Inspiration From Another Magazine: NME Music Magazine

This is a second magazine called NME Music Magazine in which i received a lot of inspiration from for my music front cover to look like:

This is a front cover of NME which feature My Chemical Romance, who create music which fits into the genre of rock.

The photograph of the band seems to be more creative directed, and glamourized then Rolling Stone magazine usually represents their artists as. The lighting of the photograph is an element which does stand out the most as the lighting makes the audience create a feel for the band. The lighting on the main focus point of the image which will obviously be the lead singer: his face is alot more shadowed then his band mates, this automatically makes their band seem to perform the darker music which connotates to the genre of Rock. The lighting could also highlight how the band have a 'dark side' which again connotate the genre of rock. The contrast is strong within the lead singers hair and the darkness between his clothes and shadowing around his eyes, this makes the audience establish how this band are artistic thus the idea of them being interested and influenced by the idea of self expressionism: the genre which this band specialise in, is then reinstated by the idea of self expressionism.

The idea of Kerrang and Rolling Stone respecting their self expressionism creates the idea of this interview being down to earth and seem more focused on their music rather then a certain image a magazine is creating for the band, in order for the magazine to sell.

The angle is all eye level, which again creates this connection between the artist and the audience and also creates the interview seem like an exclusive tell all interview as there is no status division between the two.

This is another cover from NME magazine featuring all time musical legend, Morrissey.

The first thing noticeable is the angle of the photograph, is once again eye level with the audience. This creates the idea of there being no status division between the two, thus giving this interview a world exclusive feel.

He's displaying direct mode of address which is inviting for the audience. He's not healivy glamorized within this photograph which reflects the idea of this artists being naked and telling 'the naked truth' within this interview or story. His hair and his coat are both neutral toned, which again create a connection between the artist and the audience.

The lighting is only on his face which then shadow the other half, this creates mystery surrounding this artist which ultimately intrigue the audience into purchasing the magazine.

In terms of mise-en-scene within this photograph, there are sky scraper buildings which are again neutral toned within this photograph, however the sky scrapers are the same size as him, if he's not taller. This could be seen as slight arrogance in the photograph however, it is also seen as he's top of the world in the music industry, and to get an interview with him in this magazine in revolutionary: this will intrigue the audience to purchase this magazine.

His face seems hard and serious, which could reflect his seriousness for music as well as reflecting the idea that trying to get an interview with this man is difficult.

This is another NME magazine Christmas issue, front cover featuring popular band Arctic Monkeys.

As it's a special Christmas issue, the band have been dressed up in elf like costume which connotate the festive season: Christmas!

The angle is very low in this photograph, creating a dominance effect from the musical band. This could possibly be because of the idea that they're promoting there newest album and the focus to get the Christmas number one is fixating and is almost as important as the presidential campaign, it's important to British culture.

Down lighting has been used to increase dominance for the band as well as creates some mystery as down lighting creates shadowing around ones eye area.

The lead singer is once again is the most dominant in the photograph as he's placed in front of the rest of the band and he is the only band member who you can see all of his body within this shot.

This is again, another cover of NME magazine featuring The Killers who are again, a global class band. In this photograph only his head is visible and he is displaying distinctive features such as eye wear and facial hair which could be iconic for the band themselves.

Although there is only one man present in this picture the name which is underneath is in plural terminology: 'The Killers' therefore you know he's representing the rest of the band, not just himself.

The direct mode of address is inviting towards the audience and engages them within the story and the artist. The look he is giving the audience is he's looking up, through his glasses: this could give the audience an idea of intimidation, this may connotate negative emotions, however with shadowing surrounding his other body parts it individualises the audience, it's as if he's staring intimidatingly at you personally.

The darkness and black colours, i feel represent the idea of an interrogation through the police: and that is what an interview practically is, an interrogation. This can give the idea of this interview being a 'tell all' interview, how he is not aloud to lie or to not answer questions.

All of these NME magazine front covers have their own personal conventions. Some of them being more glamorized photo shoots how ever not so much you can't identify the artist. All of the artists featured are either world class artists, or national iconic artists. They all have their personal image and the magazine, like rolling stone, respects their image and allows them to be photographed as themselves.

The photograph are usually neutral toned, which is again, like the Rolling Stone magazine however some issues may differ, to reflect what is going on through culture, or society at the moment.

I really like the outrage which NME can create, with photo shoots like the naked Beth Ditto reflect the idea which they are out to shock and just promote the newest, and the best music. It seems NME magazine, can be more British based around music, where as Rolling Stone would only feature world class artists as they may believe if no one knows about an artist who are featured on their front cover... it won't sell.