Names and Masthead analysis

1. NAMES AND
MASTHEADS
Chrissie Bishop

2. TYPES OF NAME
Acronym
• NME
• Q
• CCM
Phrase
• Top of the
Pops
• Smash Hits
• Drowned in
Sound
• Rolling Stone
Connotative
• Vibe
• Kerrang
• Base
• Edge!
• Spin
Compound
• Indie-
pendent
• Indie-vidual

3. sddsdPhrase
The phrase ‘Rolling Stone’ is used as the
noun ‘stone’ connotes, since prehistoric times,
the principal material used to build important
structures. Stones became a very classic
feature of stability, hardness and endurance
in all languages, bearing a wealth of symbolic
meaning, with many deep rooted
psychological and historical associations and
suggestions. This reflects the audience of the
magazine as they share the same
characteristics (as does the magazine,
therefore they feel as though they can rely on
it as it is very significant).
Graphology
The graphology of the
masthead ‘Rolling Stone’
is red with a black
shadow which makes the
masthead stand out
amongst the front page
and implies it’s
significance as the red is
on top of the black hence
making it a dominant
feature. The colour red
connotes both love and
danger and is a very
powerful colour, hence
grabbing every essence
of the audience’s
attention.

4. Phrase
The phrase ‘Top of the Pops’ is used as it
not only suggests which genre of music
the magazine is about, but noun ‘top’
defines how the magazine is superior,
especially within this genre, as it sits
upon the pedestal of pop magazines.
This title aslo demonstrates the audience
that it is targeted at as it rhymes,
reflecting the youth of the magazine as it
makes it easy to remember and makes it
appear more fun.
Graphology
The graphology of the
masthead ‘Top of the
Pops’ is always white,
however the background
changes with every
edition, which in this case
is blue however it is often
pink and this reflects the
femininity of the
magazine. The stars and
swirly font of the text also
reflects the audience as it
is unprofessional and
very girly to grab the
attention of the audience
and persuade them to
purchase the magazine.

5. sddsdAcronym
The acronym ‘Q’ was originally called
Cue (the sense of cueing a record,
ready to play). The name was
changed to ‘Q’ as they gathered that a
single-letter title would be more
prominent on newsstands than ‘Cue’
as it could be mistaken for a snooker
magazine. The single-letter is very
effective as it stands out and is
overpowering as less is more, and it is
easily identifiable to the audience as it
is easy to remember.
Graphology
The graphology of the
masthead ‘Q’ is always
white, whilst the background
is always red. This follows
the house style of the
magazine as this colour
scheme is fluent. The red
portrays both love and
danger, whilst being a very
powerful colour which
dominates the rest of the
magazine. The flick of the Q
reflects the magazine’s
professionalism as it is a
very formal, classy and
sophisticated magazine of
which many people can rely
on for trustworthy and
honest reviews unlike music
gossip magazines like Top
of the Pops.

6. sddsdAcronym
The acronym ‘NME’ stands for New
Music Express, which is exactly what the
magazine delivers. The acronym is very
effective as some of the audience may
not even know what the acronym stands
for however it sticks to the brain and is
very catchy, more so than a long-winded
phrase. This helps the audience to
remember the magazine and purchase it
as the letters are soft-sounding and not
too harsh, whilst the people who do know
what it stands for are at a better
advantage as it gives exactly what the
masthead promises.
Graphology
The graphology of the
masthead ‘NME’ is again
red, connoting power with
a white outline and a
black background. These
colours combined makes
the title stand out as the
shadow on the title
reflects the audience with
the sharp font. Also, the
contrast between black
and white makes the red
seem neutral which
foreshadows how the
magazine is not targeted
at one specific genre or
audience.

7. sddsdConnotative
The connotative word ‘Kerrang!’ relates to
the sound of any word related to music.
The phonology of the word ‘kerrang’ is
quite harsh, especially as the word is
non-existent and this could connote the
sound of smashing up an instrument or
violently smashing things up.
Graphology
The graphology of the
masthead ‘Kerrang!’ is
black a white, two colours
which complete contrast
against each other. The
black promotes death
whilst the white stands
out amongst the black to
attract the audience. The
typefont of the masthead
is also quite violent as it
appears to be cracked,
combined with the
exclamation mark which
promotes screaming and
shouting – reflecting the
audience that it is aimed
at.