Billboard Magazine History

History of a Music Magazine

Billboard magazine is primarily a music industry publication. Billboard magazine is one of the top leading magazines in the music industry. The magazine has a huge impact on the music business and its artists. While many regard Billboard as the contemporary guide to the music business, the magazine debut publication was in 1894, before the music industry as we know it today existed.  Billboard magazine was first launched in the fall of 1894 by two partners of the names; William H. Donald and James H. Hennegan. This was made as a publication for the billposting business. Both had worked with the printing industries prior to the publication of Billboard magazine. Donaldson saw the need for a new publication that would inform the roving bill posters of industry news; what’s more, the new publication could help both the families printing first stay in touch with their major clients. The magazine was named ‘Billboard Advertising’ and was published monthly. The first issue came out on November 1^st 1894 and was eight pages long and with a cover price of 10 cents.

The magazine's first cover main story was R.C. Campbell; who at that time was president of the Billboard magazine  company.  In June 1896, the first signs of entertainment coverage started appearing into ‘Billboard Advertising’ with the introduction of a fair advertisement. The magazine began reporting on the carnival and fair attraction. The magazine also began running ads such as colourfully named attractions such as cook’s royal roman hippodrome. In February 1897, ‘Billboard Advertising’ made a huge shift in direction. The magazine had shortened the name to just ‘The Billboard’ and carried the name to 1961. Listing of fair and ads for outdoor attraction began to dominate the magazine. By the time the 1960’s came around, the magazine was still called ‘The Billboard’ and coverage of tent shows and carny pitchmen still shared space with the music stories, charts and reviews. 

                                                                                                                                                                     

It was time for another huge change and so with the issue dated January 9^th 1961 the carnival and fair coverage was put into a new publication and ‘The Billboard’ took on a new name ‘Billboard Music Week’. Billboard was no longer business magazine but a music magazine. Today ‘Billboard’ magazine is now managed by president and publisher John Killcullen, with editors Tamara Conniff and Ken Schlager. Under the new managment, the magazine underwent a major redesign. Although music is still the heart of the matter the magazine and its new platformed website have expanded their scope to cover all manner of digital and mobile entertainment. ‘Billboard’ is now read in more than 100       countries and attracts more than 2.5 million readers each month.

Annontation - DPS layout

Annotation of Double Page Spread Layout

The main typical conventions for a double page are the tile, main image and a story. The title is mainly found as the largest text on the page. This makes the title of the story stand out, and easily lets the consumer find the page quicker. There is always an image of who the story is about and this tends to be the biggest picture on the page. The shots are either a mid shot or a close up as this makes the artist more noticeable. The story is written in columns and are often interview styled. The font and colours used vary from artist to artist as the double page spread is based on the style and personality of the artist. For example the double page spread about Nicki Minaj is in pink and has big bold writing, this was used as she is represented as having a very girly character, and pink is a stereotypical girly colour. Another example is the double page spread about Beyonce is in purple and has very edgy font. This relates to Beyonce’s personality as purple is a royal colour and she is known as ‘Queen B’ and the edgy writing matches her and the name of the article as she is seen as a very strong and powerful woman. 

Double Page Spread analysis

Double page spread analysis

Q Magazine, have a modern and sleek layout. There is a large photograph of the artist that the article is about. In this case it is lady gaga. There is a constant colour scheme through out the magazine and it continues into the double page spread. The colour scheme consists of red, black and white. The main mage of the artist is put in black and white, the background of the article is white with black writing and the large L is in red. All 3 of these colours portray fairly similar meanings.

Red is associated with energy, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire and love. Black is associated with power, elegance, formality and mystery. White is associated with elegance, power and innocence. These all have similar meanings as they are all associated with power and elegance. Therefore by using them colours it makes the artist and the magazine look powerful and elegant. However black and red can be quite dark and mysterious, which gives the magazine have a mysterious side to it, but the white brings a lighter side and balanced out the colours to give it an overall positive look. Your eye is instantly drawn towards the red letter 'L' because it takes up the most of the page and is in bright red. There is a large red L on the white background underneath the writing. This makes the artist stand out as it is the first letter of her name. The main image is of Lady Gaga, this image portrays a bad image for women because she is practically naked and it is very provocative, this however this could mean that it would also attract a male audience as well as a female audience. The title isn’t very large, and is placed at the top of the page which is a typical convention of a double page spread. However the title doesn't stand out as much, however the large red L makes up for this and stands out land makes people look at it and want to read it because its different to how a magazine would stereotypically lay a double page spread. The article is in columns, which is a typical convention of a magazine double page spread. 

