RESULTS OF QUESTIONNAIRE

 Above are my results of the questionnaire i had handed out. My results suggest that an RnB/ Hip Hop magazine is a current and popular genre.

Drake and Rihanna are artists who participants favour. Therefore one of these artists will also be featured within my magazine. The audience are also willing to pay £3-£4, so my magazine shall be priced at £3.50. It shall only be distributed once a month which is what the participants agreed to. The main image is what attracts the audience most to a magazine, so therefore I shall make my main image enticing.  Fashion, tour dates and interviews are popular topics within a magazine, so all three shall be featured within BEATS.

MY QUESTIONNAIRE

The below questionnaire has been distributed to a random sample of 20.

CODES AND CONVENTIONS

MAIN TASK- TARGET AUDIENCE PROFILE

Target audience profile.

The reader of BEATS magazine is a female between the ages of 16-35. She is a woman who has a number of qualities such as being well educated, sophisticated and humorous which combine well together. The reader is not afraid to speak her mind, which allows her to gain respect and trust as she does not lie. She has a range of friends, as she never lies to them or lets them down meaning her relationships are all positive. The female is a confident and glamorous girl who loves to help others feel the same way as Ms does. This woman follows no crowd and has her own individuality, although she has confidence this never comes across as arrogant as she does not wish to ever force her beliefs upon others even though she strongly puts her point across. The reader knows herself better than anyone, trends which other people may follow will never pressure her to be the same, and this female knows what suits her personality in addition to her figure. Accessories are used to add an individual touch to her character which is stated through the minor things such as the way she carries herself to the way she dresses.

The reader’s professional status is varied as she has part time jobs in being a fashion designer, radio DJ and events planning; she did not go to university as she felt it was not the right path for her. Instead this female took an apprenticeship and has worked her way up. Now she is doing a job which she enjoys, which she can also add her personal touch to. Having this career allows her to connect with other people on a day to day basis; she can also give out advice when asked. The income which she earns from her dream job grants her the ability to buy herself the luxuries she desires as well as paying for her own flat. She lives alone and is single, she believes that she will find the right man one day and is not willing to settle for anyone less. She is an independent woman who takes pride in this; she finds it rewarding not having to rely on another person.

The reader of the magazine takes pride in her physical appearance and enjoys in keeping her body healthy on the inside and out. She goes to gym to work out; in addition to doing fun keep fit classes such as zumba. She does eat healthily although see’s no harm in indulging, and enjoys having meals out with friends. The reader goes out with her friends to clubs, but can also just go to bars and enjoy a cocktail whilst conversing about the latest gossip in her life. This female also enjoys nights at home alone, making herself chicken and rice whilst watching ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air’. She is extremely interested in fashion, and takes every opportunity to show her personality through her clothing choices. She is not afraid to make a statement with what she wears, although keeps away from looking ‘tacky’. She also has an interest in films, comedies and dramas  such as ‘Friends with Benefits’ ‘Think Like A Man’ the reader also enjoys a classic films such as ‘Father of the Bride’, which she watches at the cinema with her friends or at home while having a girly night in. She also uses the internet to social network with friends and shop, as she is a modern woman.

Music is her passion, as it plays an enormous part of her life. Being a radio DJ it is her job to provide music which she believes are the best at that time. The choice of music she listens to can vary from what time of day it is to what mood she may be in. She listens to music whilst doing every part of her daily routine: when getting up, getting ready, travelling to work, at work, then on her way home, at home whilst cooking dinner. She also goes to concerts to watch rappers, and hip hop artists perform. Music can instantly change her mood, when listening to Mary J Blige she feels that she can relate to the words being said, however when listening to Missy Elliot she feels the need to dance, her songs remind the reader of her younger days and when she first heard these songs, this instantly changes her mood to a more joyful one. The reader admires the women who write and rap/sing these songs as they influence her to stay strong and have fun. She also enjoys the male rappers such as Jay Z, Kanye West and Drake as they all have a unique ways of rapping and expressing their emotions this appeals to her because she finds them inspiring.

The reader of BEATS reads other magazines such as VIBE, and XXL as they appeal to her specific musical taste and she feels the need to stay informed. However they are of a more masculine nature and she feels they portray females as sexual objects rather than independent woman. Other lifestyle magazines are not often read as she feels they mainly show celebrities in a negative light and doesn’t support it. The magazine which she is looking for includes women in positive way, but also sticks to music, a magazine which doesn’t give false information to its readers. This she will all get from BEATS.

 

MAIN TASK- MISSION STATEMENT

Mission Statement

BEATS is a new and refreshing music magazine that has been created and ­written to celebrate the success and achievements of female artists within the Hip Hop and RnB musical genres. The name reflects the genre of music, as when talking about these type of songs the audience refers to the rhythm as a ’BEAT’, at the same time it gives the reader an insight into the magazine’s style which is classy, sophisticated and also edgy. However BEATS celebrates the industries breakthrough of Hip Hop and RnB, it often features new upcoming artists to keep its readers up to date with the music scene.

Through the past years many there have been many successful male and female artists, their work is shown praise through BEATS. Unlike other magazines, we do not provide gossip related to the lives of the artists featured. Instead there are interviews from the musicians themselves. Women have now made their mark on the world of hip hop and RnB; the talents of these individuals have emerged and they have developed into powerful, confident and talented performers. BEATS will promote these females and celebrate their success.

