking over the vast majority of this contents page which could signify that the magazine wants to attract more of the male target audience as visuals have been proven to be more attractive to males. Also it makes the reader instantly aware of the content inside the magazine.

This front cover does achieve brand identity evidently as the font type is the same in which is used in both “Mixmags” front covers and contents pages. In both the front covers of “Mixmag” magazines and contents pages there is a continued use of the illuminous pink used which is a consequence of dance music as well as the bold black which is a clear sign of brand identity as the target audience can clearly recognise that these colours are used in all of the “Mixmag” front covers and contents pages. The effect of the contrasting use of colour on both the front covers and contents pages of “Mixmag” is clearly evident and the use of contrast with the colour to illustrate the most important factors adds to effect which creates brand identity. 

Analysis of Existing Media Texts

Music Magazine Front Covers

Mixmag’ is a very successful dance music and clubbing magazine and is very effective in delivering to its target audience.

The masthead is in a rounded and youthful format that is generally more attractive to its target audience. The font type is interesting, easy to read and relevant for its target audience because of its style and colours which appear youthful and fun.

The font consists of all lower case letters which give the magazine a more relaxed and youthful feel about it. The fluorescent colours are very typical of a dance magazine and the bright pink is a classic example. It seems very casual and the fluorescent pink stands out significantly on the page to its target audience.  

The main images on this front cover are both the deadmau5 symbol with the black mouse as well as in the bottom left hand corner with the album cover for “Bestival 2009 mixed by Rob Da Bank.” Both of the images are eye level shots. The symbol or mouse is very distinctive to all deadmau5 fans and can be easily recognised and is very popular with the target audience. The symbol appears black but it seems stylish with the shine on the mouse’ eyes as well as the mouth with an image within it. The image is very effective in its purpose as it can be easily recognised and identified by its fans and target audience and it promotes them to read the magazine. The image in the bottom left hand corner very clearly represents another artist with their album which is presented with an interesting font and image which is likely to appeal to the target audience as it seems like something new and therefore promote more of the target audience to read the magazine. This particular cover mount is effective with its use of images in luring in the target audience. The two distinctive images of both the deamau5 symbol and the new album cover are effective in capturing the target audiences’ attention because they produce the music in which the target audience want to read about therefore more people will read the magazine. The balance in which the magazine has used the images in this front cover is also particularly effective as it shows a well recognised, powerful symbol in dance with the deamau5 symbol with a new producer promoting their album as well which is a good contrast and backs up the magazines aims that they consider all dance music whether it be an experienced producer or new. Overall the images show both a symbolic dance symbol that is globally recognised being the “deadmau5” symbol as well as the album front cover from a new producer. The contrasting images are effective in attracting the target audience because they represent there interest of musical talent.

The sell lines on this magazine are very clear and effective in attracting the target audience. One sell line says, “Tour bus terror with the hottest talent in Dance!” This content or sell line is very effective in attracting the target audience as it says that the hottest talent in dance will be within the magazine. New, hot talent is another main interest in which entices the target audience therefore this is a successful technique. The magazine is using the sell line to influence the readers’ tastes by using words such as “hottest” which is what appeals to the youthful members of the target audience. The sell line grabs the attention of the target audience as it once again uses the fluorescent pink over the dark background. This seems to be a common use of attracting the target audience with the use of colour. In relation to front covers language used for the sell lines known as the mode of address language it is very casual and the text is relevant to a relatively young target audience. Also the colours suggest the sell lines are linked to high energy and positive experiences which are two strong believes in dance music.

The cover lines on the front cover are situated down the right side of the page which are in upper case letters in a mixture of colours to make them seem important and significant features on the page. There is the illuminous colour of pink, the bright white and black which is a significant contrast in colour use. The variety of colour does make the text more obvious and interesting and the use of black almost mirrors the use of bright fluorescent lights in a dark club. Too much of the illuminous pink could put of the male target audience therefore the use of black is effective in neutralising the colour to make it seem more attractive.  The use of upper case letters in all of the cover lines demonstrated the fact that they are important and it is an effective technique in enticing the reader to want to read the magazine. However the text size is not huge for the cover lines whereas the main sell lines such as deadmau5 are huge and take up a big percentage of the textual part of the cover. This signifies that they are not the most important feature of the cover mount. This front cover has a lot on it however would not be classified as clattered as everything is separated well and it makes it easier for the target audience to identify what is in the magazine. It is presented in an attractive manner which is effective with its contrasting use of image, colour and text. The front cover seems to have a conventional layout for a dance magazine which therefore doesn’t over complicate or confuse the reader. Its conventional layout consists of the traditional cover lines down the right, the main image in the middle, a clear selling line under the masthead and a very non complex font and colour choice for the content of the front cover.

