Coursework

 Friday 6th June

NEA Introduction

INDIE ROCK MAGAZINE

LAYOUT IDEAS:

Friday 13th June

NEA Research

Do Now

1. Non-Examined Assessment

2. Absolutely not

3. Absolutely not

4. 30 percent

5. Conventions

COVERS:

Who is on the cover? What shot type is used and how are they represented?

On the Music Week cover, the star vehicle is Harry Styles. He was born in England. He is known for being a singer, a songwriter and an actor. He has been active in these industries from 2010, until now. He has works of solo discography and original songs written to his name. He is also the Co-Founder and Owner of both Erskine Records and Pleasing. He has a variety of awards related to his career. His family origin is also England. His most known music genres are all related to pop and rock, solo and in a group. He uses vocals and guitar in most of his music. He was formerly known for being part of One Direction. He is a good example for a general music magazine, focussing on Blues, due to his popularity that has risen over these past years. He is presented in a mid-shot. In the image, he is wearing sophisticated clothing, with a blank yet warm expression; his hair seems slightly messy but in style, which highlights the 16-24 year old audience. There are decorative patterns on his clothing to reflect his exciting career and highlights his young spirit.

Abel Selaocoe is on the second cover. He is a 33 year old male, born in Sebokeng, South Africa. He is a musician, singer and composer. He primarily plays the cello and has a label with Warner Classics. He is less well-known than Harry Styles, which juxtaposes the other cover, but gives a good example of the star vehicle I am trying to convey. He is also presented in a mid-shot, with sophisticated clothing, a blank yet warm expression and slightly messy hair but still in style. However, Abel Selaocoe's image also features an instrument, which may be good for my magazine. 

What kind of subjects do they include in the cover lines? 

In the cover lines for the Music Week magazine, the cover lines seem to only mainly link to the star vehicle, and a specific story relating to him. However, in the music magazine there are many cover lines. 'Sharon Bezaly' is mentioned, a solo flute musician born in Israel. It also mentioned 'Imogen Cooper', an English pianist. It also talks about Buskaid, a charitable organisation known for helping young black musicians within South Africa to reach their full potential. 'Vivaldi's Gloria' is a joyful hymn of praise and worship. 'Nikolai Medtner' was a Russian pianist and composer. 'Fazil Say' is a Turkish pianist and composer who has worked internationally. 'Vaughan Williams' was an English composer known for operas, ballet and chamber music. 'Evgeny Kissin' is a Russian-born concert pianist and composer.

How is the colour scheme chosen?

Music Week always tends to have bright pastel colours which do not fully correlate to the main image (e.g. pastel pink used with main image has star vehicle wearing all black. Most of the time, the masthead also matches the text colour. Whereas 'music' tends to utilise dark colours in order to place emphasis on the person in the main image. The red used in the cover adds some brightness to a very dark image, to contrast the typical dull views on the types of music presented in it.

Where is the masthead and what kind of font is used?

In Music Week, the masthead is at the top of the page. It uses a sans serif font. In 'music', the masthead is also at the top of the page, but with other information above it. It uses serif font.

How many images are used?

Both covers only use one image.

How many cover lines are used?

Music Week used 3 to 4 cover lines. 'music' used 11 cover lines.

What institutional information is included and where is it placed?

In Music Week, the institutional information is placed in the bottom left. The 'music' magazine does not have one, probably because this version is not intended to be published.

How many fonts are used on the cover and how do they vary?

On the Music Week magazine, there is a mix of serif and sans serif fonts in order to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The masthead uses a sans serif font in red and black. The main cover line is in serif, with the other cover lines being all in sans serif in a range of colours (orange, blue, brown, white and black). The main cover line and masthead is larger than the cover lines. Masthead > Main cover line > Cover lines

How are puff/shapes used?

On Music Week, a puff is used to advertise a competition of some sort, in which people need to vote for their favourite candidate. On 'music' the puff is used to advertise another piece of their content.

CONTENTS PAGES:

How are they laid out?

The text depicting the page numbers and their content tends to be on the left, with an image on the right. On both contents pages, there is a piece of text under the contents, referencing the cover image and the image on the contents page. They also contain the mastheads on at the top of the page, with secondary quotes spread across the page.

How many images are used? Are they all the same size? How are they anchored to the text?

There is one image used on each contents page. They are both relatively similar sized (about half of the page vertically), with one as a mid-shot and one as a long shot. The images link to quotes spread across the page, the cover and the content within the magazine; using a star vehicle which relates to them.

How many different fonts are used and how do they vary? (Size, style, colour?)

On the SPIN contents page, monotone colours (black and white) are used for the text, to connote that the contents page is more informational rather than entertaining. Sans serif is also used in order to give the magazine an appeal to younger audiences immediately, as the contents page is very early within the magazine. The text for the titles of different pages are larger than the other text and are in bold, to emphasise their importance on their respective pages. However, the numbers for the pages and some main titles on the page tend to have their own unique colour depending on which magazine it is, (blue for SPIN, yellow for MOJO).