The magazine will be distributed each month; the set price of this will be 3.50 per month. BEATS will be available to purchase in newsagents in addition to supermarkets. It will also be available in music retail stores such as HMV. However readers will also be able to subscribe to this magazine through the internet via the website: www.BEATSMAGAZINE.co.uk . The internet is a valuable source , in addition to this the readership can become a member of BEATSMAGAZINE, and we will then send the reader emails with reminders as to  when the magazine will be coming out, for further content for readers it is available for all readers for free and will allow them to extra access to the latest music and music related news for free.

BEATS is extensively a music magazine, which is also reflected throughout the content. It will include tour dates, interviews with inspiring musicians, there will also be a chance for readers to submit questions to ask an artist which will be answered and published. This will allow the reader to connect more with the magazine as they shall feel included. The readership will enjoy reading articles about upcoming artists as it will give those who aspire to contribute to the music industry ideas of how to get their music heard. As a magazine BEATS will satisfy the interests of its target audience, as it will include features on the latest fashion trends which may have been set by the featuring artist.  BEATS will celebrate the latest trends with fashion in the world of hip hop and RnB, hair and makeup tips.

As a magazine BEATS will also like to reward the readership for their continuous support of the magazine, and this will come in the form of free posters and voucher codes on iTunes and on, special occasions, ‘freebies’ which may include a single from a featuring artist will be given. There will be competitions for the readers, with a chance to win concert/ ‘meet and greet’ tickets for fans to win.

The artists which will feature within the magazine will be a variety of females from the hip hop and RnB genre. The women who shall be featured will have made a difference within these genres of music, such as Alicia Keys, Missy Elliot and Mary J Blige .  However there will be some ‘underground’ artists who we believe will be soon making their impact on music. The magazine will actively promote new talent, artists that we feel have what it takes to become successful. All women featured will be inspirational to some of the readership; they can also be seen as role models due to their confidence strength and determination to succeed. Once the readers have finished their read the magazine, they will feel a sense of pride for women, which can add to their own self esteem, this can help them acknowledge their own strengths and put them to use.

BEATS is a unique magazine which can also reflect the audience who read it which will be strong successful women. Some may see hip hop and RnB to be a largely dominated by the male artists. However we aim to highlight those unique women through them featuring. Readers will see BEATS as a sophisticated, stylish, inspirational and friendly magazine that is active in celebrating successful female artists. As a magazine we will offer honest reviews and a selection of entertaining features. The women who will read this magazine will share similar interests, which will enable them to relate to it.

Preliminary task mock ups and contents page feedback

RnB & Hip Hop

I chose both of these genres as I feel that they are the most current types of music around. The representation by the media of both genres is usually negative, which is why I have chosen to put a positive tone to my music magazine. RnB stands for ‘Rhythm & Blues’. This is usually associated with slow songs. Artists within this genre tend to allow their voice overpower the song rather than the music. Now in the 21^st century RnB has evolved into a style of Hip Hop however both Genres can also be seen as extremely different. Hip Hop is music that is created through self expression such as rapping. The overall sound of Hip Hop is very much over powered by the beat which accompanies a track. I feel that the audience of the individual genres are the same population as both Hip Hop and RnB artists usually tell stories through their music.

INTRODUCTION TO MAIN TASK.

The following posts will all be part of my main music magazine task.

Preliminary Task – Mission Statement

Mission Statement

My magazine is called ‘The DM Nation’.

The DM Nation is for sixth former students of the Douay Martyrs School and represents hard working students. It shall help and benefit them through their time in sixth form and even give them the confidence to push themselves further. The goals my product shall achieve are: to entertain its readers, provide information which is relevant to its audience and allow the students to voice any queries they may have. The magazine itself will include topics such as getting help with how to apply to and choose universities through UCAS, an agony aunt page which will include worries about exams, learning and even social matters which other students may be worried about.  The style of this product will be sophisticated, it will be in a clear and organised manner so that no information is misread, or hard to find. The colours will not be too vibrant as the age group which it is set for is a young adult. It shall be distributed every term and half term; there will also be special editions such as an exam issue. This issue will include help with how to not let your work get on top of you, keys to revision and a blank revision timetable to help you get organised. The DM Nation promise to deliver relevant information, helpful facts and entertainment. As our slogan is ‘It’s up to you!’ The effect The DM Nation shall have on its target audience will be to encourage students to go the extra mile with their studies, to be proactive and to try and make the most of their time in sixth form.

Preliminary Task – Target Audience

Target Audience Profile

 The audience of my magazine would be males and females between the ages of 16 and 19. Their professional status will be in full time education, however in addition to this they may be working part time in retail or call centres. The students for whom my magazine is aimed at will share particular hobbies such as shopping or photography, but they may also vary according to their genders, which for the males may be activities such as football, extreme sports etc. And for a female audience their hobbies may be netball, learning an instrument, ballet etc. Although both sexes will share interests these will include: hip hop and RNB music, watching comical movies, socialising through media with the social networking sites such as: twitter, facebook, tumblr etc. The student magazine will cater to each of their needs; also it shall refer to hobbies and interests which they may enjoy.

The audience of my magazine will vary in personalities as there will be a range of people, these may range from a bubbly, fun, caring and sweet personalities to sarcastic, humorous, intelligent and youthful. The students who this product is for will have a good attitude towards education as they have chosen to continue on with their studies. The needs which they may hold will include studying tips, how to make the most of your free periods, this will then build them up into being the best student they can be, it may also build their confidence. The audience for ‘The DM Nation’ will feel comfortable about voicing some of their queries they may have to the student magazine so will use it as a resolution as well as for entertainment purposes.

Welcome to my media portfolio

Hello, my name is Karisma Khuttan. I am an AS Media Studies student at the Douay Martyrs School. My portfolio is on music magazines. Presented on this blog you will see my preliminary task with research and planning, along with my main music magazine task with research and planning.