Textual Analysis

FRONT COVER TEXTUAL ANALYSIS

 

NME is a popular music magazine in the UK, the front cover of this particular edition is mainly focused on it celebrity model Amy Winehouse, this suggests that the issue may be highly focused around her as the picture of her is very large and uses a mid-close up. She uses direct address to connect with the readers, inviting them in to read. It only says 'AMY' without her surname anywhere on the front cover implies that the audience will be familiar with her instantly recognises who she is. The colour scheme is red and white, with some black from the main image. The colours are complementary rather than clashing reflecting how this is a more serious issue than usual magazines. It says 'World exclusive' above the main cover line showing a sort of exclusivity and this cover line draws the reader in to buy and read the magazine. The strapline at the top of the page shows some band names such as Kasabian and The Vaccines this attracts fans of these bands to the magazine.  It also makes it easy for readers to find it without even having to look at the contents by having the page number next to it. When it says 'have your say' makes it more personal to the readers and makes them feel involved. The cover lines help to summarise the most important features in the magazine and they are located near the top down the right side of the front cover. A lure is used in the cover lines to give the audience an insight into what it is they could be reading, this hopefully results in the magazine being purchased. There is also a 'FREE' sticker which is made clear, letting readers know that they if they buy that issue of the magazine they get free posters. The date of the issue and price is under the masthead in very small print. One of the first things usually people like to know is the price when they look to purchase magazines, so this may be difficult for them to see. The format of the magazine doesn't seem very formal, this colloquial style helps to  appeal to the target audience of  the magazine- young music fans.