Kerrang Double Page Spread Analysis

Font

Lets begin by looking at the title. For those unaware American Horror Story is a pretty popular American based show. The title of this magazine connotates the same show title, not necessarily meaning the article is based upon this particular show. More based upon the title. The title is spelled 'AMERIKIAN', this is to stand out and to convey this spread as mysterious. This also is used as a connotation for the seemingly mysterious phenomenon that is Halloween.  Coincidentally that is what this article is based on; Halloween. The overall appearance of the font is very simple yet very different. The story itself is pretty simple font, presumably sans serif font(shared conventions) while the title is a bit of an eye catcher and certainly directs eye flow in it's way. The show 'American Horror Story' uses the same font in its title which links the magazine to the show to convey this article as Horror based.

Layout

Being one of the biggest magazines in the UK let alone the whole world Kerrang do follow typical shared conventions. The layout is somewhat simple and predictable but the pull quote centered in the middle of the first page acts as an almost secondary title in which the text surrounds. Like any other magazine the columns are laid out in three per page which also follows typical codes and conventions of a everyday music magazine. The second page however is solely just a quarter of the title a few cobwebs to further promote the Halloween theme and the a full paged image of both Andy & Ronnie (as seen at the top right corner of this page). The layout of this spread enhances particular features on the spread the editors want the reader to see and to promote both the Halloween theme and of course the two artists themselves. 

Text

The text used is important in many aspects: Addressing the readers and how the writer connects to them. The drop caps used highlight the beginning of a different topic or story almost like a book highlighting certain chapters. Drop caps are great when attracting the reader to a particular  feature and is important when directing eye flow around the page. The text used in the article itself is very laid back and makes it seem almost authentic. The amount of quotes used makes the article more realistic and lets the audience connect with the artists on higher level.  

Main image

The two men featured in the main image are from different bands. This is a major selling point in the bands favour and the magazines. Having two main artists from separate bands attracts a wider markets of readers and also promotes both bands. A single photo of Andy and Ronnie, the topic of the article,the photo takes up the entire second page.The scale of the image used may be to enforce the idea that they are important and a part of a main feature of the magazine appealing to their fan base. Both musicians are making a direct address with the audience this would cause the readers to further feel personally involved in the article. Similarly to the front cover’s main cover image, there are props of pumpkin baskets being held in the image carrying the connotations of Halloween and trick or treating, there are other denotations such as the cobwebs and the dark night time background which could also be associated with the holiday,reinforcing the recurring theme. Both artists are also wearing black leather jackets- the colour black is considered a stereotypical Gothic colour which coincides with the Gothic style of the magazine, the leather jackets are also often seen being worn by rock and metal musicians, these clothing codes would appeal to the target audience.

Extra 

  • Tour selling point-Right below the title on the second page of the spread contains a tour selling point for the two bands. Highlighted red and is bold to stand out on the page to makes the readers aware of their tour.

  • Page Number- Page numbers are at the bottom corners of the page to help readers navigate the magazine, it is in white to contrast against the back ground so that it can be easily read but is small in size so not to use up too much space.

    White space- The white space has been filled with dark back grounds and graphic designs of cobwebs so to further create a Halloween feel to the magazine, coinciding with the consistent theme.

  • By Line- Located at the right going up the side, the byline states the writer and the photography. The byline is important because it helps the readers associate and familiarise themselves with the magazine.                   

Target Audience

Conventionally speaking, this magazine would be targeting nu metal fans usually. The artists used also follows this as they are in that particular genre. However, this spread in itself does not scream loud heavy metal music to me, its more of a calm chat between the writer and artists. Its less of an interview and more like two friends telling another a story. This vibes the spread a more relaxed vibe which in return targets a whole new audience. Yes it still targets nu metal fans with the artists featured but also attracts any fan of the artists. I think the target audience in this article is any genre music fan with a particular interest in these artists and is of any age. 

Colours

Upon first glance its clear what colour scheme Kerrang where aiming to collide. Black and White. Simple. Why? Seeing as the magazine itself is based upon nu metal and the artists themselves primarily associate themselves with these colours  it promotes the artists while holding the house style . The main colours Kerrang use are white and blackmainly because they are opposites, one good one bad. A typical binary opposition used by Kerrang to self promote themselves as plain black and white; dark and mysterious while being  intertwined with their readers. In the visible spectrum, white reflects light and is a presence of all colors, but black absorbs light and is an absence of color. This magazine mixes the two almost as a statement  to challenge stereo typical views.