History of Music Magazines

The History of Kerrang!

 

Kerrang! was published on June 6th 1981 and was edited by Geoff Barton. Initially the magazine was as a one-time supplement in the 'Sounds' newspaper, which focused on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal phenomenon and on the rise of other hard rock acts. Angus Young of AC/DC appeared on Kerrang!'s first cover. The magazine was first launched as a monthly magazine, however later, began to appear on a fortnightly basis, before becoming published weekly in 1987. The original owner was United Newspapers who then sold it to EMAP in 1991.

Typical Content -
Each issue includes a variety of bands and scenes to provide for the different needs of readers so that they enjoy their favourite bands as well as their desire to be introduced to new music within our world.

Typical Reader-
The typical reader  is 16-25 years old. However over the years, the ages of the reader have dropped with more teenagers buying and reading the magazine. I think this is because of all the new, young and upcoming bands which are on the front cover of the magazine which make it look more appealing.

What is the house style like?
The Kerrang! house style has been very similar since it was publish all them years ago. The main house style of the magazine matches the genre, and you can see from the master head with the cracks through the letter and jagged edges symbolise violence that matches their genre of music. Inside the magazine there is a theme of dark colours which connotes the genre of music.

How are social groups represented?

The intentions of Kerrang! suggests that they will ensure that we are constantly appealing to our variety of readers. Kerrang appeals from younger teenagers to any age that actually  respect Kerrang! and thoroughly enjoy that genre of music.

The History of the Q magazine

Q is the biggest selling music monthly magazine. Q is the brand that celebrates the biggest stars in rock and roll and shows us the most exciting new artists out there to date. over time the Q brand has grew a world wide reputation as a trusted premium quality voice of musical authority amongst fans. the reputation has grew not just through the magazine but through the internet, their reputation has grew bigger from their magazines and their website. Q was first published in October 1986 , setting it self apart from the other music magazines out there with its high standard of printing and photographs.

Typical content -
The magazine has an extensive review section, featuring new releases, music compilations, film and concerts as well as radio and television reviews. Q magazine uses a star rating from one to five stars; the rating an album receives in Q is often added to print and television advertising for the album in the UK and Ireland. it also has a list of about 8 albums which is the category of the best new releases of the last 3 months.

Typical reader -
According to valid statistics, the majority of Q’s readers are male, with the percentage for men being 66.2%. The statistics also show that 83.8% of the readers are 15-44 years of age. This shows that Q ability to make their magazine appeal across a wide range of audiences by doing section on today top artists like Adele and by doing interviews with people that don't necessarily feature in the top artists list anymore for example john Lennon etc.. To make them appeal to a wider range of an audience they do special for example on John Lennon's 70th birthday they done a John Lennon special.

What is the house style of Q like?
The Q magazine has a very consistent house style through out its magazine as the Q logo is always in the top left this means that when a reader is going to buy the magazine they know what they will be purchasing. on every copy they a similar look on the magazine making them look more professional and making it easier for the reader to read and enjoy the content.

How are the social groups represented?
Social Groups are shown through the groups or artists chosen to be put in the magazine. Q has a wide audience as they do not focus on a set genre which makes it more appealing. They have genres from pop to rock so they have a wider audience to most magazines.

This shows how many male and females read Q and the ages of the reader.

Title	Total	Male	Female	Age range						ABC1
				15-24	25-34	35-44	45-54	55-64	65+
Q	377000	68.3%	31.7%	35.5%	26.3%	19.8%	13.9%	3.1%	1.4%	70%