1. [MUSIC MAGAZINE COVERS]

5. [PROMOTIONAL POSTERS]

6. Like many other promotional posters, importance of information is shown through
The main image is a
size. The name of the artist can be seen at the top of the poster, showing us that
painting, linking in with
this is the most important thing above all else. It is also in the biggest font,
the artistic element
further emphasizing this importance. The image then covers the majority of the
within the groups music.
poster showing us that even though the band is important, in this case, promoting
It reflects the medieval
their album is more significant. The significance of this image can also be linked
period where folk music
was popular, in regard to to the popular saying that a
this poster, this acts as ’picture is worth a thousand
a link to the bands folk words’; looking at this
style music. In addition poster, this saying has been
to this, in a review from taken literally as the image
The Guardian's The covers the majority of the
Observer, it is mentioned area. This, importance being
that ‘agricultural labour’ reflected by size, seems to be
is ‘as folk a theme as you a reoccurring pattern within a
could wish for’ further lot of the promotional posters
explaining the reasons I’ve seen.
behind the choice of
image. Incorporating the names of
the awards earned by the
There is a lot going on in artist acts as a promotional
the foreground of the device; their inclusion
image –suggesting that the allowing consumers to be
music on the album is impressed and also
either fast paced or that influencing them to buy the
the music incorporates the record. By repeating the
use of a number of word ’year’ the poster
instruments. magnifies the artists high
level of achievement as well
The inclusion of the
as highlighting their
artist’s record company
competition.
‘BELLA UNION’ (shown below)
reassures the consumer as By making the album
they are able to recognise ‘Available at iTunes’
that the product is (shown below) the artist
legitimate. In addition to has made their product
this, it is also common to more accessible to its
see a relative website on a audience.
promotional poster,
reinforcing this legitimacy.
The black background of the poster allows both the white text and the
image to stand out and therefore catch the consumers attention.

7. Again, through There is a clear link between the
size, the name image and text. Through the use of the
of the artist word ‘Noise’ we are able to associate
comes across the record name with the image of the
as the most storm clouds. By using a metaphor as
important. the title of the record, the artist is
However, it able to portray their message through
uses no the use of a metaphorical image
capitals in
contrast to Within the image itself there are two
the all sets of storm clouds. Taking into
capital consideration the image as well as the
lettered record title, this may be symbolic of
record title, those in love who experience hardships
this comes (e.g. arguments or fights). It may also
across as eye be the artists interpretation of love
catching as it which suggests that love is like the
is unusual and weather and cannot be predicted.
uncommon. In Looking at each set individually, the
addition to majority of the poster seems to be
this, the covered by the lighter clouds,
specific suggesting that the good parts within
effect on love overweigh the bad. However, the
certain fact that the lighter area still has
letters due to darker parts to it suggests that this
the font love can be penetrated.
style, e.g.
the slight In addition to this, the clear
slant of the division between the two sets of
V’s, makes the clouds, also suggest that the
text artist is able to differentiate
memorable, in between these good and bad moments.
my opinion, This allows the product to become
the font more relatable, enabling consumers
choice is to, in a way, connect with the
effective in product on a more personal level.
this way.
Again, through the inclusion of the record By mentioning the different ways of receiving the
label and artist website, the audience is record, this promotional poster has made its
able to recognise that the product is product more accessible to its audience.
legitimate.

