magazine/newsstand task

This image was taken in a newsagent and briefly shows the organisation of the music magazines along with other genre magazines such as soap television and health. The music magazines which are placed on the top shelves are organised in a way so that the magazine masthead can be seen but not the full image of the artist and the cover line is hidden which intrigues the reader as, out of curiosity they would want to know who the artist is and the story behind them. As you can see, generally the top left corner or half is intentionally left visible to viewers so that teasers and mastheads are easily recognised and a sense of familiarity is built within the reader. In most cases the masthead is revealed and is striking and distinctive in design to catch the reader/viewers eyes and encourage the reader to choose that specific magazine over others. Furthermore, the reader will briefly know what the magazine will be focusing on due to the familiarity of the masthead however some of the magazine will be covered in order to intrigue the reader about what will be shown in this weeks issue. The shopkeeper also informed me that some magazines were covered more than others so that the viewer would feel the need to uncover the magazines which were really hidden and as a result may buy one of the magazines as they viewed a variety. Another displaying feature I noticed is that in the more famous and commonly known magazines such as 'XXL', the featured articles and skyline with additional artists were almost always shown in order to attract viewers so that if they did not prefer or are a fan of the main model image then one of the featured artists may draw them in to the magazine.

The placement of the cover lines varies from the left third and the right third and can sometimes be seen in the middle of the cover. However, the placement depends on the positioning of the main cover image which varies in magazines. Freebies such as CD's are found in the lower left third so that they are easily visible when placed on shelve and also in order to prevent the CD from taking up too much space and covering any image or text in the front cover. In addition to this, the lower left third always contains any free items such as CD's or vouchers e.t.c because in most cases, this is the only visible part and therefore needs to be interesting, eye-catching and intriguing.


Magazine distribution methods


A more modern, or common method of magazine distribution is Online publishing where readers have to partake in a subscription model of the articles which may be free or will have to be paid for. Another variation of online publishing is the kindle or I-pad version of the article or magazine which is convenient as it replaces the physical copy of the magazine which can easily tear and damage.

Another method of distribution is Postal subscription where publishers can control and generate their sale as no money will be wasted on unused and unsold copies of the magazine which is expensive due to publishing costs. It also benefits the consumer as the magazine is directly delivered to their front door and therefore saves them the trouble of travelling to the shops. Postal subscriptions also include free gifts that are included with the magazine.


XXL Magazine Distribution Methods

http://www.xxlmag.com/?
http://instagram.com/xxlmagazine
https://twitter.com/XXL
http://m.ustream.tv/xxlmagazine

Music Piracy / Induction

Music Piracy! Devastating or Desired ?

Music Piracy is the copying and distribution of a piece of music which the artist, recording label or copyright-holding company did not give consent to and under the legal terms, piracy is a form of copyright and as a result can be seen as a crime in many countries. The concept of internet piracy started out as a free exchange of information such as  music, videos, games etc. between people via the internet and was accepted as legitimate through a popular website during the late 90's called 'Napstar'.

However, many argue that music piracy is not such a negative for musicians. As research has shown that less popular artists actually profit from piracy. This can be concluded from, and is supported by several studies. This is not a general shared view as the music industry claim that they lose millions a year due to piracy due to a reduction in CD and album sales.Several studies have shown that most artists actually profit from unauthorized sharing of files. They sell more albums because people have the opportunity to download songs for free so that they can enjoy the music and spend money on albums, it also helps to publicise the artists  name and their music.The rise in income from concerts shows that the interest in music is increasing instead of declining.

One of the main downfalls to music piracy is the effect it has on retail prices and sales in commercial shops. As the music is available for free, more and more people choose to stream the music illegally resulting in a decrease in sales which causes profit reduction for the industry and individual artist. Nevertheless, some artists like 'Lady Gaga' are for music piracy or file sharing as it increases the amount of concerts and events happening as the artists publicity significantly increases due to file sharing.