Billboard magazine have gone for a more lively and colourful look, using striking fonts and images. The use of lively colours could show off the artist, who the double page spread is about and their personality. The colour scheme for the double page spread does not follow the same colour scheme that is on the front cover, this is because the front cover and contents page will have a theme that represents the style of the magazine, where as the double page spread has a theme that represents the style of the artist. The colour scheme for the double page spread is purple, grey and white. The colour purple is often associated with royalty, and therefor this colour fits in well with the article as the artist is Beyoncé, and she is often related to as ‘Queen B’, therefor using the colour purple is a good reflection of the artist. Native Americans associate grey with friendship, as Beyoncé originates from America, this could symbolize her friendship with all the readers and makes her and the magazine more welcoming and friendly. Lastly the colour white is associated with purity and kindness. This represents that Beyoncé is pure and natural and is kind, this will then create a relationship between Beyoncé and the readers. The title of the double page spread is ‘ Fiercely Creative’ and is in bold white font at the top of the page. This is a typical convention to have the title at the top of the page as it will be where you first look, also by having it in large bold font and in white it stands out completely against the dark purple font and draws the audience in. There is a large photo of Beyoncé on the right hand side. This makes her and the article stand out more as when the reader is flicking through the magazine, Beyoncé's face will stand out and will make the reader stop and read the article. The article is in columns, this is a typical convention of a double page spread article.

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 Blender magazine has gone for a black and white theme which a hint of blue and purple for their article. This choice of colour has is used to represent the artist. the colour scheme is very simple, the colour white represents purity and innocence, which contrast with the models pose and could show two sides to the artist. The colour black represents power and goes along with the models pose. The choice of the colour blue and purple represent royalty and therefore shows the artist as very powerful.  The main features on the double page spread includes; a masthead, main image, main body of text and a summary of the article. These are all typical conventions of a double page spread. The subject isn't wearing much clothing which portrays a bad image for women because it is very provocative due to the minimal clothing, however this could be another way to bring in a wider audience. The main body of text is very structured in two columns which is a typical convention of a double page spread. The summary of the article just gives a short summary of what you are able to find, to hook the reader and draw them in. This is typically placed above the main body.

Contents Page Aalysis.

Contents Page Analysis

Billboard's primary demographic audience young adults aged 18-30 years of age. 'Billboard' has a modern structure and layout for their contents page, meaning that they will attract a younger audience. The contents page contains; a masthead, main image, events information, page numbers and the billboard chart, these are all typical conventions of a contents page and will be found in all magazines. They have chosen to use the colour scheme of Blue, Black and White. Blue is often associated with depth and stability. it symbolises confidence and intelligence, and can make the audience feel confident about the quality of the magazine. Black associated with power, elegance. This gives the magazine an elegant look which can make it look powerful against other magazines. White is associated with light, innocence, purity. This gives the impression of honesty within the magazine. The main feature of this contents page is the billboard chart. This allows people to know what music is in the charts and what music is the most popular right now. This can help fans follow how well their favourite artist is doing. All important information has been placed in a bold blue font allowing it to stand out from the white background. The main image gives the magazine a modern appeal, allowing them to send a message to the audience to let them to know that this magazine it up to date with music trends.

At the top of the page is the masthead, which is the typical place for the masthead to go. It is a black strip across the top. This makes it stand out because it is kind of separated from the white background from the rest of the page and therefore makes it stand out. The black links to the theme of the magazine as black represents dark and anger, and the genre for this magazine is stereotypically related to dark and anger. The masthead then contrasts with the black strip, by having red and white font. The column on the left of the page lists the page numbers which allows the buyer to find the page they want easily. It also shows the audience the wide range of artists and bands available to read about in the magazine, which is appealing for the target audience. The band’s names are written in red, and therefore make them stand out against the white background.   This then it makes it stand out more. The main image is a mid shot of a band that is performing. This will interest the audience to want to find out more about that band and the type of music they will play. At the bottom of the page there is a short amount of text informing the audience about subscribing to the magazine, it also informs the audience if they subscribe they can save money. This is a good way for the magazine to advertise itself as people like to save money and this will boost their audience as more people will want to subscribe so they can save money. This also gives the audience a sense of security with the magazine and they will know if they subscribed they are sure to get weekly or monthly updates on their favourite artists. Again it’s in a black box which separates it from the rest of the page and the writing is in yellow, which makes it eye-catching.

