Title Block Analysis

From this title block you can assume that the genre of this music magazine will be a Rock ’n’ Roll style. This is indicated by the font and colour scheme of the title block, it connotes an old fashioned Rock style. In addition the intertextual reference which comes about from the title block is the reference made about the famous Rock ‘n’ Roll band The Rolling Stones and the song titled ‘papa was a rolling stone’. Both these reference indicate the genre of the magazine will be of a Rock style. However the red, black and white colour scheme   is a quite traditional set of house colours and it suggests that maybe it’s a mainstream music because it’s something people are used to seeing.

From the style of this title block we can make the assumption that the genre of this music magazine will be of a rock and metal styling. This is suggested by the style and colour of the title block. The font used is big and bold, and the letters appear to be shattered and destroyed which is a common association with Rock artists who are known for destructive and behaviour i.e. smashing guitars. It is also suggesting a care free reckless life style which is fitting to a person who follows Rock music’s lifestyle which suggests the audience of this magazine will be people who are into rock and metal music. The colours used are also supportive of this point, the black and red colour scheme is very dark and to a certain extent mysterious, in addition the black is more suggestive of a gothic styling as this a typical association we make in the media when it comes to Metal music. The title ‘Kerrang!’  is an onomatopoeic word which reminds us of when a guitar is being played, also it has an exclamation mark at the end to indicate that word is being said in such a way that it is loud which is emphasis on the idea that the magazine has links to metal and rock music.

The title and style of this title block is very simplistic and vague, this could mean it focuses on a certain specific genre of music however not. The colours used are and how they are used is also quite simplistic; blue and white. The blue to a certain degree connotes a tranquil, care free atmosphere, and the white adds more of an emphasis on the vague plain simplicity. This care free style could be suggestive of the idea that that the magazine will be about people who are known for their controversial lifestyles such as the Gallagher brothers who are carefree, bold, and blunt and outspoken characters.  The font is big, bold and easy to read, again we could say it’s simple however the frame of the title block is square cut which implies that the music could be simple however edgy. The word itself ‘mojo’ suggests having something that other people don’t, referring back to old slang where mojo is used for this purpose.  This suggests that magazine has a certain something that other magazines don’t have, e.g. features of certain artists etc. From this title block I would assume that the target audience would be older people as the younger generation are more attracted to magazines which are more vibrant and brighter, whereas a more mature person will look to buy a magazine like this.

This title block is simplistic however it is also quite vibrant and eye grabbing, which suggests that this is maybe a mainstream, more popular music magazine, as the colours or fonts don’t connote any specific genre styles. The colours used are white and red mainly, but a small amount of black for shadowing. The colours have been used in this way in order to highlight the actual title ‘Q’. The font used is quite elegant, classy and sophisticated which suggests that these people are more sophisticated music fans.  The title Q is very simplistic however can be interpreted as an abbreviation of a question, which may mean that the magazine covers different genres of music with different artists in each issue, so much that it leaves the audience guessing. Another interpretation of this idea of the magazine title being questioning is that the magazine itself consists of all the answers to the questions a music fan would be keen to know i.e. When is the new Arctic Monkeys album being released? The target audience for this magazine are people who are interested in all kinds of music and have a passion for it, as the colours and the simplicity show that the magazine addresses all sorts of people and genres of music

Based on the title block I would assume that the genre of this music magazine is one of rock music. This is indicated by the colours of the title block. The strong use of bold black, red and white connote to typical colours of Rock Music, the use of black is very dark and mysterious whilst red brings along the idea of a more dangerous style, similar to one of a rock star. The font of the title is very square and straight it is also written in capitals in bold writing and to some extent there are similarities to the title block of a newspaper, this idea is supported by the slogan underneath ‘New Musical Express’ which makes the magazine seem like a musical newspaper. The title may indicate the audience are of a younger generation. This is indicated by the words ‘New Musical’. These suggest that the music featured are the latest new waves of music which the younger generation are more interested in then most people are.

The reasons that I have done this particular research is to gain knowledge of how various big name magazine publishers attract their particular audiences and how they make it accessible for the reader to identify the genre of the magazine almost instantly.