Mission Statement

The name of my music magazine will be ‘Global Dance’ and it will go on sale every month jam-packed with everything that is happening across the globe with regards to dance hence the magazine title.

It will be on sale in newsagents and supermarkets across the UK as well as be available to purchase online via the magazines website.

The pricing for the magazine will start at a competitive £3.20, cheaper than fellow dance magazine ‘mixmag’ The cheaper price is to promote the magazine and so people can get their first taste of what the magazine is like for a cheaper price which will hopefully lead to future sales. We do stress that quality will not be compromised and the magazine will be of the highest standard.   

Dance music which includes House, Techno, Drum & Bass, funky house, Hardcore, Trance, UK Garage, and Electro will feature. There are also much slower styles, such as Chill out and Nu Jazz. Baseline, Grime and some Dub step are all sub genres of UK Garage and will also be included in the magazine. My magazine will promote the latest in dance music and provide all dance lovers with an insight to what is happening globally across the dance world. Dance acts young and old will be acknowledged, for example from house music, “the Swedish house mafia.” From Dub step, “Skream and Benga” and all your other latest dance acts.  

There are many features within the magazine that vary from the current dance chart to the latest club fashion. There are many topics within which reveal all the latest albums and tunes out. There are interview sections with top quality artists and DJ’s as well such as “Paul Oakenfold” and “Chase and Status.” There are sections on the most popular venues for a night out, events, clubs and concerts, fashion and global dance from around the world all jam packed into every magazine.

The magazine will contain interviews with artists and DJ s as well as reviews on the new albums and songs. For example Chase and Status’ new song “End Credits” will be reviewed as well as many new albums such as “Tongue and Cheek” by Dizzee Rascal. There is also a dance chart showing you what’s the best tunes in the dance industry at the moment as well as many other exciting features.

The magazine will promise to deliver top quality information and entertainment to a very high standard. The magazine promises its target audience reviews on top new music and interviews with both experienced and new artists. ‘Global Dance’ is intent on providing its target audience entertainment, facts and importantly keeping them up to date with everything going on in the dance world. The magazine also promises to provide a reliable, reasonable price for its audience as well as top quality content in order to make the magazine stand out to and satisfy its readers.

“Global Dance” has many values that we believe are beliefs of our readers and they offer inspiration. “Live for the moment,” “Work for Dance,” Don’t wish for it, go for it” are all beliefs and distinctive values which we at “Global Dance” believe in. These beliefs and values are very relevant to our target audience as they speak on behalf of the target audience. With “Work for dance” for example, it applies to students who work hard throughout the week with intensive work, whether it be for A Levels or at university so they can enjoy themselves at the weekends which could be for example clubbing to dance music.

The style of the magazine can be summed up as bold, fun and controversial as the magazine believes in giving all artists and tunes a chance from across the globe hence the title, ‘Global Dance.’ The style is slightly more informal, down to earth, relaxed and not as complex as the magazine is aimed at teens as well as young adults.

The later generation of teenagers from about 17+ onwards right through to clubbers and adults up to about 30 would enjoy this magazine. The type of person that would enjoy ‘Global Dance’ would be a music fan who enjoys or has a passion for dance music. The magazine has a huge variety of artists within it so there really is something for all dance lovers whether you’re a lover of drum n bass or even a house music lover, if so, ‘Global Dance’ is the magazine for you. 

Target Audience Profile

Gender: Both Males and Females


Age: 16-30


Professional status: Student/Graduate or young adults in work.


Marital status: Single           


Personality: Active, energetic, exuberant and outgoing.


Hobbies and Interests: Clubbing, raving, studying, sports, socialising and fashion and most definitely music


How do they like to spend your leisure time: Shopping, listening for music, socialising with their mates and playing sport or keeping fit and active


Genre of music: Dance/House/drum n bass/techno/electro/funky house


How much does music play a part in your life: Mostly at the weekend whilst clubbing or generally just listening to music or downloading music regularly during the week


Other types of media text used/enjoyed: Internet for images and videos from nights out as well as enjoying films, gaming and other types of media text


Values and philosophies: Work hard, enjoy hard, enjoy your weekends and keep passionate about everything you do.


Uses of magazine: To stay updated on the latest music, events and up and coming albums across the world as well as to be to be entertained and to keep passion for dance music alive. 


Other relationships: They are most likely to go out with close friends to clubs and colleagues and enjoy time with their families as well.