Q magazine’s primary target audience is teenagers and young adults aged 17 - 25. This contents page has a title, main image, page numbers and information as well as the current music chart. The colours consist of red, white and black. The colour red represents danger, but also it is a positive and powerful colour. This could tell the audience there is a danger to the main story but it has a positive and powerful message. The colour white represents purity elegance and perfection. This gives the contents page a sleek and professional look to it, making it more appealing to the audience. lastly the colour black is associated with power, elegance and mystery. This could tell the audience there is a mysterious story to find out in the magazine. The constant use of red gives the impression that this magazine may be for an older generation because it is quite a controversial colour.These 3 colours overall work well together to create a powerful vibe, yet it draws the readers in. To allow readers to know what page they are able to find a story on they have a red box with the page number in white over the top. This makes the page number stand out against the red background, making them more eye-catching which mean the reader will be more drawn to them. There are 4 images on the contents page. This gives an insight into what you are able to find inside the magazine. The main image is of Lana Del Ray, which tells the audience that the main article will be about her. The colour scheme for the contents page follows on from the front cover. the title is placed at the top of the contents page as this is a typical convention of where the title goes as it is the first place you would normally look. They have also included an up to date music chart. This allows the reader to quickly look at where their favourite artist maybe in the charts. 

Magazine Front Cover Analysis

Analysis Of Magazine Front Cover

The magazine I am analysing is called ‘Seventeen’ and is a pop magazine aimed at a teenage audience. I have identified a variety of typical conventions and will discuss these in my analysis. The obvious conventions to make a magazine realistic are the barcode and the price, without these the magazine would not look professional.

Masthead – the masthead is placed at the top of the magazine cover. This is a typical convention of a magazine cover as this is typically where you would first look and there for it makes it stand out. The masthead is in the colour pink. This is stereo typically a girl’s colour; which therefore suggest the magazine is aimed at girls. The masthead is a simple font and looks similar to handwriting, suggesting that the magazine is aimed towards teenage girls. Also by having a simple font it takes less attention away from the model used as the main image.

Sub headings – the sub headings are placed around the edge of the magazine. This allows the main image to be more noticeable. The sub headings tell us what is inside the magazine; which draws us in as an audience because they will find it interesting and want to know more about it. There typically is one story on a celebrity. This tends to be what draws us in more as the audience like to know what goes on in a celebrity’s life. The main colours used for the subheadings are white and pink. This makes it look neat. The sub headings include “plus: exclusive discounts inside” the plus is in orange. This makes it stand out more and draw in the audience attention. Including discounts; makes the audience want to buy the magazine more because they can save money on other items.

Feature stories– the feature story is typically placed nearer the title and is always big font as this makes it stand out more. In this magazine the feature story is in large font and in the colours yellow and orange. This is sticking with the colour scheme; which makes it look neater. Yellow represents happiness and there for makes the magazines have a happy vibe to it. 

Main image- The main image is of a well-known celebrity; ‘Hilary Duff’ who would really appeal to the target audience and is also an example of celebrity endorsement. The camera angle chosen is a close up/ mid shot of the celebrity that is typical for a magazine cover. It is also at eye level so it would engage the audience. The facial expression is happy and cheerful which would appeal to the audience. Facially the celebrity used is very pretty which again would engage the audience and be an example of someone that the audience would aspire to be.

Costume- she is wearing a red dress, the colour red is associated with energy, strength and power. Therefore by the model wearing red it shows she is powerful and strong and that will encourage others to buy the magazine as they feel they can be powerful and strong like the model. She is wearing star earrings. Stars are associated with brightness and therefore make her stand out like a star.

The magazine I am analysing is called ‘Billboard’ and is a pop magazine aimed at a primary audience of 18-22 years of age and a secondary audience of 16-30 years of age. I have identified a variety of typical conventions and will discuss these in my analysis. The obvious conventions to make a magazine realistic are the barcode and the price, without these the magazine would not look professional.

Masthead- The Masthead is placed at the top of the magazine cover. This is a typical convention of a magazine cover as this is typically where you would first look and there for it makes it stand out. The masthead is in the colour white. This colour represents purity; which therefore suggest the magazine is aimed at younger women. Some of the letters contain a typically colours you would find it in a disco ball; the use of the colours red and blue and yellow within the Masthead can show that it is not gender specific and it contain both stereotypical gender colours and yellow which is said to be a neutral colour and therefore it applies to both. The masthead is a simple font, which means it takes less attention away from the model used as the main image.

