1. NME Front Cover Analysis
NME is the first front cover analysis that I will be
completing. This front cover has one image, that
fills the page and that is of the popular band
PARAMORE. Hayley Williams is scene to be the
centre of attention on the magazine cover as her
band mate’s stand either side of her towards the
back of the image. Each band member has a
serious face and are all looking towards the
camera creating a direct mode of address. They
are all dressed in dark colours, this emphasises
Hayley’s hair and increase an attraction for the
reader (it catches their eye). Also its supports the
stereotypical image of the ‘Indie/Rock’ look.
There are certain conventions that are visible in
each NME front cover creating a link to each
issue, for example ‘NME’ is always presented in
bold red text in the top left hand corner, and the
barcode is always in the bottom right hand
corner. Also the main artists featured in the
magazine will take up the front cover; they will fill
the whole page. The majority of the time there is only one image on the front cover but
sometimes there is also a strip of images located either at the bottom or sides of the
magazine.
There is always a main headline in a bigger font than the rest, this located across the main
image and then there are smaller headlines neatly placed to the sides of the headline.
Normally the colour scheme of the front cover includes red, white and black, sometimes
there are extra colours included that link to the theme. For example, in the front cover
shown ‘PARAMORE’ is in pink almost representing Hayley being the only girl in this band and
how you don’t find many successful Indie Rock bands with a girl in it, emphasising the
femininity that is existing in the band. Most of the time there will be two colours included in
a caption or headline and they will be the same all over the front cover of the magazine. In
this front cover they use ‘white and red’ or ‘red and black’; these are the traditional colours
of NME. There is a puff located in the top right hand of the magazines front cover, this is
white and the text is in red and black. As it’s in white the text stands out making it more eye
caching for the reader. The Puffs if included in the cover are usually in the same position on
each magazine front cover. This creates brand identity, showing a link to each issue of the
magazine, making it familiar for the consistent readers.
Choosing Paramore to cover this monthly issue was a successful move as their circulation is
worldwide. Creating an increase of readers for this specific addition. More people are going
to by this edition from impulse because of the featured band on the front cover. The
Strapline written above the headline proves this point. Also the strapline below the headline
can been seen to complement the enlarged image of Hayley Williams. It’s creating the

2. NME Front Cover Analysis
representation of the image showing her glowing beauty, making it easy for someone to fall
for her; ‘Everyone else has fallen . . . ’. The images, chosen straplines and the featured
bands/ artists on this front cover all have something to do with success, becoming bigger
and better. ‘The Manics finally conquer America’ this just proves to the audience that if
targets are set and you work hard enough, they will be achieved. This builds hope and
confidence for smaller known artists in the audience of the readers.
This particular NME front cover doesn’t show it is an ‘Indie/Rock’ magazine. The layout is
neat and quite plain reversing the original image of what we think of when it comes to this
genre; messy, busy, grabs others attention and stands out.