The Masthead is located at the top right of the page, as it is one of the conventions of any magazine. My masthead will be an attractive, short and eye catching masthead. As well as this the bar code is in the bottom left side of the page and the headlines are in he left third, these features will also be in my magazine as it is one of conventions of a music magazine. As well as the front cover contains a Flash which helps to attention of the reader, many flashes contain offers that entice the reader to buy the magazine.  My magazine will also contain a skyline as an indication of what you can expect from my magazine. The image is a medium close up of Alex Turner and Miles Kane stood back to back dressed in similar clothes, with the quote ‘I was worried the Monkeys would think I’d had an affair’, the similar clothes and appearance helps to distinguish the relationship between the band members, as well as this linked with the quote and the their pose it gives the impression that it is them against the world. The language on the magazine consists of headlines such as ‘ROLLING STONES EXCLUSIVE’, the rolling stones is a well-known global band that the audience will instantly recognise therefore been drawn in by the headline and this will entice the reader to pick up the magazine to read on. The contrast between the red font and dull coloured background, making the headlines stand out grabbing people’s attention. As well as this the blackness in the picture seems to be enhanced, black is associated with danger and mystery. Also the image helps to represent the genre, the black and red contrast also give the impression of rebellion however combined with the image is not as aggressive as the colours suggest. Another aspect of the magazine that is likely to draw the attention of readers is the Skyline ‘STUDIO NEWS: Franz Ferdinand and The Courteeners’, this is also a good example of how a magazine can grab the reader’s attention by offering them the latest news on their favourite bands. As well as this the yellow front used on ‘Studio News’ is in contrast with the black and red colour scheme used predominantly throughout the front cover, the contrast in therefor stands out attracting attention.

Values of a music magazine: The main image projects the image of rebellion and unison; the pose helps to establish the relationship between the Miles Kane and Alex turner, furthermore the similar appearance and clothing also helps in establishing where they stand with each other. With the colours used on the magazine been rebellious it helps to make the magazine seem edgy and new, this helps to appeal to young music fanatics interested in the latest indie/ rock music. The magazines purpose is to inform and entertain the reader with articles and the latest music news and artist interviews.

The magazine is aimed towards young up to date cutting edge individuals interested in the latest and greatest indie/rock bands. It is aimed towards music fanatics between the ages of 16-30 who wish to be entertained and informed with up to date music, reviews, articles, studio news and collaborations.

NME magazine is published by ICP media, over 26 million adults read ICP magazines and over 350 million issues are sold each year.

The splash of the front cover consists of a mainly Black and Red colour scheme, as well as this the image seems to lack colour making the image seem dated, as well as that both Miles Kane and Alex Turner have gone for a very similar look to the Beatles, this also suggests that they wish to be as iconic as the beetles. Also the pose and the similar clothing could also be interpreted as the two of them establishing the relationship between them not as individuals as they once where but as band mates. The red font against the faded background helps the headlines to jump off the page catching the reader’s eyes and makes the magazine more interesting and makes the top stories and the magazine itself stand out. The use of a limited pallet of colours helps to create a more classic look which ties in well with the image that the cover try’s to present. The focus is always drawn to the image and the main headline. The image is  faded almost sepia and the colour seems to be drained, however the black within the image such as the jackets is a stark contrast to the pale draws the reader’s attention background, as well as this the predominantly red font stands out against the background. The colour red can also connote guilt; this also ties in with the quote ‘I was worried that the Monkeys would think I’d had an affair’.