In order to get on with the production of my music magazine I will need to research the different features of existing magazines. Here I will be looking at 5 different magazine titles. I am looking at what impression the title gives the reader as well as:
- What the name connotes in relation to the magazine.
'Vibe' magazine focuses primarily on R&B and hip-hop music. The name 'VIBE' relates to the theme of the magazine in terms of a musical 'flow'. The word alone can give the reader the impression of a typical R&B/ hip-hop feel as today it has become slang for certain feelings 'in the air'. It is quite difficult to explain in words how the title creates a mood however I am positive that it does.
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NME' stands for New Musical Express and is an indie/rock music based magazine. The title on its own suggests a 'rocky' music related magazine. The way it is presented as 'NME' provides the reader with a short and snappy title to read and most importantly it is easily recognisable and memorable. This can have a positive impact on the popularity of the magazine as it will be known about. Not only this, but interpreting the title in the way it is spoken, gives a different approach to the magazine as it said as the word 'enemy'. This could suggest a range of things about the style of the magazine and what is featured inside. Some previous covers of 'NME' actually state the word 'enemy' indirectly related to the title. This may prompt the reader to view the magazine in a certain way with a slight edgy feel.
'XXL' is a magazine that predominantly features hip-hop artists and their music. The title 'XXL' presumably stands for 'extra extra large'. This title, when seen like this, signals to me that the artists or the music featured within the magazine are relatively 'large' or big in terms of positions in the music industry and music charts. If interpreted like this, consumers would be attracted to the magazine as it would make them feel as if they are purchasing something of value.
'WE LOVE POP' is a fun magazine, that (as strongly suggested by the title) focuses mainly on pop music. The words on their own would automatically attract a consumer who is interested in pop. The word 'we' creates a sense of belonging to a group of people who like pop music. The love heart instead of the word 'love' promotes the idea of the magazine being targeted at younger people rather than older as it adds to the 'fun' factor to the title. The simple yet effective title of the magazine is made to relate to the type of information featured in the magazine and attract potential consumers.
'Billboard' is a magazine that does not have a specific genre of music to cater for so therefore features many artists regardless of the genre of music they produce. Originally it was titled 'Billboard Advertising' it was a trade paper for the bill posting industry, hence the magazine's name. However to me, the format of a typical 'Billboard' magazine front cover conveys the idea of a literal billboard to display important notices. There is generally a running theme on the front covers of head and shoulders or mid shots to display the artist. The text is structured to fit around this image. This structure portrays the idea of a billboard and would give the idea that the artist and the information within the magazine is important to display.
