dance music magazine

Codes and conventions-contents page

Primarily, contents pages (especially dance magazines), are image dominated. Usually with one large mid shot photograph which is part of a key story of the magazine, and then a couple smaller ones which are less significant. There should be a title at the top of the page, either saying ‘contents’ are the title of the magazine. As well as this, the writing is most likely to be set out in blocks in a clear font that stands out against the background. The font colour should also fit in with the colour scheme of the magazine. The subtitles of the stories may also be in chronological order, however they may be set out in order of importance or may be sectioned into groups.

Analysis

This is a contents page for DJ magazine. This magazine has decided to organise their inside stories into groups instead of in chronological order to make it easier for the reader to find what sort of stories they are looking for. They have also changed the colour of the font of writing depending on what group it is in. I like the use of colour as it reflects the genre of dance music which is very bold and loud. Pictures are also used in each section to help illustrate what they can expect in these parts of the magazine. The layout of the contents is neat but still has an edge to it by slightly tilting the writing and features section to still appeal to younger, cool people.  The subtitle fonts are all also large and easily readable which helps to make it pleasing to the eye. They also include the statement ‘living and breathing dance music’ which implies that the music would have a lot of information and experience to do with dance music which will further encourage people to want to read it.

This is a contents page from mixmag magazine. Running along the header of the page, the magazine allows the reader to see some basic information, such as the title of the magazine, date of release and title of page this is just to inform the reader of what they are reading and using the title of magazine helps to keep a running theme throughout the magazine. This page has been well thought out and set out in a very neat format where everything is lined up with everything else which makes it look very attractive. The page is image dominated by a large photograph of a party scene which has been edited. This photo goes with the theme of the magazine as people who enjoy dance music are generally young adults to late twenties who enjoy going out and socialising and will immediately jump out to the reader. The use of advertising a free CD will immediately catch the reader’s attention as they are getting a freebie of something they actually want and enjoy- using this technique will build a relationship between the reader and magazine and they will be more  likely to buy the magazine again as they will associate it with good things.  The writing is set out in chronological order and is a white font to stand out against the black background and make it neat and legible for the consumer. The magazine is also using the colour scheme black, white and pink so has included a picture of their main model wearing a bright pink skirt to help fit in with the theme.

This contents page is completely image dominated which helps to exemplify what to expect to see in the magazine. Page numbers are placed in the corners of the pictures also, so that the product consumer can quickly find stories they want to read. The contents page is broken into three categories (features, gears, regulars). This also makes it easy for the reader to pick out what sort of stories they want to read. The colour scheme is black and white, as well as red used to add more colour to the page and to help draw attention to important factors i.e. title, and page numbers on photos etc. The bottom of the page is dominated by a large red box which informs the reader of the names of the publisher, advertising manager, managing director etc. as well as the magazines contact number and place of work. This will allow people to make enquiries and ask questions to the company if they wish as well as advertising the company.

Codes and conventions-front cover

The front cover of a music magazine is essentially the most important aspect as this is what will determine whether or not your magazine will be bought. It must include a main image which will dominate the page, typically a mid shot with the model  looking straight towards the camera so that it catches peoples attention. The model must also fit i with the genre of magazine. The magazine must have a masthead which will be the name of the magazine. This must be large and eyecatching with a legible font. As well as the main image there may be some other smaller images accompanied by some anchorage text explaining what the image is about. There will also be cover lines to tell you what you can expect to see and read in the magazine. Finally there may be a flash or banner used to advertise freebies such as posters and CD's.

Analysis

You can tell by this front cover from ‘raveline’ magazine that they take dance music very seriously and this magazine would most likely be for serious Djs or clubbers. In contrast with most other dance magazine front covers there is no use of bright colours on this page except for the use of yellow on the logo of the turntable. This implies that the only important thing to this magazine is the record which is what creates the music. The title is in a very simple, white, large white font which would immediately grab the attention of the consumer. The use of a simple font makes it look very neat and professional so that the reader of the magazine would know that they will get a lot of factual information from this magazine. The name of the DJ on the front cover is positioned next to the image which has been edited so that a section of the DJs face has been slightly saturated and contrasted which gives the picture a bit more life and makes it appear more interesting. A list of DJ name next to the picture on the front cover informs us that we can expect a lot of information about these particular DJs inside the magazine.

The statement at the top of the magazine ‘The world’s essential clubbing magazine’ is used to so that people will feel like they should but this particular magazine over another dance magazine because it is described as essential. Furthermore the use of advertising their website next to this statement shows that the magazine is going with the times and is using different types of media and not just a magazine.  The dominating image of the DJ ‘laid back Luke’ is very appealing to those who enjoy dance music as he is wearing a very brightly coloured t-shirt which also fits with the colour scheme of the magazine. As well as this, the pinkish tint on the picture and the models body language looks as if he has been caught in a strobe light at a club. The title of the magazine as a spray paint style font and as it is half hidden by the models head creates a rebellious and fun feel to the magazine. This is also done through the DJ name ‘laid back Luke’ which looks as if it has been drawn on in permanent marker.  The other subtitles are arranged on the left hand side of the cover so that they are not interfering with the main image. These are in black and white neat fonts so they can be read quickly and easily.

This front cover is slightly subverting the stereotype of a dance music magazine, as the main model is wearing a lot of dark clothing and has tattoos and a piercing which is typically associated with people who enjoy rock music. By doing this, the magazine is opening their doors to a wider target audience and saying-anyone can enjoy dance music and in turn, anyone can enjoy their magazine. They have used a lot of red and yellow to highlight there main stories and to stand out against the grey background.



Codes and conventions-Double page

spread

A double page spread typically has a large dominating image taking up at least one hole page if not more, and then 3 columns of writing which would either be an interview form or question and answers with a particular music artist. The double page spread will have the same colour scheme as the front cover and contents page as well as other themes. The main title of the double page spread would be large but the writing in the article will be dramatically smaller than on the front cover and contents page.