Magazine proposal

Task 6-Magazine proposal
Nahid Hussain

The title of my music magazine is ‘DRILLINOIS ’and the genre focuses on the South Side of Chicago, ‘drill’ music scene which has attracted major labels such as ‘Interscope’ and ‘Def Jam’ to Chicago in search of young rappers in an area where violence has turned the city into the murder capital. The main musical genre centres around a hip-hop sub genre originating from young, South Side Chicago rappers and producers. The Chicago or ‘Chiraq’ music scene reflects the lifestyle that the artists are living and exposes the extreme violence that is going on which has a direct link with the ‘Drill music’ created by the Chicago artists to reflect the imagery of shooting guns. ‘Drill music 'genre is one of the most distinct contemporary features of Chicago hip-hop. Drill is defined by its violent lyrical content.

The price of my magazine will range from £3.00-£3.50 as most the audience will probably have an income and so the price of the magazine will not be too pricy for a monthly magazine.

Content

Some of the artists that will be included and referred to in my magazine are Englewood rappers ‘Lil Durk’ and ‘Capo’ who are upcoming rap artists proposing a new angle to the music industry revolving around guns, violence and drugs which has publicised to the whole world because of major record labels in America like Def Jam and SSR. Some of the regular items which will be included on my magazine are promotional CD’s, artist interviews,  hosted by ‘DJ VICTORIOUS’, advertisements relevant to the genre of my magazine and appealing to my target audience. Furthermore, artist history quizzes that give the winner the opportunity to record a studio session with Chicago’s top music producers here in the UK with full access to professional studio equipment. This once in a lifetime opportunity is another distinct feature of my magazine making it unique and stand out from the other hip-hop magazines out there.

Another exclusive aspect of the magazine is the emphasis on Chicago or more commonly known as ‘Chiraq’s fashion and music trends emerging into the music arena showing a different approach to style and rap. Drillinois Conveys raw Chicago style and flair to the masses.

Design Features

Masthead

Colour schemes: There will be a constant 3 colour scheme of black, red and yellow in my magazine which will run consistently throughout both front cover and dps. The colours I have chosen have been used as they both have dark, negative connotations with the exception of the yellow which represents the aspiration and positive rise to fame for these young rappers.

The font of my text will be Castellar as it is sophisticated, current and trendy which will help to catch the reader’s eye. Also, the font is linked to the contemporary genre and issues raised in the magazine.

Masthead design will be elaborate and pleasing to the eye but will also show that the magazine is current and will represent the new angle the magazine is proposing.

Artist Interview questions

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE MUSIC A FULL-TIME CAREER?

HOW HAS MUSIC SAVED YOU FROM THE EXTREME VIOLENCE IN Chicago?

What is the new year going to bring for you and what can your fans expect?

How has the violence in chicago affected you and how has it inspired you to become more successful and one of the greats in the music Industry?

Target Audience

The target audience range from 16-28 years consisting of both males and females as there will be reference to both male and female artists aspiring from Chicago which will appeal to both gender’s. The social class for the majority of the audience is working class as the magazine will address them and highlight the fact that being from a working-class group doesn’t mean nothing and that they can still become successful and prosper financially like the rappers from Chicago who started from hardly anything and used their talent to make something of themselves. More specifically, the magazine will appeal more to those,(regardless of gender) who have a passion and interest for music.

Blaze publishing - Magazine Publisher

Blaze has grown to become one of the largest independently-owned publishing company in the magazine publishing sector, and in the last few years has expanded into motoring, women’s lifestyle, art, and most recently music magazines that focus on pop, drum and bass and rock music. Blaze has not yet published a magazine dedicated to the urban hip-hop culture spreading in Chicago, Illinois. My magazine will appeal to blaze's usual audience as it is new, contemporary and is unique as it exposes the extreme violence and explores the reasons behind the countless murders taking place in Chicago and the link between the violence and the music scene. One of the main features of my magazine is giving the audience an authentic urban experience of real day to day life for these up-coming artists. The main reason why I chose 'Blaze' publishing is because there is a lot of digital publications and magazine apps making it more convenient and accessible for the reader.

