Main Task: Front Cover Textual Analysis

Denotation & Connotation

In the main image we are shown four men, members of the band 'Manchester Orchestra' who are the main subjects of this issue of 'Alternative Press'. The image connotes to us that this band is made up of normal people - they are not glamorised or styled in an exaggerated way like you may see with other artists such as Lady Gaga. One of the men is holding a cigarette which could connote a certain sense of rebellion and edge within the band and this adds to the alternative style of music that Manchester Orchestra creates. It is less common for classic rock bands to be associated or photographed with a cigarette so it suggests an old-school style.

Costume: The costume they are wearing consist of warm, winter clothes and they are standing outside on what seems to be a cold day. The connotation of this could be that the music they produce is a 'warm' kind of music that could fit in with this kind of dreary winter/autumn season.

N.V.C: The men in the picture are not posing or presenting themselves in a significant way. They are merely standing still and naturally. They're facial expressions are mainly neutral; they are neither happy or sad. Each of the men are making full on eye contact with the camera and this engages and attracts the reader into buying the magazine.

Lighting: The lighting used is high key as the image has been taken outside in pure daylight.

Setting: The setting behind the subject of the image basically consists of a part of a building and trees. It is not in focus like the picture, and blurred, suggesting that the band is what we should be concentrating on.

Anchorage

The magazine front cover only uses sans serif fonts. This font is modern and new, which tells us that the magazine is focused on recent bands and music that is newly released. It also uses a definite colour scheme of green, yellow and red. These bright colours draw the reader and ensure that the magazine is easy to read. All these colours are unisex, communicating that the magazine is made for both boys and girls and the music will be suitable for all. The masthead is yellow and green, and has a transparent effect. It uses the 'A' and 'P' from the name 'Alternative Press' in order to create a more recognisable logo that is easy for customers to remember.

Magazine Conventions

Overall, the magazine covers all conventions clearly. The masthead is large and recognisable, and cover-lines are shown at the very top, the very bottom while the main cover-line has been placed at the bottom left so that it can be large and bright without interfering with the image. There is no selling line - which tells us that this magazine is alternative, much like it's genre - in the way that it does not promote itself or take itself too seriously. However, it does have the number '25' placed in it's masthead showing the readers that it has been selling for 25 years, which will help sell the magazine. A barcode, website link and dateline has also been used appropriately on the cover and the creators of the cover have made sure that these are all minor parts of the magazine and do not take up too much space.

Cover-lines

The main cover-lines are related to the image. "Manchester Orchestra" is the name of the band - straight away this tells us that the article may be promoting them and is completely based around them as a band. "Fire in the soul" suggests passion within the band as well as an aspect of danger. The word 'soul' could connote a sense of realism. Perhaps the band see music as a way of expressing themselves and they are putting their soul and heart into it. This fits in with the genre as many alternative artists feel that unlike some popular and seemingly artificial artists, their music is more real and down-to-Earth. Then there is a quote that reads "you're never done paying your dues". This suggests a certain hardship within the band as they feel they have been struggling or working hard together for many years and have not yet been fully rewarded the way they wish to be. It fits in with the genre as alternative bands are usually underrated and have a smaller fan base than many other - more popular - genres. The other cover-lines are just names of artists and bands. This will give the customer an idea of who will be mentioned however the fact that it does not give a more elaborated description of what the articles will be about makes the reader curious.

Target Audience

I believe this magazine is aimed at older readers as the genre is usually associated with adults - or those in their late teen years. It is unisex and would attract those who are interested in alternative music. This audience's music interests are different and not mainstream which could suggest that they are particularly unique and different from most themselves.