NME Analysis

Front cover
The front cover of this NME magazine is very striking. It is set up in a memorial way, like a grave stone type. It is all in black with white and gold royalty, the gold represents royalty indicating that although these artists are dead they are still loved, remembered and respected like royalty figures are. They have also used these colours as they are the ones which stand out the most on a plain black background, it also fits with the typical colours of NME which are black, red and white.

The font along the sides of the cover, looks like someone has written all the writing onto the front cover itself, this is a very good effect as it makes the cover seem more authentic than fake if it had just been written in a serif or sans serif text. However, in comparison to the main headline text 'Special tribute issue', this text is written in a serif font to make it look more professional and official like a real grave stone.
The image on the cover is of rock legend Kurt Cobain. His image is a very similar size to those which are seen at funerals. It is placed dead centre of the cover with writing around it in the gold and white, again giving the authentic feel of a grave stone/plaque. The photo itself is taken in a sepia mode which gives it an old yet authentic theme but again linking back our minds to images of funerals. The way the model looks can be seen in different ways, had he been alive and presented as someones boyfriend or partner, then friends may turn their noses up or look down on that person because he upholds a very masculine, rugged look with stuble on his upper lip and chin indicating to the reader that he hasnt shaved in days prior to this photo. With bags under his eyes it also looks like he hasnt slept in days too, with old news of Kurt Cobain and peoples knowledge of his life many would have said he was probably 'off his head' which is why he looks like he does.
However, because this man is not alive any more we see the image in a different light. The look of the unshaven stubble gives a strong, manly appearance in contrast to looking like a 'druggy'. The bags under the eyes show a man that was in love with his music and was probably at a studio writing new material or at a club performing. Finally the idea of him being 'off his head' is dismissed as ludacrous.


Contents Page
The use of the ‘NME’ logo in big bold red text gives it a center piece in the page. The gives the reader constant reminders of the company leading the magazine and the resource to research the company on the internet,
The font, colours and house style are all the same type which gives the magazine a bold, but effective way of presenting their pieces. The layout is also very similar which gives the magazine structure and the reader’s a clear understanding of where to find what article or piece.
The use of sub-headings puts each piece of content into easier and clearer categories, making the magazine make sense and clearer. The images used on the contents page feature two big stars making the magazine an even greater prospect as the audience will feel more engaged and want to read the magazine more with music bands like Oasis on the contents.
The audience targeted for this magazine is very clear and obviously doesn’t relate to social groups who like gardening or ‘UK garage’ for example. It has specifically targeted people who enjoy rock and indie music through the use of an Oasis member and features on bands, such as, Arctic Monkeys.
The basic magazine structure consists of a ‘taster article’ on the contents page giving prospective buyers an insight into the content on the magazine. The pronounced use of ‘subscribe today’ is a sly way of persuading and easily showing people how you can get the magazine on a regular occasion. The sub-headings are clear and precise and show you very easily where you can access that content in the magazine. The band index gives the reader and precise showing of what bands will be in the magazine. This may give the readers more purpose to buy the magazine as maybe there could be a feature on their favourite band.



Double page spread
This double page spread is very much like the one on the Artic Moneky's band member. It has the main image at the left side, which dominates the whole page.The right page then has, again like in the other, a main title, which is big, bold and themed. The text is columned, and also has the brief sypnosis of the full article.The title is also catchy and easily recognisable to a fan of the band. The main image is also trying to attract you and grab your attention.
It seems to me that even within the double page spread, the magazine wants you to read the article and will put a lot of effort into making you want to.The theme is also important in the double page spread. Graphically, it has to look good and cool. Too many colours and it will look stupid, and too little will look boring. In this, they have used the simple black and white but revived it, to look retro and hip.