Looking at a music magazine

Institution

Artrocker magazine is an independent monthly publication, concentrating on music and modern culture, that is available across the United Kingdom. Though stocked in larger branches of newsagents, its main availability is in music stores. The magazine started life as a weekly email newsletter before evolving into a printed magazine. Issue one featured KaitO on the cover and was released on October 4, 2004. The publication appeared on a bi-weekly basis until November 2007 (issue 72), when the magazine began publication on a monthly basis.

The magazine provides an outlook on modern culture, with information on the UK music scene and the main emphasis firmly being placed on London. There are also sections dedicated to covering art and fashion, and classic bands from the past. Due to the demise of Melody Maker and Sounds, the magazine reports increasing sales figures of 30,369, under current editor-in-chief Tom Fawcett, compared to around 68,000 for the NME.

Front Page Analysis

From this front page, I think this magazine is aimed at older teens to late 20 year olds. The Front page is simple in layout with the main feature (Bombay Bicycle Club) having a full page photo, slightly obscuring the title and a small column, reporting some of the content down the right hand side.

The magazine offers the chance to win a BMX, this would attract a younger reader, as this sport is highly popular with this target audience.‘Student Issue’ gives the impression that this magazine is targeted at younger people at Student age. The price is £3.50 this, is no too expensive compared to other music magazines. This backs up this idea.

The way the band are dressed, is young and fashionable, the lead singer is shown in the foreground, with the other band members slightly blurred in the background

The title is slanted, adding fun and interest to the topic. This appeals to the target audience who more laid back, energetic and fun-filled.

The magazine tag-line reads ‘cutting edge music & style’ showing the magazine content is modern and up-to-date.

The overall feel of the magazine is youthful and ‘Indie’ in style, using modern brands and iconic Indie bands (Bombay Bicycle Club) to attract this target audience.