Analysis of Music Magazine Front Cover 1 NME

The header states that the magazine is an AUTUMN TOUR

SPECIAL the fact that the issue is a special edition is also a
unique selling point for the magazine.
The main cover line
anchors the main image so
that even though the main
image is likely to be
instantly recognisable as
Dizzee Rascal to the target
audience, we know for
sure that it is him by the
use of big, bold,
capitalised font with drop
shadow. The quote, which
is also big and emphasised
on the cover: Im
spreading joy around the
world, man! is exciting as
it hints at new tour dates
being released which will
interest the demographic.
The exclamation mark
dramatizes the quote.
The rule of thirds has clearly been used in creating the
layout of this front cover. The cover is dominated by
the image and there is not much text. However the
small amount of text that is displayed is positioned in
the left third. This is because of the way the
magazines will be placed on shelves in stores, key
content and sell lines tend to be on the left side.
The footer summarises the main bands and music artists
that will feature in the magazine. The types of music artists
are likely to fall into the categories of rock, indie and
alternative music because this is what the genre of the
magazine is associated with and what the target audience
will be familiar with.
The barcode, date, issue and
price are essential on every
magazine. Conventions have
been followed here as it has
been put in the bottom right
hand corner of the page so
that it is unnoticeable.
The Masthead NME is positioned in the top left
hand corner of the page, which follows generic
conventions. This particular music magazine has
been published since 1952 so the red, black and
white masthead is branded across the issues of the
magazine as a classic trademark.
The main image challenges
conventions because it is a
long shot but at a glance
we could believe that it
was a mid shot. We can see
the subjects whole body
because of the high angle
shot. Dizzee Rascal takes
up the whole frame as he
has his arms spread out as
if hes ready to grab the
camera or pull the
audience in to dance with
him, as it looks like the shot
was taken while he was
moving. He looks directly at
the camera and his face
expresses excitement and
happiness. He wears a gold
chain which stereotypically
associates him with rap and
hip hop music. The
background is colourful and
the setting looks urban
which also links to the
music genre.