Observations from Textual Analyses

From my research, and generally through recently reading music magazines, it is clear that there are some frequent conventions which occur. Considering the success of the publications they are featured in, both within and outside the music industry, I will aim to include these conventions effectively.

The following features are conventional of some magazines in general but specific to music publications and will be used in my own publication.

• The name of the magazine, large and distinctive, positioned either in the top left hand corner, or centered across the top of the cover, which acts not only as the title of the publication, but also as its logo. 
• Brief article details running down the left and/or right hand side of the cover.
• Distinctive colours for all text on the cover to highlight certain features and catch the reader's eye. (these are not necessarily bright colours, but must stand out)
• Text size and font relates to importance of the article and relevance to the demographic.
• Stylistic language features are used to draw the reader's attention. (for example, alliteration, superlatives etc.)
• Block colour banners or shapes are used to highlight special features such as competitions.
• The barcode, often including the price and date, is located in the bottom left hand corner as this an insignificant feature and magazines are read from top right to bottom left.
• A basic colour scheme or theme is presented. (includes colour co-ordination)
• Photographs featured on the front cover related to either the single biggest article in the issue or an small selection of favourite articles detailed on the cover.

In my research I have found other conventions, not presented on the front cover and will aim to include these in the alternative pages of my magazine.

• The contents page uses vibrant colours and generally features a few images related to articles in the magazine. It is important for the contents page to be quite bold and colourful as it makes what is essentially a list, more interesting for the reader. However, it must also be fairly easy to follow, so readers can flick to a particular article of interest if they so choose.
• The numbering of pages links to the contents page and is therefore an important basic convention.
• Advertisements, competitions and features regarding the previous and next issues often follow the contents page directly but are also featured throughout the magazine.
• The main articles or interviews in the magazine are easy to read, with visual aids to attract attention. The language used is friendly, conversational and vibrant with different levels of humour depending on the brand. (Language relates to the core demographic)