Textual Analysis: Music Magazine Double Page Spread

This double page spread consists of one large main image which takes up half of the A3 sized page of a three member group-band with two captions or boxed information in the corners. The other side has the page split in two allowing an insert for the article of ’The Teenagers’ and the other quarter for some type of review.

The mise-en-scene in the image of the three men consists of them relaxing on a bed assumed by the fact that their legs are spread on the bed with the man in the middle having his arm on the back of his head looking directly at the camera in a high-key lighting and mid-long shot of them looking directly at the camera in the setting of a bedroom assumed by the props of the bed and images of revealing and nude young women on the walls. The fact that they are looking directly at the camera connotes that they do not feel intimidated and that they are focused. Their NVC is one of neutral faces where they are not smiling nor are they frowning which connotes the music they may produce as being persistent and firm through the way they are selling themselves for the readers to see. All their costumes are different yet promotes the youthful look due to the written shirts, polo shirt, sleazy jacket, jeans and trainers, which connotes what type of audiences they would attract perhaps teenagers who like rock music because of the way the setting and costume stereotypes their life- guys who are young with several nude women posters on their bedroom wall. All their hair styles are different whether its straight and short, mid-height and curly or long and wavy could connote that they aren’t just the typical monotone band but also each individual is diverse and versatile who have more to offer combined together through their music. Although there is high-key lighting there is also some low-key on the left hand side but also with a hint of a bright orange light drawn to the centre of their faces which could also connote that they have many sides to them but mainly their music will be in the limelight

As well as the connotations of the main image, ‘The Teenagers’ which is the name of the band is in a large bold black font against a blue rectangular shape which dominates the page and connotes that they are making a huge impact in the magazine and music industry. The sense of domination could also represent not only their band but also the readers who would be teenagers themselves and therefore draws them in to read about them. The subheading or caption alongside the title of ‘young, dumb and full of … filthy tunes’ could also relate to the readers as these semantic fields are descriptions of the stereotyped teenagers. The use of the ‘…’ connotes that they are full of surprise or mischief which makes them seem intriguing.

The layout of the text are aligned neatly in two columns which allows the page to look aesthetically pleasing but also easier to read and follow therefore it won’t intimidate the audience who should give it a chance and read on. The use of the quotes displayed on top of a blue rectangle like the title makes it more interesting to read and look at as well as the use of another small image hedged into the text alongside a little caption.

With the extra details added on the page like the large, bold, white ’RADAR’ and the little spiked shape with ’nme loves’ and the ’need to know:’ box in the corner; they all anchor the image and text to make it look more intriguing and appealing to read. The use of minimal colours of blue, white and black allows the page to have a subtle look which isn’t too vibrant and overpowering which could also connote with the band as a relaxed simple band unlike a heavy metal act, of which would use a ray of colours which would disrupt the page

At the bottom of the page NME have advertised themselves at the end of the text which enables them to promote themselves consistently throughout the magazine pages as well as having it’s iconic masthead or symbol seen constantly.

There is also another insert on the right hand of the page consisting of a review perhaps, alongside some texts and a few images so that there is more of a variety to read rather than just the main article. There may be a few drawbacks to this where readers might only be interested in this column although they may give the main article a chance as it’s on the same page and looks appealing and simple to read.