8. There are three The main image shows a member of the band looking
fonts present on up, possibly to God; this, possibly, links in with
this poster all the record title where it reads ‘September Ends’
of which contrast -through this idea, we are able to make links to
with one another. Judgement day, possibly broadening the audience out
Through these to a more religious market.
different font
styles the The band member looks as though he is performing
consumer is able -this may act as a reflection of the largely
to distinguish performance based videos that come from the Rock
the artist from genre.
the song title to By using a large central image, the promotional
the information poster becomes bold and makes the product more
provided within noticeable to the consumer.
the bottom third.
The difference in
Throughout the entire bottom third, key words have
font also makes
been highlighted -making them more memorable. In
the information
addition to this, the other products being promoted
clearer as it
use the same image as the central one (however one
makes it easier
has been reversed), by doing this it is easier for
to understand. In
the consumer to remember what these products look
addition to this,
like. The fact that these images have been repeated
importance is,
makes this memorability stronger, also creating a
again, shown
sense of dominance (or stage presence) on the
through size; the
artist's part. By wearing the colour black the
difference in
artist’s authority is emphasized.
fonts further
highlights these By offering multiple products there is a higher
significances. chance that the audience will be interested in buying
something, in a way, giving off the impression that
The use of the the band is well known and, therefore, allowing
colours black, consumers to want to know more about them. However,
white and red this approach may be less effective as there is more
are extremely for consumers to focus on.
suggestive of
the Rock genre. The repetition The small introductory-
By specifying Further persuasion takes
The predominant of the words like paragraph is both
the day of place through the mention
use of black is ‘OUT NOW’ are persuasive and
release the of the ‘Make Poverty
slightly statement-like. informative. This
consumer is History’ charity (shown
predictable as In a way, they persuasion is continued
given the right), by including
it reflects the act as a with the mention of a
impression that this, consumers will be more enthusiastic about
dark edge to command, ‘FREE DVD’. By doing
it is a special buying the product as they’d know it would be
both the genre therefore, this the product being
occasion –in a going to a good cause. In addition to this,
and music. consumers are promoted becomes more
way, making the through the inclusion of logos and websites,
more likely to attractive to the
product more consumers are reassured c of the products
respond to this consumer as it lures
exclusive. legitimacy.
order. them in.

9. [CD COVERS]

10. The image on the Foals record, as well as the title, looks hand drawn –
creating a sense of sincerity around the record and also giving off the
impression that band has worked hard and put a lot of effort into it.
Looking at the image itself, it is very abstract, making the audience feel
intrigued to know more. The mouth full of pills, however, create a clear
link between the image and record title. This point is further emphasized
by the use of colour being concentrated in that area.
* In regard to both * The confidence behind both bands are shown through
the images of their record covers. Looking at the
record covers, they Foals record, the image is sharp and includes the use
incorporate the use of defined lines, this shows the consumer that they
of a simple layout. know who they are. The fact that the detail of the
Through this image, i.e. shading, colour, is centred around the
simplicity these face and neck area, shows us that the band is still
covers come across developing. In addition to this, the minimal use of
as modern and colour along with the use of black on beige suggests
stylish, making it more of a Rock edge within the record. In regard to
eye catching and the Friendly Fires record, again, the band’s
interesting to the confidence is shown through the strength and vibrancy
consumer as it draws of the images colours as they stand out from the
their attention black background. The main image of this cover
directly to the remains sharp and defined but as a whole, there is a
softer edge to it -giving us an insight into what the
*
image.
Both records are from the Indie record is like.
*
genre but take on a completely
In both covers, the importance of an
different appearance to one
element (an image or text) is shown through
another. Keeping in mind that
size. However, looking at Friendly Fires’
Indie is still a relatively new
record, this importance seems to be
genre, originating in the 80’s,
balanced as the band name uses an opaque,
this contrast in approach may
block colour to show its significance while
come down to the fact that the
the album title uses a bigger font
Indie genre has no particular
equalizing the levels of importance; this
colours associated with it
balance in importance is further reiterated
-further emphasized by use of
by the fact that the record title ‘PALA’ is
various colours on both
translucent. Nonetheless, in both cases the
records.
images seems to be the centre of attention.
This ‘Friendly Fires’ record is based on Aldous Huxley's final novel ‘Island’, it
tells the story of a journalist shipwrecked on the fictional island of Pala. This
island supports a utopian society which is reflected through the inclusion of an
exotic bird. This image is placed in front of a black background, making its
presence more prominent, therefore, catching the attention of the consumer. The
vivid colours of the bird possibly act as a reflection of the pop/dance element
within the music as well as its influences from around the world. In addition to
this, the bird is shown mid-flight possibly suggesting that the band are taking
off in terms of their music, also creating a sense of freedom and nature which
then goes back to records influence from the novels utopian society.