Sub headings – the sub headings are placed around the edge of the magazine. This allows the main image to be more noticeable. The sub headings tell us what is inside the magazine; which draws us in as an audience because they will find it interesting and want to know more about it. There typically is one story on a celebrity. This tends to be what draws us in more as the audience like to know what goes on in a celebrity’s life. The main colours used for the subheadings are white and blue. This makes it look neat. The use of the colour blue indicates that the magazine can be aimed at a male audience as well as a female audience. The word ‘plus’ is written in yellow, this then stands out against the white and blue writing and makes it more eye catching. Also the word plus indicates the audience get something extra with the magazine and means they will want to buy it.

Feature story- The largest subheading is the typically the feature story. This is mostly a story about a celebrity. In this magazine the feature story is about Beyonce. Her name is written in large bold writing. This makes her name stand out. As Beyonce is a well known and extremely popular artist, having her name as the main feature will bring in a larger audience. unlike most other magazines they feature story is placed at the bottom rather than the top.

Main image- The main image is of a well-known celebrity; ‘Beyonce’ who would really appeal to the target audience and is also an example of celebrity endorsement. The camera angle chosen is a long shot of the celebrity that is typical for a magazine cover. It is also at eye level so it would engage the audience. The facial expression is happy and cheerful which would appeal to the audience. Facially the celebrity used is very pretty which again would engage the audience and be an example of someone that the audience would aspire to be.

Costume- she is wearing a white dress, the colour white is associated with power and elegance. Therefore by the model wearing white it shows she is powerful and elegant and that will encourage others to buy the magazine as they feel they can be powerful and strong like the model.

Top line – at the very top of the magazine there is a top line which says ‘women do music’. This shows that the magazine is aimed at women as they want women to buy their magazine and that if they do they will be just like Beyonce.

The magazine I am analysing is called ‘rollingstones’ and is a pop magazine aimed at a primary audience of 18-22 years of age and a secondary audience of 16-30 years of age. I have identified a variety of typical conventions and will discuss these in my analysis. The obvious conventions to make a magazine realistic are the barcode and the price, without these the magazine would not look professional.

Masthead- The Masthead is placed at the top of the magazine cover. This is a typical convention of a magazine cover as this is typically where you would first look and there for it makes it stand out. The masthead is in the colour red. This colour represents power and strength; which therefore suggest the magazine is aimed at young adults. The masthead is a simple font but is different to other magazines which makes the magazine stand out but makes sure the Masthead doesn’t take too much attention away from the celebrity model.

Sub headings – the sub headings are placed on the right hand side of the magazine. Typically the subheadings are placed all round the outside of the magazine, by going against this it makes it stand out as it looks different to the others. This also allows the main image to be more noticeable. The sub headings tell us what is inside the magazine; which draws us in as an audience because they will find it interesting and want to know more about it. There typically is one story on a celebrity. This tends to be what draws us in more as the audience like to know what goes on in a celebrity’s life. The main colours used for the subheadings are white. This makes it look neat. The use of the colour white indicates that the magazine is aimed at a female audience, as white represents purity and this is often associated with women.

Feature story- The largest subheading is the typically the feature story. This is mostly a story about a celebrity. In this magazine the feature story is about Adele. Her name is written in large bold writing. This makes her name stand out. As Adele is a well known and extremely popular artist, having her name as the main feature will bring in a larger audience. Again like ‘Billboard’ magazine the feature story is placed at the bottom rather than the top.

Main image- The main image is of a well-known celebrity; ‘Adele’ who would really appeal to the target audience and is also an example of celebrity endorsement. The camera angle chosen is a close up of the celebrity that is typical for a magazine cover. It is also at eye level so it would engage the audience. The facial expression is straight and serious which would appeal to the audience. also by having a relaxed and straight face it gives the magazine a more mysterious look and makes it more visually interesting and appealing. Again facially the celebrity used is very pretty which again would engage the audience and be an example of someone that the audience would aspire to be.

Costume- she is wearing a black top, the colour black is associated with power and elegance. Therefore by the model wearing white it shows she is powerful and elegant and that will encourage others to buy the magazine as they feel they can be powerful and strong like the model.