Music Magazines Research: Analysing a contents page

Kirandeep Reyatt

The contents page is divided between images and text. The division of imagery at the top shows features that maybe have not been shown on the front cover, this is to offer what else is included and may be a good feature to look out for. The main image is of a live shot of My Chemical Romance performing and is showing one of the bigger features in this issue. The main image works as a background image as the Logo ‘contents’ easily stands out on the image because of the contrast of colours used. The other two images around the main image are small screen shots of other articles inside this issue which shows supporting features within the issue as they think there readers may like these as well as the main features. The second half shows the actual contents of the issue. It has a mix of images and text. It looks cluttered but is appealing because it gives off a sense of fun and optimism as the colours are very bright. It also includes posters that are included, this acts as bringing a bigger audience in.

LayoutThe heading ‘CONTENTS’ is made very clear at the top of the page in the left hand corner, it stands out as the text is yellow on top of black.The headings in the second half of the page are placed under a specific content section, e.g. News, Lives etc... This is effective because if a reader would like to look for something quickly, they would associate it with a content subject. This is appealing because I wouldn’t want to waste time looking for something..

A editors note is included which can make there seem like a personal relationship with the editor and the reader, it makes the magazine personal to them . On the other hand, the editors note is very long for one which is a waste of space of the page as readers may not want to spend more than about 10 – 30 seconds reading a editors note.

LayoutThe contents page text is organized is mostly columns, as it helps address a reader quickly and efficiently. The editors note is also in a column. By the text being in a column it makes it more appealing as it’s easier to relate to because it look’s tidy even if the overall flow of the magazine seems cluttered like Kerrang. The article about Green Day is represented by the images surrounded by it. This shows the article may be a post special or a general special feature on the band through time.

The black strip is to show the division between the two half's of the page. The top of the page is almost like a taster of what’s inside. The bottom half is the contents page. The division is a good idea and the contents page would look particularly boring without a main image and with just text and a few images.

The reader is guided to the features from the front cover because Kerrang have a symbol next to the feature which has been shown on the front. This is a good idea as some readers get interested by the stories on the front and may want to read them first. The symbol is a circle with a star on top and ‘cover story’ in white bold text to make it easily stand out.

Images and ColoursThe main image is of a band My Chemical Romance who have recently come back onto the scene. The image used has taken up half of the page which shows that it is a significant feature in the issue. The shot is a spontaneous live image. The fact it is live gives off a personal feeling because when at a gig it is very personal and intimate and by having a live shot it gives of that expression. It is also spontaneous which shows the natural feel of the band itself and what the shows may represent in the future.

There is a picture of the editor of this weeks issue. By having this picture it makes you feel apart of the magazine as you feel personal. The image is using direct address also to show the personal relationship between the magazine and the readers.

Smaller screen shots of other articles represent what other features' are being recommended to read as they are on top of the main image.

Images are used here to show another supporting feature which has been presented on the front cover. Also images of previous issues of ‘Kerrang’ have been shown to advertise there subscription service, this is a good way to draw in more customers as it shows the reader that the publication company care about them.

Words and Language

The headings here are written in capitals to show the significance of the page. The word ‘Contents’ is in capitals to show the reader importance of the page. It’s at the top as its more likely for the reader to be enticed by it so they would initially work there way down the page to look at the actual contents involved in this issue. Also in capitals is ‘KERRANG! THIS WEEK’, this is also used to show the significance of the content this week.

The mini sub-headings are used to show the different sections of the magazine and to show people the text underneath are related stories within this section.

Articles are promoted here by having the band name and number in text next the image if its a big features such as ‘My Chemical Romance’ there is no explanation needed for these as they have a images to show who’s included in the article. On the other hand, The bottom half shows the band’s name in bold, but underneath the bold name, the text consists of a brief sentence of what is included in the feature. This is a good aspect to have for a contents page as a reader does not want to waste there time reading a story they may not be interested in.

The overall language being used consists of a colloquial flow throughout the page. This gives the reader an idea of the house style of ‘Kerrang’. By having informal language, it makes the reader feel a personal connection to the magazine and realises that the magazine is not serious and is a way to let loose. They use questions which makes you feel you have a personal input in the magazine. The language is set out in a way to make it look like the magazine is informing you directly. This is appealing because it shows us that Kerrang cares about the connection for the readers.