How is the text organised? Do they have sections? What are they?

The text on both covers are neatly displayed along the left side of the page, with quotes and extra information beneath it (and in SPIN, has another quote in the top right corner). The majority of the text is in sections for each topic within the magazine, under a title and page number. It could be argued that the extra information and quotes below it also has it's own section, as it can be seen over a variety of magazines.

ARTICLE PAGES:

How are they laid out?

Both magazines have a large image, mainly orientated on the left, of one of the stars relevant within the magazine's cover and contents page. They tend to use a large quote that spans a large area of a page/s, from the star vehicle in the image. The text is all orientated around the image (below or to the side) depending on the size and shape. The cover featuring George Ezra uses a box near the text in order to reference/summarise the content so far. The cover with Davey Havok uses a box advertising more of their content in the top left, and a secondary main cover line beneath the large quote.

How many images are used? Are they all the same size? How are they anchored to the text?

In the article with George Ezra, 2 images are used. These images are not the same size, with one being extremely large compared to the other, in order of importance within the article. The text mainly focusses on George Ezra, his music and quotes directly from him, linking to the large image of him. The other image has less text related to her, but is clearly presented through the title with her name, and the divider between the text. In the article with Davey Havok, there is 1 image. The image takes up the whole of the left page, placing importance on him throughout the article. All the text on the right side of the page seems to relate to him, including the large quotation across the page, with information providing context to it.

How many different fonts are used and how do they vary? (Size, style, colour?)

The article with George Ezra utilises text of many different sizes, depending on titles, general text and quotes. The text uses both serif and sans serif in order to appeal to a variety of audiences in different sections of the text. The article also utilises red, black and white text in order to give different parts of the text different meaning. Black is used for the titles and general text, red is used to initiate the general text by providing context, and white is used for quotations and black backgrounds. The article with Davey Havok also utilises text of many different sizes, depending on titles, general text, sub-headings and quotes. The text only uses sans serif, in order to appeal to a younger, laid-back audience. The article uses red, white, black and magenta to create different meanings. Red is used in the top left to create a link to more of their content and grab attention, white is used for the large quote and the context beneath it, black is used for normal text and magenta is used to highlight important words/phrases within the quote and context.

How is the text organised? Do they have sub-headings?

On the article with George Ezra, paragraphs of text have dividers between them in order to differentiate between topics. At the beginning of a new overall topic, there is a title along with context text below them. Quotes and other text tends to be associated with the image, overlapping or beside it. Sub-headings are used regularly in order to divide the topics appropriately. In the Davey Havok article, paragraphs are physically separated with gaps in order to differentiate between topics. The quote above it is separated as it's own entity, placing importance on it as it does not follow the regular nature of the other text. Sub-headings are used, highlighted in white, in order to split the topics up.

How is the colour scheme chosen?

The red used on the George Ezra article, relates to the colour of the masthead, and places emphasis on that by using it at the beginning of each paragraph. A very small amount of green text is used near to the image, to relate to the nature displayed throughout it. The white background creates an optimistic atmosphere throughout the article. The colours overall are not vibrant, but stand out in order to create a relaxed, yet exciting read. The Davey Havok article utilises black, white and grey to match the star vehicle's clothing in the image. The magenta is also dark, however it distinguishes itself due to the rest of the article being exclusively monotonous. The red used for 'NEWS' is simply used to bring emphasis to itself, and is used due to red having connotations of warnings or danger, bringing their attention to that corner and further engage with their content.

How are people/places/issues represented?

In the George Ezra article, he is presented as a more relaxed musician, due to his calm demeanour despite being on an active train track. The nature in the background also suggests a serenity to his character. The overall place in which he is photographed, feels quite rural and therefore natural, creating peaceful atmosphere for the rest of the article, due to it being the first thing you focus on. The blue shirt may also connote more pessimistic ambience, along with his negative expression, which may relate to his style of music, or to juxtapose it to relate to an event. Whereas in the Davey Havok article, the star vehicle is presented in an 'alternative' style, wearing monotonic clothing with dark tattoos and jewellery. This may have been done in order to connote a rock genre of some sort being referenced throughout the article. Celebrity culture and 'the death of the rockstar' are mentioned, which may be literal or metaphorical; it could be an actual death, or a collapse of a person's career in music. The star vehicle has a neutral expression, but alongside the colour scheme and funky font, a positive atmosphere is created for the article. The only reference to a place is a 'UK tour', but does not seem to have a strong correlation to the majority of the content featured.

What stereotypes are used or challenged? Why are they used?

