Music Magazine Comparison

Music Magazine Research and Comparison

I began by researching two different music magazines from the same genre: Indie. This is what I found.....

 

FRONT COVERS

A readers initial impression of a magazine is vital; it leads to the potential purchasing of the product.  The first thing I think when I see this cover is that the photograph is good. This creates a nice focal point for the product and everything else falls into place around it. The model's hair and glasses clearly link to the genre and the background is not too busy. On the other hand, it is rather sparse, which creates the impression that the magazine is not full of interesting articles and reviews and could consequently lead to the prospective readers not buying it.

 

 The cover of this magazine is my favourite as a whole. Firstly, I love the colour scheme of blue and pink as this allows vibrancy but not so much that the readers' eyes start to ache. I love the way that they have incorporated this house style as an effect on the image; this successfully reiterates the uniqueness of Indie music. I like that the band name is also pink as well as the font to tie in the house style. I also love that the colour choices are blue AND pink as this displays that the magazine appeals to both genders undoubtedly. Moreover, the image itself is black and white so it stands out on the front cover and reflects the deepness in this style of music.

 TITLES

This magazine is literally called "INDIE" which I think is a good title; it is clear to prospective readers what genre the mag explores. However, this title is totally BORING obvious and seems like very little thought has gone into it. I think the title of an Indie mag should be thoughtful and deep so that readers can relate to it and enjoy the unique side of the genre they love.

 I prefer THIS title for a plethora of reasons. To begin with, I like that thought has gone into it and it is not plain and simple. There is a meaning underneath it; often people who like Indie music are "Under the Radar" as they aren't interested in fitting in and being "COOL"    the same as everybody else. I also like the logo as it links in well and can be recognised easily by readers. Although, on the front cover the word "PHOENIX" looks more like the title as it is larger and in a more prominent colour where as it is actually the name of the band. Therefore, this layout could be altered to make it clearer.

TAGLINES

 This tagline for "Indie" magazine is good as it encapsulates the "independence" of indie-lovers. They are unique in their values and lifestyles therefore having this line appeals to their audience.



 I have to say that, as well as the front covers and titles, "Under the Radar's" tagline is the BEST! I love the way that they have addressed the issue of music changing to become too "pop-y" and losing its core purpose. Furthermore, the rhyme increases the sense of fun and makes the magazine seem more relatable in its issues.

PUBLISHING

The publisher of "INDIE" is called Clemens SteinMüller, who owns 'Plastic Media' which allows the advertisement of both of their magazines: "INDIE" as we already know and another called "Material Girl." By the publisher owning this, it could increase the circulation of their product. For example, I know that "INDIE" magazine reaches many countries in the world including Germany, Japan, Spain, UK and many many more. Therefore, it is a good idea that the publisher owns a website to advertise all of the products internationally so that they can be found easily.