NME Cover Analysis

* The NME masthead, abbreviated from New Musical Express, is used in the top left corner which is instantly recognisable to readers, making a clear statement. The bold colour of red, which is used nowhere else among the cover, and use of capitals helps it to leap out from the page, making it easy for the audience to identify the name of the magazine. The orange and white text used for the headlines also contrats with the black shadows in the background, and these loud colours appeal to the readers attention.

* The font size of the main headline, "Arctic Monkeys" is a lot larger than any other text presented on the cover. This emphasies the bands importance, as they are very popular within the indie genre and many of their target audience would purchase the magazine simply to read more on this particular feature. A quote is also used, "We can't worry about what other people think", creating a sense of realism. It also quite a controversial quote, that would encourage the reader into reading more, convincing them to purchase a copy.

* The cover image is a fairly simple, medium shot of the band Arctic Monkeys standing within the shadows. I have noticed that backgrounds of only one colour are commonly used in magazines, as busy patterns or such would appear cluttered and detract from the featured artist itself. All members are staring directly at the camera, and this eye contact acts as a hook to draw in the reader and entice them. Their facial expressions also appear quite glum and moody, although confident. This correlates well with their posture, the lead singer raising his head slightly as though he feels imperiror to others or assured of himself. Their clothes are also of a stereotypical indie band, sporting a casual, cool and contempary look that is commonly shown among the alternative scene - wearing jeans and loose fitted shirts.

* There is a use of a song lyric along the right hand side, next to the barcode - "There's nothing you can't do/Now you're in New York". The extract, taken from a song of Jay Z's, is printed in so small that is is barely noticeable, although loyal NME readers would know to expect this as a new lyric is regularly used every week.

* Other coverlines include "15 New Bands To get Excited About" and "Amporphous Androgynous: The band that changed Noel Gallaghers life!" The language used in both these is very suggestive, and attracts the reader, suggesting that both articles included important and will interest the reader - hence the used of the word "excited". The colloquial language also makes the magazine more approachable, and easily understood.