Beth Wingrove

Header- The header marks the full content of what the magazine focuses on. Autumn Tour Special suggests it is different and will not be seen again so people buy it as they think it is special edition.

NME magazine cover analysis

Masthead- The masthead NME is the largest font on the magazine cover and so stands out by filing a quarter of the page. The masthead is a bold, block red colour. We could suggest that this is a unisex colour as the magazine is targeted at both genders. However, we could also say that this colour has been picked as it is very bold and catches the eye of a mature audience; this means that it could be targeted towards people with a disposable income. Also the font used is block bubble writing supported by a black outline. This is a very generic font and so does not hint to a specific music genre, indicating it is not for just one genre of music.

The main sell line- The main sell line integrates back to the main image and tells the reader who the main focus of the magazine is. The font is white with a drop shadow. This gives a 3D effect and makes the cover line stand out. The main sell line also links back and emphasises the music genre in which Dizzee Rascal is known for. This is shown by the pull quote Im spreading joy around the world, man! by the lexical choice of gang culture man we understand he is from a more urban/hip hop/rap genre. Footer- The footer lists a select few of the artists/bands featured in the magazine. All the acts listed are from different music genres for example Jay-Z catering to a urban/rap niche and paramour catering to a alternative rock niche. This implies that the magazine is aimed towards multiple music genres. This is supported in NMEs press pack from November 2012 stating the magazine is for people who are completely obsessed with music and for new music updates.

The main image- The main image is a picture of rapper, Dizzee Rascal (shown in the coverline of his name across the image). In the image he is crouched down with his arms spread apart across the page. Although the image is of his full body we cannot identify the shot as a long shot as the composition of the image is changed by lowering the camera, defining that is now changed to a medium close up. The shot also still follows rule of thirds as his eyes are in the centre of a hot spot and his face seems to be the main focus. The mise-en-scene of his outfit is a gold chain worn around his neck, a white vest, baggy jeans and red striped high top trainers. His outfit is plain and does not draw attention away from his facial features/expression. The gold chain however, expresses his genre of music to be hip hop/rap. The background shows a vandalised room covered in graffiti representing rebellion and gang culture, which is linked with his music genre. The stances of his arms being spread wide-open anchors the main sell line Im spreading joy around the world, man!

Barcode- A necessary feature in all (sell copy) magazines. The barcode is kept relatively small and is positioned in dead spaces such as the bottom corner of the magazine as to not distract from the main image and layout.