Music Magazine Case Study

The Kerrang masthead is included in every issue of the magazine. It is well known for its shattered glass effect which resembles the entire presentation of the magazine. It gives a rebellious and punk look and feel to it. The general layout of the magazine is kept the same throughout each issue, but includes different articles about new and old bands and more. The large image in the centre of the magazine shows Billie Joe Armstrong live on stage, this is different to a lot of magazine where they use pictures of artists from photo shoots, rather than a natural image. The paper clip next to the WTF? gives an edgy and quirky feel to the magazine. It is giving the idea that the sub heading is separate from the cover and is fastened on using it. Part of it has been erased which looks like it goes through the page.

 

Kerrang magazine is a lot less organised than other magazines such as Q. Q magazine is structured in two columns, whereas kerrang is much less organised. The headings and sub headings are scattered about and look rough. This is because Kerrang is a more 'hardcore' and 'gothic' magazine. It is the canted angles of aspects of the magazine that reflect and conveys this. The top banner of the magazine tells the reader what else is include, for example posters and pull-outs. The use of colour in different parts of the caption picks out the more important content. The small thumbnail images act as teasers for readers that have a flick through in the shop before they buy.

 

The most important and the biggest text of the front cover, other than 'Kerrang' is Green Day in white. It stands out and is the focus of the cover and the magazine. White has been used for the text, as the background is dark, so it stands out and grabs the reader’s attention. The smaller caption beneath 'Green Day' is used as an add on or extra to the article. It is canted to give it the messed up and rebellious look.

 

The neatly positioned box featuring Slipknot, is about a competition that is being held. It also introduces another story or feature to the magazine, which readers may want to find out about. The box is positioned upright, the caption is slanted. It implies a more serious feel to the magazine, but still reflects upon the punk and rebellious theme.

 

The bar code for the magazine is tucked away in the corner, along with the price and the date. It obviously isn't something the editors want the buyer to see first. The colour scheme is kept simple. White and black, which are the usually colour for Kerrang magazine, with an added yellow and green. They have used green because of Green Day, adding to the quirky feel to the magazine. The front cover isn't too packed with information and is messy but neat at the same time.

 

Kerrang magazine was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one off supplement. The name Kerrang comes from the onomatopoeic word that derives from the noise when smashing an electric guitar. At first the magazine was published fortnightly but because of its high demand they began to release issues weekly. During the period of July 2008 to 31 December 2008 Kerrang’s circulation sales in the UK and Ireland went up to a high of 50,128 insuring that it would keep its lead in the market. These figures show Kerrang’s success despite its audience being from one demographic entity.  The target audience of Kerrang is 15-24 year olds (60% male and 40% female) with its demographic profile falling into the social class D-C. These people are the types of people that like to rejoice in their individuality. They are active consumers of computer games, media and fashion. On average, the target audience buy 31 albums a year. The magazine costs £2.20 making it affordable to its target audience. Kerrang aims itself at a young audience through the use of graphics, fonts, layouts and presentation. Kerrang is aimed at youths and their lifestyle; this is shown by Kerrang’s contemporary and up to date look by making the use of moder day fonts and graphics.