Questionnaire

I asked around 30 people to take part in my questionnaire to find out more about the target market.

I already knew I wanted to aim my magazine at older teens so these are the majority of people I asked. I did however ask some younger teens and young adults to give me a variety of views.

The majority of magazines bought were music or gossip magazines. However, 30% of people said they don't read magazines as they prefer to find it out online.

Pop and alternative were the most popular genres of music, while the only other genre mentioned was rock.

The people who said 'no' said they would rather find the information or pictures online rather than spending money on a magazine. This might mean I need a good hook to make sure people would want to spend money on my magazine.

40% of the people I asked said they would like to see posters or interviews with the band - 20% want some kind of gift such as a demo CD.

In conclusion, alternative was the most popular genre for older teens. I should include posters and interviews of the band to make sure my magazine will be popular among potential consumers.

Magazine analysis - Rock Sound

Rock Sound is a British rock music magazine. It aims to be more "underground" and less mainstream, whilst still covering more well known bands. It is also sold in the United States, Canada and Australia.

There isn't much text on this cover; the main story is about Paramore and includes intriguing hooks like "10 page special" and "awesome stickers and exclusive posters". The other tag stories are about the bands featured in the magazine, and above the masthead there are pictures of the posters featured in the magazine. The hook is a chance to win the opportunity of your band opening for "BMTH". "BMTH" are the initials for the band Bring Me The Horizon - as they use the abbreviated version they obviously feel that the people who read Rock Sound will know what "BMTH" stands for.

Instead of putting the names of stories they have inside the magazine on the cover, they have just named over 20 bands that are featured in it. This is so they will appeal to a wider audience; if they mention someone's favourite band that person is likely to want to buy the magazine. They also use abbreviating for popular bands You Me At Six - YM@6 - and Kids In Glass Houses - KIGH. This, again, connotes that they are well known enough to be recognised by just their initials.

The font used for "The future revealed... Paramore" and "Epic preview" is not used again at all throughout the magazine; except for the main Paramore story and interview, where it is used heavily. This might show that only they are "special" enough to have this font, which is not usually used for this magazine.

This magazine is aimed at older teens; they use adult language such as swear words and things that may be inappropriate for younger people, to directly appeal to their target audience.

The mast head, tag line and list of bands at the bottom is green, which matches Hayley Williams' eye colour. The main cover line, sub cover line and hook title are yellow, matching her eye shadow. The green contrasts with her orange hair, making her stand out. This magazine is aimed at older teens, probably 15 and up, as you can tell by the way they don't use younger, childish colours. All the colours are the same strong tone, to make sure the magazine is noticed.

The main image is a photo of the band Paramore. It covers nearly all of the front cover, and Hayley, the lead singer, is placed in front of the masthead, connoting that she is an important person. However, one of her band members, Jeremy Davis, bassist, is placed behind the masthead. This gives us the idea that he is less important; Paramore are very famous in the world of punk rock music, and Hayley Williams, with her flaming red hair, is very iconic. She is very well known which is why she is the main focus and a lot more prominent than the rest of the band. The photo is posed and set up. Hayley is very clear and colourful whereas the rest of the band are all wearing similar colours and are slightly out of focus, making sure that she will be noticed.

Popular magazines

There are over 3000 magazines being sold in the magazine, and over 400 of these are music magazines. I researched which magazines are the most popular to help me decide which genre to focus on when making my music magazine. 

To start my research of magazines, I asked a few people which magazines they read. Out of the people who read music magazines, all were from the rock/alternative genre. 

I then looked at music magazines specifically and what genres and sub-genres there are.

I used a tally chart to find out what people's favourite genres were, and which genres they'd be interested in buying a magazine in. 

I then looked into the sub-genres of rock, the genre with the most tallies. I asked the people who answered "rock" to answer which sub-genre they are most interested in.

I have chosen punk-rock as the main genre for my music magazine; as well as it having the most votes it is also my favourite genre and I feel the most comfortable working with it.