Research Into Similar Products (Kerrang Magazine, Issue 1640)

Before I begin to create my music magazine, I must research into products similar to mine (i.e. Alternative- Rock Music Magazines). For my first magazine, I chose to analyse Kerrang Magazine.

Contents Page

As you can see above, I have highlighted the key features of issue K!1640 (8^th October 16). On the front cover, the cover star is Green Day. The use of “World Exclusive” in the cover line gives the sense of Uniqueness, and that this story could not be found in any other magazine. When the reader sees this, they will be encouraged to pick up the magazine and see what the exclusive is. Furthermore, the sub-cover line says “but why do they want to destroy pop-punk” which entices the reader further as it gets the reader thinking about all the possible reasons why, but they may be encouraged to buy the magazine to find out why. Kerrang use Pugs and Puffs to add extra value to the magazine. This allows them to charge a little bit extra because they offer so many “extras”. Kerrang use Cover lines and secondary imagery to display what else is featured in the magazine. However, because the secondary images are smaller than the main image, we get the sense that these stories are less important than the Green Day story.

Contents Page

In the above image, I have highlighted the key features of the contents page of K!1640. As you can see, Green Day – the cover stars – are not present on this contents page. I suspect that this is because Green Day will be appearing on the next issue of Kerrang as well as this one (as stated by the editor in the editor’s note – top right of the page). The contents of the magazine have been split into 6 sub sections, which each of the stories fit into. These sub sections include the regular columns/articles, as well as other regular – yet separate – sections like “Gigs” and “Reviews” which seem to appear on most, if not all issues. Then there is the “Features” sub section which is the articles that only appear on this issue and are focused on in this issue. Also, the editor’s notes in the top right of the page adds a personal feeling to the whole magazine, almost creating a sense of community. This may be to encourage readers to pick up the next issue of Kerrang.

Double Page Spread

In the above image, I have highlighted the key features of the Double page spread about Green Day in Kerrang Issue K!1640. This is one of many double page spreads on this particular story. As you can see, the main image takes up most of the spread, making it impossible to miss. Kerrang used anchorage text in the centre of the body of text with the text wrapping around it. This particular anchorage text is effective because it speaks about a topic that is commonly seen in the media - outside of the music world. This brings an element of seriousness to the article. Furthermore, the smaller body of text in the bottom right of the main body of text is effective because it stands out, as it is on a pink background while the other text is on white. This is ideally placed as it provides a break in the middle of the article as the story continues on the next page. This discourages the reader from stopping reading.