Analysis of Magazines

The general nature of Q magazine is a very serious and ‘rock and roll’. The mode of address is on the level of the readers, casual and knowledgeable about the music industry. Q magazine sometimes uses slang or swear words which don’t offend or shock the readers but gives that laid back sense to the ever serious music industry – seen mainly on the contents page as that (from my chosen magazine) holds the most text; for example, “Prince William was like a redneck” , giving the magazine an overall demographic of C2 to B.

In this particular issue “starring everyone”, artists of the century are featured on the front cover, ranging from Dizzee Rascal to Paul McCartney. This is likely because “100 of the greatest albums of the 21^st century” was recently released, Q and the artists will gain publicity through a dual-promotion as the differing audiences will buy the magazine to see their favouring artist and then, hopefully, research into the other artists as Q (a well known and trusted company) has awarded them “artists of the century”. The front cover is actually folded, as the line up is so large and worth three pages long, this emphasising the importance of the artists and that the magazine itself will be jam packed with unseen/heard detail and information for the readers. Q’s tagline “The UK’s biggest music magazine” re-enforces this idea of being full of the latest information.

Most of the artists on the front cover are giving direct audience address, this is then creates the cool and serious qualities. Direct address makes it more personal, as is the artists are looking directly at the reader. None of the artists are smiling, reflecting Q’s brand image of serious ‘rock and roll’. The house style on the pages add to the serious impression created, as there are a lot of black and dark colours, giving connotations of mystery and danger; all well as serious.

There is a quote from Noel Gallagher including swear words on his double page spread, this shows that Noel is giving his honest opinion, of which fans of the band and readers of the magazine will want to hear and read further on about. The swearing also fits into the ‘rebellious’ image of both the artists and that of the magazine. The serif font (usually used in a more serious and formal medium) re-establishes that initial surprise when looking at the page.

 

 

 

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