Odessa

I am going to be taking their pictures before their concert at the vault in rugby. The band have agreed for me to use them in my magazine, and to also take images of them during their set. However, I have been doing some research and some contacts in the music magazine business have told me that the best time to take images during a set is during the first 3 or 4 songs. I shall also be taking images of the support bands during their sets, however i am unsure of who they are.

Magazine Playlist...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAgnJDJN4VA&list=PL43yCHCISoLFRHtIdAhphh62KeXcbjcSg

Kerrang Magazine Analysis..

Why did I choose Kerrang! Magazine?
I chose Kerrang! due to the main artists that they publish in their magazines being similar to some of the artists that I want my magazine to focus on. Also because many people have a strong opinion of who they feature in their magazine therefore making it easier for me to see which artists would be appreciated within a magazine due to the reception of them in Kerrang!
Layout
I do not like the layout of this particular cover as I think that the large writing takes over the cover too much and does not let the reader focus on the artists within the magazine. Although this is so that people notice the magazine, I think that it could have been done differently with a smaller font! However, I do like that what would normally be down the left rule of third is at the bottom as it doesn't leave much space which is an aspect of a cover that I really like. Also, I like that you cannot see the mast head fully, yet you still understand what magazine it is, I think that this is a feature that only well known magazines can pull off, therefore meaning that I won't be doing so. I shall take what they have done with the 'plus' articles at the bottom of the page into consideration for something to do on my magazine as well as advertising the posters and main article within the magazine.
Images
Although you cannot see the images fully, I do like the poses that they are pulling as they have domineering facial expressions, yet they are proud expressions of them making it into the 250 greatest rock songs. I shall not be doing anything like that for my magazine as it is only a first issue. Also I like the smaller images at the bottom advertising the posters within the magazine. As well as the advertising of the posters, I also really like the images advertising the festivals that the magazine will be covering. I shall be doing this with my magazine due to recent festival announcements.
Font
I do not like the font of the advertisement for 'the 250 greatest rock songs of 2012' as I think that it is too large, even though it is an advertisement, I still don't like it as it takes up too much space. However, I do like the font used as it is clear and I may use a font similar to this for my magazine as it is effective and bold. Also, I like the way that all of the text are in capitals, it extends the connotations of a rougher genre of music as if someone were shouting, or screaming in some cases within this genre.
Colour Palette
The colour palette of the magazine is predominately yellow, red, white and black. I like this palette as it is individual to Kerrang! therefore the audience will recognise the colours if they were to purchase the magazine regularly. I also like the colour palette as it will appeal to everyone, and even though the colours are fairly bright, they do not take away from the rest of the page (such as images).

Layout of Contents
I do not like the layout of the contents as the columns are not big enough and the image takes up too much space than what is needed. I do not think that the layout helps the advertisement of what is inside of the magazine. However, if the image were a background and the columns over the image without the block white background then I think that it would look much better. Also, I do not like that the letter from the editor takes up so much space at the bottom and it could have been smaller and placed more to the right, and switched with the image at the bottom. I do like the banner at the top of the page stating that it is the contents page. However, I do think that the banner is too large and could have been shortened and the edge not as neat as it is, such as it could have been similar to the Metal Hammer contents title.
Images on the Contents
I do not like that there are not any images of what will be inside, and that there are only images of what competitions are within the magazine. I would prefer it if there were images advertising what artists were in the magazine. However, the image of Papa Roach would have been good for a double page spread as the male gaze from the band is good and effective as they have a stern expression on their face, but they still don't look too intimidating, which is good considering that they are advertising for a meet and greet. I think that the image of the editor was unnecessary and it could have been equally as important without the image, however I think that the contents needed the image or else it would have looked too boring.
Fonts on the Contents
The font on the contents are similar to what is on the cover as they are bold. However, instead of all the text being in capitals, only the important bits are in capitals, such as the artists names, and the rest in a normal font. I like the use of a plain, yet bold font as it is easy to read and with this genre of music it fits in well as the reader wouldn't want a fancy font or something to be in italics. I also like the different sizing of the fonts with highlighting the band and the competition with a larger font as it draws the eye of the reader to the competition which is something that I may use within my magazine.
Colour Palette on the Contents
The colour palette on the contents is the same as on the cover as it follows the basic guidelines that Kerrang! have with their basic structures which are included in every issue. I do not like that the image is really dark so that it contrasts with the background as the text as I think that it could have been done better as it makes the page look too plain. I shall not be doing this in my magazine.


