FRONT COVER

IN DEPTH ANALYSIS

The masthead conventionally consists of the magazine name, the fact that the artists hair is protruding over the masthead and the slogan reinforces the its popularity, suggesting that we do not have to see the full extent of the masthead to understand the name and slogan concerned with it. Unusually, the magazine’s masthead is featured in pink, this refutes the existing conventions of the magazine due to it often being red. The use of the pink gives the issue a slightly feminine accent and creates a different house style to that we are used to seeing. This also suggests that this particular issue may be aimed at a predominantly female audience due to it featuring a male band which they may appreciate.

This ‘puff’ consists of the buzz word ‘free’ which directly addresses the audience with regards to attracting their attention. This is used strategically to attract not only to those that are existing consumers of NME or even those that are fans of The Killers features on the front, but also those that are not regular buyers of magazines but just happen to be fans of the band that are having a ‘free’ giveaway. Therefore gaining a larger amount of sales and subsequently more profit.

The sell line enables us to identify the added extras included in the magazine, despite the fact that these are insignificant in comparison to the main cover line buzz words are still used to lure in the audience and make them want to read the content. The fact that there are so many extra artists included in the sell line makes it harder for the audience not to have an interest in one of them. Therefore leading to them buying the magazine. A barcode including publication details and price are also featured on the front cover to maintain the industry standard of the procuct.

A pull quote is used on the front cover of the magazine to entice the audience to indulge into the magazine. The fact that it is written in bold allows us to recognise that it is the main cover line, it stands out further with regards to the fact that it is also shown in bright yellow. The fact that the house style incorporates 4 colours is slightly unconventional with regards to the fact that it is expected that a magazine will stick to 3. However, the use of black is somewhat subtle therefore conforming to the conventions to an extent. The mise en scene featured on the cover in relation to the artists outfits links to the pull quote featured on the cover. The leather jacket connotes the idea of being rebellious which is what is insinuated within the pull quote, stating the killers ‘get back to basics’, implying they are disregarding their old image and being reborn into something new but somewhat similar to their original image.

Also, the fact that this article is considered a ‘world exclusive’ contributes to the increase in demand for the magazine. Even if someone had no interest in the product, this would entice them to an extent to purchase the product simply due to the words featured on the cover.

The image on the magazine obviously features the band that the main article revolves around simply to add context to cover lines used throughout the front cover. The fact that only one band member is making eye contact with the camera suggests that they are somewhat uninterested in what the audience have to say about their change of image; cotributing to the rebellious persona they appear to be portraying.

This image covers the full front page reinforcing the fact that the focus is on the killers and they are ‘back with a bang’. The lead singer is situated in front of the other three suggesting that he is more significant in comparison to the other band members, on one hand it highlights inequality within the band as they should all have the same coverage, however on the other hand it allows us to identify roles within the band, such as who the main singer is and what he looks without being particularly spiteful.