Contents page overview

Through repetitive use of structure, style and layout NME have been able to maintain a brand identity through their contents page and associate each contents page to another through out each issue. Though each contents page is similar they each are able to keep the readers coming back to find out what NME has in store for them, this shows NME are able to use repetition in a unique style with an edge to keep their readers still interested.

Main conventions of a music magazine contents page that feature are the articles that appear and dominate the main section of the page. It gives a short introduction into the article then gives the page number you can go to to see this article, this is used to draw in the readers so they will want to find out what happens, this convention is shown numerous times on the magazines of NME above.

When the reader of NME opens the magazine they are greeted with the main image of the contents page, this grabs their attention immediately due to it being such a large image that captivates most of the page. By seeing the image the readers will immediately be assured that this magazine caters to their needs as the image will either be a reflection of the reader or an artist of person who has made an effect on their life. Most of the examples of contents pages presented have main images of male artists in clubs/pubs doing gigs, which set off a “rock n roll” theme to the magazine, which is what NME is all about. The images also allow the readers to relate to the pictures as they will have most likely been in these situations themselves, at their favourite pubs with their friends listening to indie rock music and enjoying themselves. Like the front cover, its mostly men who are presented on the contents pages main images, this will be because the men themselves may aspire to be like these men, or the readers will reflect the men who are in the images.

Referring to headlines on the contents page NME shows the readers what NME has to offer, therefore drawing them further in. By giving them snippets of information or short articles it allows them to be further intrigued as they will enjoy the first article, which confirms for them that will enjoy the rest of what NME has for them. Also, with the articles beside them it has the page number where the reader can find the rest of the article, in this case the reader must buy the magazine in order to find out what was written in the rest of the article, this creates self indulgement as they wont be able to wait to sit down and finally find out what it was the arctic monkeys did (second contents page). NME also in almost every issue on the contents page has an advertisement about subscription as it is at the bottom it will most likely be the last thing the readers will see, reinforcing the statement that NME doesn’t want to push people into subscribing, but leaving it there for an option for them to do if they want to, however the bright and eye grabbing yellow almost makes it hard to say as its such a daring colour, contrasted with the white and black makes it hard not to notice. For NME they will know that every reader will have seen the advertisement.

Most of the text used in NME’s contents, and rest of the magazine for that matter are all very similar, this helps to reinforce brand identity as well as creating a familiarity for the readers and allowing them to feel comfortable with

the magazine and feel as if they “know the magazines themselves.” By all fonts and writing being quite basic, it gives the readers a “cool and chill” vibe, as trying to hard with different fonts and colours can be stressful and look like the magazine is trying to hard, and this is something NME doesn’t have to do as their image is perfectly suited to the personality of the readers it aims for, the text is usually very simplistic but is often BOLD this is a representation of the readers and artists of NME as they all stand out and are unique figures. As shown by the magazine contents examples, everything is laid out in the same style, this makes the readers feel confident as they know where to look when they want to find a specific article that may feature every issue.

NME loyally sticks to the colours of white, black and red. When something is an outburst and needs the audience’s attention NME will throw the colour yellow to contrast therefore making it hard to miss. Although NME’s contents have been the same style and layout it could be said a change is needed. However, NME is a successful magazine and stays loyal to their readers, likewise with the readers that continue to buy NME. The readers like the vibe that the style brings with the magazine; it makes anybody who is reading it immediately feel like they belong in the world of “rock n roll” as they hear about the antics their favour artists have been getting up to. A revamp would be unnecessary for NME as although style and layout is important for every magazine NME shows that it is more than it, it’s more about what you’re magazine features and how it tends to the readerships needs.

NME makes their readership feel special and unique, especially by including features that not every music magazine does such as a band index. By providing this, it helps the readers and any new readers know they are getting the best they can by buying NME. The iconography featured makes the readership feel grateful for buying NME as they know that they cater to their interests; such as live gigs, electric guitars and references to gigs and references to gigs and festivals are all primary interests of the target audiences so it’s a perfect way to involve them more into the magazine as they can see the pictures and articles and be able to relate as they would be situations the TA are more likely to be involved in.