Layout of the Double Page Spread
I really like the layout of this as it is busy, but doesn't look messy. I think that the columns are effective as they are neat but because they are slightly off centre it works really well with the magazine. Also, I really like the layering of the images and text on the left page. I also really like the image as the background, with text over it. I think that I might use this technique within my magazine as it looks good and effective! Also, I like the positioning of the header of the DPS as it takes up space but catches the readers eye!

Images on the Double Page Spread

I like the large image on the background of the left page as it helps to tie the article together. Also I like that it is accompanied by other live images as it helps the reader to understand the article more. Also it is very effective as it is a remembering piece about Nirvana meaning that the live images will always be recognised and appreciated even more than normal live images. I also like the sizes of the images as they do not take up too much space, but you can still see the facial expressions. Also I like the decisions of photographs with the lighting within them, as you can get the atmosphere of the concert better. I really want to use some live images for my magazine, however, I don't have many images that I can use as they are mostly not acceptable for magazine purposes.
Font on the Double Page Spread
I really like the large font on the left page, I think that it really helps the article to be 'revolutionary'. I like that the word 'revolution' is in a different font to the other bold, yet recognisable font, as it expands on the revolutionary idea of the article. Also, I like the size of the sub-heading as it is not too large, but also contributes well to the article. The main font of the article itself is bold and plain, therefore I like it a lot as it would be easy to read. I may take all of this into consideration whilst making my magazine.
Colour Palette on Double Page Spread
The colour palette of the double page spread is blue white and black, I don't really like this colour scheme as it is too boring and pale. However, I like the use of three colours and the colour scheme does go well together, but the colours are too plain to use for my magazine as I do not think that my magazine would benefit well from these colours.

Artist Profile 2

Zach Oslaw

Name: Rise Alive 

Music Style: Rock / Metal / Screamo / Punk

Influences: Sleeping with Sirens, While She Sleeps, Architects, Blink-182, MotorHead

Members: Matt Groen (Vocals and Guitar), Reece Malcom (Guitar), Dwayne Waters (Bass), Zach Oslaw (Drums).

Artist Profile

KAT MERRY

Artist Name: Your Poison

Music Style: Rock / Metal / Punk

Influences: You Me At Six, Nirvana, Paramore, The Pretty Reckless.

Members: Kat Merry (drummer), Brad Stokes (Bass), Josh Surma (Guitar), Ross Fornam (Guitar), Joe Marks (Vocals).

Style: Modern rock, with hints of old rock. Dark clothing, jeans etc.

Rock Sound Analysis...

Why did I choose Rock Sound Magazine?

I chose Rock Sound as one of my magazines to analyse due to the vibrant colours on the front and the articles within the magazine. Also the genre of music that they show within the magazine is similar to what music that I want to put into my magazine. Therefore I shall be taking inspiration from the magazine as I feel that it will help me to make my magazine a success.

Layout
I do not like the layout of the left part of the rule of third as it is too bright and does not fit in with the other colours or layout of the magazine. Although it is advertising the other artists within the magazine, I think that they could of used a more pastel colour so that it would not have been too bright, such as blue. However, I do like the positioning of the band and as it is a fairly average positioning of them. However, I do not like where the name of the band is as i think that it should have been lower down on the page. However, I understand why they had to put the writing that far up as they had the positioning of the CD on it. I like the positioning of the mast head as it is traditionally placed and even though the artists heads are covering parts, it is still easily recognisable as to what magazine it is.

