Music Genre Mood Board

Alternative Rock + Indie Rock

This is a collective mood board consisting of images that I thought best portrayed Alternative and Indie Rock music. 

I've included images that reflect the style and atmosphere of the music as well as some well know alternative/indie artists and bands such as Gwen Stefani, Paramore and Arctic Monkeys. 

I also added the magazine NME, and Xfm radio station which are based around my genres.

Music Magazine; Front Cover Analysis 1

‘NME’ is a music magazine that has been published weekly from 1952 onward  Although its sales have been in decline since 2003, NME has a cult following and is known to promote new bands that might not be interviewed or celebrated anywhere else. The current editor of NME is Krissi Murison, who has worked with the magazine as a columnist for several years.

In the first magazine cover featuring Lily Allen, the headline uses a scrapbook type technique for the font creating a more grungy vibe which is linked with her look and attire. There is a colour scheme of black, white and red and the distinctive NME logo is prominently displayed above Lily Allen’s head. The obviousness of the logo would make regular readers see the magazine instantly, and grab the attention of potential buyers who would want to know why the logo is so clear and uncovered. 
There is a red bar running across the bottom of the cover with band names in small white capital letters: the combination of the red colour, the ‘loud’ text and the names of the bands themselves tells the reader this is essentially a rock magazine. Circular puffs advertise features along the right-hand side of the cover. They feature page numbers, which is unusual in a magazine – usually the page number is only shown in the contents page.
There is a small black-and-white sub-image of David Bowie in the top right corner, and a smaller sub-image of Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys above the NME logo in the banner. The Bowie photo is in black and white to represent his status as a pop/rock legend, a singer with an illustrious history who readers want to know more about. The Arctic Monkeys are a band featured in NME very frequently, so having a picture of the lead singer would create continuity between issues and also pull in a regular audience.

Student magazine photoshoot

For my Front cover, I have chosen to use the first image because the angle looks much better as it isn't leaning too much at an angle like in the second image. I also think that in the first picture, my model looks more intimidating and assertive - that's the look I was going for with the facial expressions, showing a serious topic.

Final Student Magazine Contents page

Final Student Magazine Front Cover

School Magazine - Planning

What is the name of your magazine? What are the connotations of the name?
I chose the name of my student magazine to be called 'Student Now'. I believe that this was an appropriate name for my magazine as it is pretty straightforward and easy to understand, so it captures the type of magazine very well and it isn't very hard to remember.
I chose the 'Now' aspect of it to site that my magazine does cover the latest news and information, to keep the readers up-to-date.
I did also use this name to give out a small message to the readers; that if they do read and follow the tips in a magazine it can guide them to doing is expected of successful student, aiding them to be a good student of now.

What will your front cover story be and how would you visualize this?
My front cover story will be mainly about extra-curricular activities and also just making your next move in life at college. This is to help college students to get more involved in activities that are fun, active or challenging. I would visualize this by taking a photo of a boy in sixth form that is playing chess. This directly corresponds with my chosen cover story in the headline because my model will be showcasing one of many ideas of possible extra-curricular activities that are available.

Who is the target audience?
For my magazine, I chose to target it at college/sixth form students that are around age 16-18 years old who are in the process of completing the AS and A2 courses.
I don't have a specific gender intended because I feel that all genders would benefit from the information in my magazine. But I would say that it is probably for students that want to get more out of their learning and using it effectively. Also students that are willing to try new things and aren't afraid to get involved.

What type of shot will it be?
I will use a mid shot at a medium low angle to get a more direct aspect.

What mise en scene will be required for the photography? 
Clothing: A clean black suit with a tie (preferable wearing glasses)
Location: Either a library, classroom or study room. I wanted either books or subject posters in the background.
Props: A set up chess table with pieces.

What would be your headline and how will it match the main image?
My headline will be 'Make Your Next Move' with a little sub-heading bellow it saying 'Go big on extra-curricular's'. This clearly links with my main image idea as make your next move is associated with the game of chess whilst playing. It is also a pun, mean that and making your next move in college and other activities.

Music Magazine - Front Cover Analysis

What genre of music does the magazine cover?

Billboard Magazine doesn't have a specific genre as they show different genres but the featured article for this issue covers Pop music.

What are the connotations of the masthead?
- It's called billboard so it could suggest that they feature the hottest music and artists that are at the top of the charts (and music billboard)

- Lady Gaga (the featured artist) is in front of the masthead (unlike other featured artists in other issues). This could signify he superiority to this magazine and in the pop music industry as a whole.

What can you say about the language techniques used by the headline and sell lines?

- They use satire in the headline to draw in the readers and make them want to read more on the showcased article. 'Lady Gaga. How She Writes Top Hits. Why she doesn't wear pants'
- Short, snappy sell lines contain enough information to grab the readers attention and understanding, but it also doesn't give too much away. This enhances the readers interest.

What can you say about the layout style, particularly style size of fonts and the colour scheme?
- The contrasting colours with the dark's and violet help to bring out Lady Gaga's  hair. Thus forth making her stand out more.

What can you say about the use of photography?
- The use of the close up shot and Lady Gaga looking at the camera makes the image more direct.

Does the front cover feature any other layout conventions?

- Some of the other conventions on the front cover include the price and bar-code at the bottom left corner of the magazine.

- There is also a strap line showcasing the slogan of the magazine at the top of the masthead. 'The Music, The Money, The Market Share

- The headline definitely links with the main image as it includes the name of the featured music artist - Lady Gaga.

Who are the target audience and why?
- Because this music magazine is quite pricey at £6 and change, I would say it is for young adults between 20-30 years old. I gathered this because usually adults around that age have money to spend as they are usually working. 

- As well as this, the featured music is targeted mainly for people around that age range. As well as this, people around that age range are usually really interested in the latest music. And billboard magazine does happen to obtain that.

My Student Magazine Sketch