Analysis of Music Magazines

Analysis of Music Magazines

The Rolling Stones magazine depicts the rapper, Eminem holding a jukebox on his left shoulder, with his right hand making a gun symbol towards the camera.  The jukebox represents the older generation of music from which he gained his fame, as opposed to the present era’s version. In addition, the Rolling stones masthead is partially covered by the artist, which leads us to believe that those purchasing the magazine must have previous knowledge of it, because they must fill in the covered title. The audience must therefore consist of ages ranging from 20-60. The gender the magazine is targeted at is male, as illustrated by the indication of violence, rap genre, and aggressive language like “war machine” which are all stereotypes of male interests.

The colour scheme is red and black, the house style for the Rolling Stone franchise. The black bold font implies an attractive simplicity, a straightforward approach to the topics surrounding the music industry. The red is present because of the colours association with the magazine logo (house style), but also because its particular shade, I believe, is linked to previous times when the music industry was just beginning. This links back to the idea of the target audience being of the older variety, since they can appreciate the nostalgia of the consistency.

There are two fonts used, one of which is the magazines traditional masthead “Royal Acidbath”. This further enforces the idea of consistency in the magazine, and the link between them. It is a masculine, elegant font with light red inside, white outline and a shadow. This implies high class status, and a somewhat nostalgic feeling.  The bold font used is simple “Arial black” which is simplistic, and therefore outlines the magazines approach as direct approach. It is all in upper case, which makes connotes power, strength and force. These are all attributed to the male stereotype.

The layout is a standard “C” shape, which follows conventions. The image is centred, and takes priority over all text bar one, the “hook”. The texts around the image all builds up to this, and therefore makes it seem even more urgent. It has a narrative structure.

The frame includes a medium shot of the rapper, which allows us to see his tattoos inked on his left wrist, as well as the numerous chains on his body. The fact he is completely covered, apart from face and hands, creates an aura of ambiguity around him, and adds an ever greater ominous effect to the hook. This uses the grandiose term “reborn” which links in with the previously stated point.

Eminem is represented in a neutral light, only showing what he has endeavoured to show his whole career. He is shown as strong, as inferred by his posture, determined, scribed by the expression on his face, and threatening depicted by his gun gesture, dog tags, chain and tattoo. The word “reborn” signifies a greater version of him has emerged, which may make the audience of the magazine and him feel a sense of pride, or happiness. Contrary to this, if the reader is not a fan of Marshal, then the implication of violence may intrigue them enough to read more. This is because if this is what he is after a “rebirth” (a great change for good), then people may want to know what his personality was previously.

It is my belief that the target audience is ages 14 to 20. This is because of the colloquial language used “swagger” specifically targets the younger generation. It is unisex, as seen from the neutral colour blue. The scheme is relatively light, and is not heavily weighted towards one particular gender.

The font is the same for every Billboard magazine masthead. This is in order to replicate their house style and link the font to their brand.