College Magazine front cover

Model image for College Magazine

Contents page and Double page spread

The above document is a contents page from XXL magazine, 2010 November edition. The contents page has a plain colour scheme of black and white with the exception of the logo and a symbol which are both bright red, this will help to catch the readers eye so that they know who the magazine was made by, The consistent black and white colour scheme may have been used to reflect the seriousness of the situation. The image of both artists; 50 Cent and Soulja Boy is a mid-shot which may have been done to show the watches and diamond chains. The mise-en-scene of the page is very brightly lit and also the artists look very wealthy. The diamond watches and rings connote the extreme wealth and fame both these artists hold. The masthead is written and placed in a conventional position (at the top) and the font choices are very plain and formal. There are page numbers in the contents page which are in chronological order which shows that the magazine is professionally organised and has a tidy presentation. Some of the language used in the page contains slang which may appeal to the younger audiences, however the structure and page layout is very formal and organised neatly. One of the main connotations of the entire page is highlighting the fact that even with all the wealth and fame, the music industry and it's artists still have their flaws and issues. Some very well-known artists are mentioned which may help to publicise the magazine.

DPS

     

The main model image on the left hand side is of the artist Lupe Fiasco. The image was taken at a mid-shot in order to draw attention to the watch the artist is wearing which symbolises fame and money as the watch looks expensive. The vast gradient colour black compliments the yellow and white typography as it stands out significantly making it easier to read. The mise-en-scene, in particular the lighting allows the audience to directly focus on the artist with an emphasis on his watch. Moreover, the artist is not directly looking towards the audience and presents himself being in deep thought and contemplation which may intrigue the reader as it is unique and does not conform to the usual conventions where artists are directly looking at the readers.

The pull quote which is written in yellow and white typography against the dark background attracts the audience to the cover story. Furthermore, it gives the audience an insight to what the article is about. The use of the colour yellow may have positive connotations as it is a bright and vibrant colour.

The faded background image of the artist on the top left hand corner adds more interest to the page as the feature is un-conventional and therefore adds a sense of uniqueness for the readers. Additionally, the faded image creates an exclusive 'behind the scene' feel for the audience.

Analysis of XXL Magazine

The first image is the front cover of XXL's 2007 magazine edition. The lead article is on the artist Jay Z and the appearance of the artist gives a hint to the readers about what the article is about. The model image of Jay Z connotes that he is very wealthy and successful. There is a strict colour scheme of black and white with the exception of the red branding logo of XXL. This may have been done to draw the readers eye as the magazines branding is the brightest aspect of the front cover. The consistent and plain colour scheme may suggest that the issue in the article is serious which may draw readers in. The direction in which Jay z's eye line is facing is used as a direct mode of address to the viewers. The use of large font on the title and in particular 'JAY-Z' emphasises the focus on the artist and what he is saying. The positioning of the branding and artist is also important because if the left half of the magazine was covered on the shelves then a potential buyer will see the large XXL logo and only a part of the artist body and therefore out of curiosity may pick the magazine up in order to find out who the artist is and what the article is about.

The second image is the first contents page from the same XXL magazine edition. The model image is of the artist 'Rick Ross'  who I a very well known and popular hip-hop rapper. The contents page is broken up into different sections from his interview with quotes from Rick Ross as the sub-headings. The appearance of the artist including the diamond ring and bracelet is conventional of how Hip-Hop rappers dress and how they look. The title on the top of the contents page says 'Top Billin' which is also a quote from Ross's interview. The entire page is dedicated to just this one artist with a reference to rival rapper '50 Cent' which reinforces the focus on the model image as it is one of the most important aspect in terms of drawing the reader in.

The last image is the second contents page in the magazine. There is a gap of a double page spread of advertisements from this contents page and the one above which represents the importance of advertisement to this magazine and their role of providing vital income. The image which covers most the page is of a female dressed very provocatively on purpose in order to attract male attention and viewers. The contents start of with an editorial section and then additional interviews and articles in connection to the rapper 'Busta Rhymes'. At the bottom there is a reviews section and an article referring to the model image called 'Eye Candy'.

Vibe front cover analysis