Images
I do not like the main image of the band as the members (other than the lead singer) are pushed back behind the singer and I do not like it when the front man is shown to be mainly the only person in the band, and neither do a lot of my target audience. Therefore within my magazine I shall be putting all of the members at a equal distance from the camera. However, if I am able too then I shall just photograph the drummer as the main front cover image as they always get forgotten about within the band and are occasionally seen as the unimportant member.

Font
I like the font of the title of the band, as i think it fits in with the smile on the front mans face as they are both relatively quirky and odd so they collide very well. Also, I like the font of the Mast head, even though I do not like the circle around the 'R' alot, although you can barely see it. Therefore I shall not be using that kind of font for my magazine as it is odd and I do not like the circle. I also like the bold block capital font for the information of the writing, this stands out and is easy to read for the readers and also enables them to understand more about what will be in the magazine even with a quick glance.

Colour Palette
The colour palette for this cover is black, red, yellow and white. I like this choice of colours as it is different to what other magazines would have, as they would normally have three colours, but this magazine has four. I also like the combination of the blue on the strap line and the blue which is hinted on the background of the image, I think that this works really well and ties the cover of the magazine together.

Layout of Contents
I really like that there is the issue number and release month as it highlights which issue is which, just in case that the readers did not see this on the cover of the magazine. I also like that the name of the magazine is printed at the top of the page instead of it being the word 'Contents' as it is obvious that the page is the contents due to the page references and the positioning of the page in the magazine. Also I like that there is a background image as it highlights the obvious main article within the magazine. Also, I like that the rule of thirds applies as it helps the page to be neater, specifically by the writing being on the right, which is not normal, as the writing is normally on the left. Also, I really like that the images are in boxes highlighting double page spreads or posters which are then above two article pieces with the images showing. I like this as it helps to highlight what the most popular or least popular articles within the magazine may be.

Images on the Contents
I really like that the background image refers to an article within the magazine as it shows the clarity of what  the most important article/interview within the magazine is. Also I like that the image is in referral to a live show, which i know that my target audience are very interested in what the shows that they were unable to make it to were like. Also, I like that the double page spreads are highlighted in the rectangular boxes and that there are only two. I like the poses within these images as they are all members shown equally within the band (which i know that my audience would appreciate that). Also, i like that the images below have been cut and pasted onto the magazine, as it still looks neat but it helps to put a bit more information on the page so that it doesn't look too empty or boring. I also like that the poses that they are pulling are natural and comfortable. I also like that the images refer to the text at the side of the page.

Fonts on the Contents
I like that the font which says 'Rock Sound' is bold and not too large, but still noticeable. I think that it is a really good technique to use and would work effectively within my magazine. I also like that the font at the top is the same as the font on the right with the band names as it clearly highlights what bands are in the issue and is very easy to read. However, I am not sure that i like the font that they have used for the information about the articles as it is too small and I would find it hard to read as it is thin as well. I do not think that I am going to use a similar font as I do not want my audience to not be able to read the contents.

Colour Palette of the Contents
I like that the colour palette is simply and only has two colours (white and red) as it is effective with making the writing stand out as the images on the contents are not very bright so it will be easy to read. Also, I like that there is a white background behind two of the images as it helps to highlight them and make them stand out against the dark background. I also like that even though there are only two main colours of red and white, the page is still colourful due to the images on it, such as the band for page 82 in the purple.


Layout of Double Page Spread
I like the layout of the article as even though it has little text, the message is still portrayed clearly and the article is effective. I like that the image of the band is the background and that the text is styled around the member on the left. I would like to use this technique within my article as I think that it is an effective technique and will look good on my piece, although it may be hard to fit the text specifically around my artist, I am going to try it. I also like the positioning of the text 'A Day To Remember' with the block background with writing underneath it. I also like that there is the block background writing on the top of the left page as it gives an introduction to the article. I also like that there is an enlarged quote within the text, I think that this is a good technique and I shall use it if I have an important phrase within my article.

