Title block analysis of Kerrang, Q & NME magazine

Kerrang Magazine

From looking at the title block, if you knew that Kerrang is the sound made from an electrical guitar then you would be able to guess that the genre of music is rock. However if you didn’t know that then from just looking at the title you might be able to guess that the genre is heavy metal or rock as the word Kerrang is a very dominating and powerful word.

Furthermore the title ‘Kerrang’ indicates to the reader that this is some sort if music magazine as Kerrang gives the audience the impression of a band or something related to music. Moreover the colour of the title block, which is black, indicates about the genre of the magazine being dark or bold, dominating and angry. Also the title block is capital letters and is quite big (and more than likely take up a lot of space on the magazine) once again strongly indicating power and confidence.  

Q Magazine

From just briefly glancing at the title block I get the impression that the genre of music for this magazine is sophisticated. I get this impression because of the font used, it is elegant and implies that this magazine is elegant and its genre is classical; by bringing a unique twist and original spark to its featured issues/articles. However from the colour white of ‘Q’ to the red background that is placed behind it tells me that the articles included are going to not only complement each other but also contrast/give opinions on new topics.

In addition to this the title ‘Q’ implies that the magazine is going to be very different and original as very few magazines have a letter just for its title. Thus indicating to the audience its originality and its unique personality.

The title ‘Q’ actually misleads readers about the target audience; because from how the title block is presented you get the impression that the target audience would be fans of classical music. However from the overall front cover ‘Q’ is a hip hop/pop magazine this could be an indication to the audience that the magazine will surprise you.

NME Magazine

From looking on the surface of the title I cannot tell the genre of music magazine and this could indicate that on the whole magazine is for people of all genres of music and if u add this to the title of the magazine itself tells me that the magazine NME is going to be a very up to date and happening music magazine, I can tell this because the word ‘NEW’ implies that it is the latest & most recent music that is published in the magazine. Also the word ‘EXPRESS’ in the title implies that the magazine is a constant and fast paced music magazine and if put with the rest of the title implies that the magazine gives a constant stream of up to date music to its readers. On a whole the title means that the magazine is a new thing and implies that the magazine on a whole is an original, a one of a kind. Furthermore if you take into consideration the colours of the title which are very bold and dominating colours red, black and white, they connotate that the magazine is very unafraid to take risks and are in a sense larger than life.

The title itself does not give any information on the surface about who the target audience could be, however if you think about the fact that there is no obvious target audience this could imply that the magazine is a magazine that can be read and enjoyed by people of all ages and by people who like different genres of music as well.