Magazine Analysis

Q is a music magazine published monthly in the United Kingdom, with a circulation of 130,179 as of June 2007.[1]
Founders Mark Ellen and David Hepworth were dismayed by the music press of the time, which they felt was ignoring a generation of older music buyers who were buying CDs — then still a new technology. Q was first published in 1986, setting itself apart from much of the other music press with monthly production and higher standards of photography and printing. In the early years, the magazine was sub-titled "The modern guide to music and more". Originally it was to be called Cue (as in the sense of cueing a record, ready to play), but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine. Another reason, cited in Q's 200th edition, is that a single-letter title would be more prominent on newsstands.

This is Q Magazine. The magazine is very much music based and prides itself on having exclusive interviews with big celebrities. This edition features Britney Spears. Immeadiately the magazine catches your eye with an almost shocking image. Spears is seen in a very seductive pose, with a lollipop in her mouth, yet this image is shocking as Spears is pregnant. The fact that she is flaunting her body at such a subtle part of your life entices the reader and makes the front cover extremely eye catching. You get the sense that this is a special edition, as the number '20' is used numerous times throughout the front cover, we know that this is a 20th anniversary special. The front cover is relatively simple and the background is white which connotes purity, linking in with the image of Britney. There are little headlines, but what there is, is all in black. As that issue is a special edition they have acquired 20 interviews with famous musicians. This fact that the word 'exclusive' is used is appealing to the reader and makes them want to read what's inside as other people might not know. The black font is bold and clear and is very easy to read. The 'Q' logo is clear to see and is not being covered up by anything. The magazine would stand out on the shelves as it is bold and colourful and challenges conventions. It asks the question, 'Is Britneys pose suitable for the state she's in?' which raises questions and debates, which is ultimately what the publishers are looking for. If a magazine is talked about, people want to discover it for themselves and will go out and buy the magazine. It is unclear who the magazine is targeted at, but as Britneys pose is 'seductive', you could argue that it is more aimed towards men. On the other hand, Britney is a role model for many young girls who may want to read about her. The '20 exclusive interviews' cover a wide range of artists from almost every genre, therefore much more likely to please the market, and attracting many different people. 'Q' magazine is worldwide and renowned, so is able to take risks.

Rolling Stone is a United States-based magazine devoted to music, politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner (who is still editor and publisher) and music critic Ralph J. Gleason.
The magazine was named after the 1948 Muddy Waters song of the same name. The magazine was known for its political coverage beginning in the 1970s, with the enigmatic and controversial gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Rolling Stone Magazine changed its format in the 1990s to appeal to younger readers,[3] often focusing on young television or film actors and pop music. This led to criticism that the magazine was emphasizing style over substance.[4] In recent years, the magazine has resumed its traditional mix of content, including in-depth political stories, and has seen its circulation increase.

This is called 'Rolling Stones Magazine', which was created by the founding members of the famous rock group, The Rolling Stones. The main feature on this issue is the leading cast members from the successful US drama, The Hills. Four girls are featured on the front cover, Heidi, Audrina, Lauren and Whitney. The four girls are wearing skimpy underwear which connotes that the magazine is more likely to be advertised towards males. A few of the girls are doing 'suggestive' poses, which backs up this point. It is a medium long shot, as we can see the whole of the girls bodies, but nothing else. the background is all white, which connotes, innocence and 'angelic' behaviour. The headline that coin-sides with this is 'The truth about The Hills'. The words, The Hills, are in very large letters, this will attract the reader and also let them know straight away what TV show the girls on the front are from. As the headline is the same size as the magazines name, the aim of the magazine is to attract the reader with the size of the headline, but also not to detract from the name of the magazine. The fonts are both equal so they are both as important as each other. The tag-line, 'OMG! Do they totally hate each other?' links in with the theme of the show. As they are all american modern day girls, they use such phrases as 'OMG' which is a true representation of the modern day world that the girls live in. The magazines layout is simple yet effective. The colours are bright and light which attracts the reader. This magazine could be geared towards many different audiences. As the Hills is a popular US drama targeted towards teenage girls, this audience would be interested in looking at pictures and reading interviews with and about the cast, many girls look to them as role models or public figures. the male audience is also targeted as the girls appear to be wearing a small amount of clothing. The fact that it is the Rolling Stones magazine also targets towards men as the male Rock group have founded the magazine.

The New Musical Express (better known as the NME) is a popular music magazine in the United Kingdom which has been published weekly since March 1952. It was the first British paper to include a singles chart, which first appeared in the 14 November 1952 edition. The magazine's commercial heyday was during the 1970s when it became the best-selling British music magazine. During the period 1972 to 1976 it was particularly associated with gonzo journalism, then became closely associated with punk rock through the writing of Tony Parsons and Julie Burchill.
The paper's first issue was published on 7 March 1952 after the Musical Express and Accordion Weekly was bought by London music promoter Maurice Kinn, and relaunched as the New Musical Express. It was initially published in a non-glossy tabloid format on standard newsprint. On 14 November 1952, taking its cue from the U.S. magazine Billboard, it created the first UK Singles Chart. The first of these was, in contrast to more recent charts, a top twelve sourced by the magazine itself from sales in regional stores around the UK. The first number one was "Here In My Heart" by Al Martino.


This is NME magazine and the main feature on this months cover is the lead singer of the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl. The name of the band is in a very large font which is bigger than the name of the magazine. The company could afford to do this as NME is such a successful and popular magazine that a lot of people are aware of it, and are monthly buyers. They are detracting away from the name of the magazine and making the words 'FOO FIGHTERS' the main attraction/focal point of the magazine. They are advertising his name and the name of his band so much as he is very famous, this also grabs peoples attention. To coin-side with this there is an extreme close up of his face. We are able to see his facial expression clearly because of this, and he looks quite angry. The headline that goes with his name is "I'm not dead!" This is link in with his photo, explaining that he is annoyed that some people may think he is. Along with this headline, there are many others to entice the readers. The magazine talks about lots of different bands, that all have a different style, thusly at least one of the artists mentioned will appeal to the reader, so they are more likely to buy it. The name NME is in big red letters that are outlined in black. This makes the name stand out a lot and is more likely to attract the target market that buy music magazines. There is a stamp on the front cover which reads 'WIN: A guitar, Studio time ..AND MORE!' The chance to win something is an appealing this, this will also entice the reader. The overall look of the magazine is bright and bold. The target market of the magazine straight away looks like is for teenage boys and young men. From my research I have found that NME is bought by males aged 18- 29...therefore backing this point. It is clear to see that the magazine is targeted towards males as a female is not once mentioned on the front cover. This obvious fact may put off females, there NME could be losing customers. However, NME has such a loyal fanbase and so many other different types of media available to anyone, that the company can afford to do this. It will stand out from other magazines on the shelves in shops, therefore making it a success.