In the George Ezra article, the stereotypes of pop music are challenged. Instead of using bright colours and animated poses, he is much more relaxed in his gesture codes, with darker tones for clothing whilst in nature. This calm essence created juxtaposes the energetic stereotypes of pop, with his own version channeled through the image. It does follow masculine stereotypes such as the blue shirt, but does not follow them through physical male stereotypes (e.g. muscles). George Ezra is a white male, which tends to be most common/stereotypical in magazines. The stereotypes of pop music are challenged, in order to promote his 'honest way of doing a pop song', in comparison to others, distinguishing himself from other pop artists. The blue shirt is used to connote calm and sadness, which may link to his 'honest' way of pop music, rather than an emphasised escapism view on pop. The lack of physical masculine stereotypes is due to the focus not being on his physique, but on what he stands for and his music; this also applies to him being a white male. In the Davey Havok article, the white, black and grey colour scheme follows the stereotypes of rock music, along with the tattoos, jewellery and somewhat spiky hair. The star vehicle being a white male also follows stereotypes in magazines as a whole. These stereotypes are utilised to make sure the reader knows what kind of music the article relates to, and therefore determines its relevance to them.

OVERALL:

What house style is established by the use of font/colour/images/layout?

In general music magazines, they tend to a have a specific colour scheme across all of their magazines, involving a mix of darker colours with one main bright, vibrant one (e.g. red, blue, magenta). The main colour tends to create a specific mood, based on the genre of music an article or cover is focussing on. The colours are also integrated into the images through clothing and background in order to further emphasise this. More modern music magazines for younger people tend to use a sans serif font, whereas a more traditional music magazine with an older audience uses a serif font. Depending on this, an informal or formal tone is used, and therefore aligns itself to the audience and genre. This may also work alongside language techniques in order to emphasise different values within a magazine. This may vary across different types of text (masthead, title, cover lines), to create different impressions of a genre or musician. The placement of images (in articles in particular), are important to the house style, as it highlights or indicates different pieces of information alongside conveying conventions of a genre through the images themselves. On covers, this works alongside the placement of the cover lines and the main cover line in order to create different impressions for an image, depending on it's purpose. Many of the mastheads used in general music magazines are iconic and recognisable, creating a recognisable brand.

What genre conventions are there for your specific genre?

For indie rock magazines in particular, the artists themselves are not the main focus, whereas their voice and vision are. Independence from record labels may also be a parallel across the choices of star vehicles on these covers. Songs referenced within these magazines, explore deeper themes than other music, creating a unique atmosphere for each individual magazine depending on it's focus. Due to this, many indie rock magazines tend to not follow certain codes and conventions, which makes them more exciting to engage with, as there is an ambiguity associated with them. Indie rock magazines tend to have asymmetrical layouts with unconventional typography, along with an unfiltered aesthetic for the main images. The colours tend to be contrasting, which follows all other music magazines. Secondary images and pull quotes are especially used to create the atmosphere of indie rock, and the connotations it has. They tend to have a younger audience, which relates to the brief, who tend to be more open-minded and rebellious, as it challenges trends in current music and is more underground.

What ideology is presented?

Indie rock focusses on a sense of exclusivity and an acquired taste, making it a more niche genre with a perceived intellectual superiority over other genres in magazines. Due to this, mainstream music culture is rejected and therefore rejects being shallow or commercial-based. Independence from record labels are also prominent within indie rock magazines, creating a more homely aesthetic for the magazine, and makes the community more tight-knit. In some specific cases, indie rock is utilised in order to present political views related to autonomy, corporate power and social commentary. This therefore focusses on social hierarchy and the dynamics within our society linked to economy or status. However, indie rock tends to change it's overarching ideologies over time, and will most likely be different as the next generation gets older. As a result of this, the culture of indie rock itself may be criticised in these magazines, creating a divide between the audiences within it. 

How are people or places featured represented? 

People in indie rock magazines tend to be more genuine and true to themselves within their music, as juxtaposed to mainstream shallow music. Indie rock focusses more on artists who are innovative and creative, who provide a new viewpoint towards making music. The indie subculture is also focussed on heavily, with a distinct sense of clothing and lifestyle within the images. Indie rock does not conform to mainstream culture, and therefore does not conform to any stereotypes, and does not have any clear ones to note. To these artists, places where they perform hold deep sentimental value to them, and therefore need to be presented appropriately within a magazine to stay true to an artist's beliefs and values. However, in locations presented within indie rock, there is a unique vibe linking to the calm nature within the lyrics, and therefore has a standard to follow and galvanise. These significant locations can range from small venues to whole countries, creating no bounds for what can be used within indie rock magazines. Linking back to the tight-knit community, some locations may hold more value than others, and will appear in multiple magazines.

Who is the target audience and how does it appeal to them?

The main age range tends to be 16-25. Indie rock appeals to both genders, but the audience tends to mainly be males. The social class tends to be middle-class, with some topics featured relating to lower-class. These people are often students or young professionals who have an active social life. This is appealed to through social media links, contests, promotions, the tight-knit community, links to rebellion against mainstream culture, creativity and intellectualism. These values work together in order to have purpose for these people, creating a piece of media larger than itself, creating both social links across the world and a beautiful display of creativity through this music, which is presented through the magazine genre. 

Friday 27th June

Monday 8th September

Do Now

1. Non-Examined Assessment

2. No

3. No.

4. 30 percent

5. Backgrounds Codes and Conventions