1. Textual Analysis 2: Kerrang!
Magazine
By Jack Bonser

2. Front Cover:

3. • Typically aimed at 15 to 19 year olds.
• The bands that appear at the top of the page in images clearly
indicate the type of genres within this magazine, and therefor people
know what to expect.
• The fact that the main band o the front cover also shows that the age
group of this is 15- 19 because they are holding Xbox 360 controllers,
which is again mainly aimed at teenagers.
• It also says the bands that are also starred in the magazine at the
bottom of the page, again giving the potential customer clear
indication to the genre of the magazine.
• At the top right hand side of the page, it says ‘5 AMAZING POSTERS’,
which would appeal to teenagers who would like to decorate their
bedrooms for example.
• The fact the magazine name is behind the main band featured on the
front cover, shows the assumption that looking at the top and the
bottom of the page showing the bands being starred, assume that
you will know that it is ‘KERRANG!’ magazine.
• Again high key lighting background, which makes the reader focus on
the band.
• Clever use of colours on the front cover, the bright colours connoting
an exiting and energetic band and magazine.
• The medium long shot of the band is quite relaxed and doesn't’t seem
to have any guided pose to it, this contrasting to the extreme and
bold cover line. This connotes that the band has various sides, or
personalities to them. The relaxed pose can be connected to one of
the band members holding an Xbox controller, connoting a ‘chilled’
band.

4. • It says in the middle of the page on the right hand side, it says the you have the chance
to win ‘OVER £600 WORTH OF SIGNED IRON MAIDEN SWAG!’. This aiming to persuade
people to buying it, as they would probably be into Iron Maiden if they are by this
magazine.
• The band featured where dark colours which stand out clearly from the white
background.
• The type of clothing the band are also wearing will also hint the genre to people, as it
suggests a rock band.
• Also the fact that it says ‘WIN A PS3’ also makes the magazine more appealing to the
target age group, 15-19 year olds.
• By the amount of text being shown on the front cover, it suggests that it is quite packed
full of information and news and band and upcoming bands.

5. Contents:

6. • Again following with the house style; similar house style to
that used of Rock Sound; turquoise writing to show main
headings. Major contrasting colours black yellow are used to
make headings stand out.
• Contents at the top of the page in a bright colour makes it
easily identifiably where you are in the magazine.
• The character on the front page in a member of the new and
upcoming band called ‘Black Veil Brides’. It shows an action
shot of the band member singing, which would make the
reader want to reader further on in the full interview and may
want to know what the concert was like.
• Page numbers clearly indicated on the right hand side of the
page , next to the main heading of that page.
• It also has main cover lines or categories which help the
customer narrow down their search for something more
specific in the magazine.
• At the bottom of the page there is an article explaining why
this specific edition of Kerrang! Is a special game issue. This
will help attract more customers who would be into games
consoles.
• As the picture takes up half the page it connotes the
importance of the band, and how it may be of particular
interest to the reader.
• The dark colours and makeup being warn by the band
member in the big action shot picture , connotes a hint to the
type of music and genre that the band sing.

7. Double- Page Spread:

8. • On the left hand side of the page, there is a very
blunt splash, on a new and upcoming band. “THIS
WILL TAKE YOUR HEAD OFF” connotes an
extremity which will quickly grab the readers
attention and make them want to read on.
• The splash as described as above is shown in
opposite colour of text and background, this makes
the quote stand out more and easier to read.
• In the yellow bubble near the middle of the page, it
asks a a band member what was there first ever
game console they had, this refers back to the
special games console edition.
• At the start of the main text article, the start is
clearly indicated by the giant letter ‘E’.
• The start of each paragraph following after the first
paragraph, is almost given a highlighted word at
the top of the paragraph which acts almost as a sub
heading.
• At the very bottom right hand corner of the page it
says when a track from the band featured will be
released and who will publish it.
• Direct address to the reader as they are looking
straight into the camera, it gives an interactive feel
to the reader between them and the artist.