Images on the Double Page Spread
I like the image as it goes across the two pages, I think that this is a very good technique to use as it saves choosing a background colour. Also, I like the shot of the band. In particular the male gaze of the one at the back left (grey shirt) has a male gaze of looking angry, yet his mouth is styled in a comedic way with what you would assume your mouth would look like if you were shouting. Whereas with the man in the middle (Black Top) his male gaze is that he looks happy, yet when you look at his eyes they connote anger or concentration. Also, when looking at the other members of the band you can tell that the overall male gaze is to look angry/shocked which is shown through all of their mouths being open in a specific / slightly similar way.

Fonts on the Double Page Spread
The 'A Day To Remember' print is a version of the bands logo, however, many other bands have this font, and I personally really like this font, so whomever my artist is, I may use it on my double page spread. Similarly to other magazines Rock Sound have used a bold clear font which is easy to read for the title / introduction to the article. Also, they have enlarged the 'Y' which is a traditional aspect of an article. I also really like the font that they have used for the article itself, it is bold, neat and not too thin so it would be easy to read. I am going to use a similar font.

Colour Palette of the Double Page Spread
The main three colours of the article are white, black and light blue. I like this colour scheme as it is not too bold and outrageous, but it still stands out pretty well. Also, I like that the colours do not contrast with the image of the band as I think that it could of been a problem if the colour palette was bright. Also, with the colours not being bright it fits in with my genre of music as pink and bright colours are not associated with the genre and also would not appeal to all of the target audience. I also really like that the blue is only featured within the bands name, therefore highlighting the topic of the band and making it stand out on the image. I like this feature as I feel that it would be very effective and if a potential reader were to flick through the magazine then it would catch their eye.

Analysis of Bauer Media Group

http://www.bauermedia.co.uk/

Bauer Media Group is a multinational media company based in Germany. Owned by the Bauer family as a buisness it has published magazines such as 'Bella' 'Take a Break' and several TV listing titles.
Specifically Bauer media group has published music magazines such as 'Q', 'Mojo' and 'Kerrang!'. I am interested in these magazines as they are similar to the type of magazine which I want to create, specifically 'Kerrang!'.
'Q' magazine started out as originally being named 'Cue', which was named after the cueing a record to play, However, the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine. Similarly, the name for Kerrang! comes from a music reference as it symbolises the noise that a guitar makes when you play a chord!

Bauer Media Group would be a good company to publish my magazine as it already has a very good reputation therefore my magazine would do well, but also it would enable the company to have a Rock/Magazine with different roots to Kerrang! even though the genre is the same. I would do this by involving different artists and taking a different approach and do what the readers wanted!

Explicit Magazine Twitter!

I have creted a twitter account to post some questionnaires and details about my magazine, I am also going to get feedback on some of the posts. I shall link my blog posts to the twitter aswell, and also make my tweets noticable on my blog.

My Pitch!

Analysis of what language I am going to use...

I do not want my audience to feel that they shouldn't read my magazine because they do not understand the language so I shall not be using formal words, however I shall not be using slang unless it collaborates with the theme of the article. I think that this will make my audience want to read the articles more as they would not feel intimidated by the language. Also I shall be using descriptive words to describe everything, especially the live show reviews as I feel that the reader would want a specific explanation of the event.

Colours which I want to use...

I do not want to have bright colours on my work as I do not think that it will tie in with the theme very well. Therefore my colour scheme will be mainly monochrome except the important information on the cover or contents etc. That would be blue as i feel that it is a relatively unisex colour and no one would be bothered about that colour choice.
On the cover of my magazine i am going to chose the background colour according to what the group that i photo and their clothing as i do not want to contrast the colours too much nor do i want the colours to look awful and not attract the audience.

Images and Videos of Artists which have Inspired me for my Magazine...

Older inspirations...



More recent inspirations...

Examples of other texts...