11. Looking at this cover, it seems as though it has taken some influence from the Sex Pistols
single cover for ‘God Save The Queen’ (shown right) –this is a good example of how the Pop
genre takes its influences from other genres. However, in order to adapt to stay within the
conventions of Pop, this cover incorporates the use of the bright colour pink -linking in
with the genres girly origins. Saying this, however, looking at this cover it is clear to
see that development has been made within the Pop genre itself as the artist, formally a
part of Pop group Girls Aloud, is also widely known within the fashion industry.
The fact that
her eyes are
covered by her Looking at the use of bright
record title colours within this cover, we
creates a direct are able to see that the
link between the product is being aimed toward
two. Saying a young audience demographic –
this, the lack possibly aimed more toward
of text makes females through the covers
the cover predominant use of the colour
straightforward pink. Through its further use
and easy to of luminescent lighting, the
understand. artist is made to look
flawless enabling us to see
The vibrancy of
how the artist conforms to
her red lips can
suit the conventions of Pop.
be liked to the
In addition to this, the
ginger colour of
artist’s flawless-ness allows
her hair –
its young audience to aspire
possibly
to be like her.
suggesting that
this colour is
her trademark. Like many covers, this one
The paleness of takes on a very simple format
the background –making it look more modern
allow these and, in my opinion, more
vibrant colours professional. The cover also
to stand out to incorporates the use of both
the consumer. striking and contrasting
colours, making it stand out
The fact that the image occupies the entire cover, suggests that the artist amongst its competition and,
is the most important factor within her music, it may also suggest that she therefore, more successful
is proud of what she has created. This is emphasized by the fact that her sales-wise.
name is in the largest font as well as the boldest.

12. The use of the colour The image shows a black silhouette of the artist, making it seem as though he is
red connotes danger a shadow. This, along with the fact that he has his whole body turned away from
which links in with the camera and also holds no eye contact creates a sense of mystery; allowing
the record’s title consumers to become intrigued and therefore consider buying the record. Even
‘troublemaker’. In though the image is
addition to this, the silhouetted, it is
red looks as though clear to see that the
it is spreading artist is looking at
outward -slightly the view. This could
mimicking a sort of also be interpreted as
burning effect. This him overseeing his
suggests that the surroundings, in which
‘trouble’ being case suggests that he
caused is present has the upper hand. In
throughout the addition to this,
record; the ‘burn’ looking at his stance
effect mentioned and body language, he
previously also seems comfortable in
contributes to the his position,
element of danger suggesting that he is
that the title happy with something -
suggests. possibly even proud.
Saying this, his
The use of the colour
stance also mimics
white for the text;
that of a superhero
and the presence of
watching over a city,
trees and greenery in
however, this would
the background of the
contradict the title
image, juxtapose the
of the record,
sense of danger and
suggesting that he
‘trouble making’
plays a darker part
created by the use of
within his songs,
red in the bottom
again linking to the
left corner of the
name of the record.
record cover. The
white of the text
stands out making its
presence known. The The slight cityscape, also in the background, suggests that the record has an urban
contrasting use of edge to it. The fact that it is in the background and slightly faded suggests that
black and white on this background information isn’t as important as the artist himself. In addition to
this cover, again, this, a city is often associated with a fast paced life-style. This allows consumers
links in with its to gain an insight into what the record is like and, consequently, whether or not
title. they’d buy it based on their preferences.

13. Within the eyes of the public, Jedward are seen as immature and childish, however, in
The image shows the
terms of their music, Jedward take on a slightly more serious approach. Looking at this
Jedward boys. They are
image, both of these attitudes are on show through both of their facial expressions.
clearly linked due to
The fact that the more serious expression is in front of the mischievous one suggests
the fact that they are
that the seriousness
twins, the fact that
of their music
they are wearing
career comes first.
similar outfits
By doing this, the
emphasizes this link
consumer is able to
between them.
take them seriously.
The fact that they
The centre of the are both wearing
cover is lighter, suits further
giving off the reinforces this
impression of a seriousness as it
spotlight, gives off the
therefore, drawing impression that they
the attention of are professional.
consumers to the
heart of cover and The colours used
allowing them to on this cover i.e.
recognise them as blue, grey, black
the main attraction. and white reflect
the song title
The name of the
‘ICE ICE BABY’.
artist is in capitals
giving off the
The importance of
impression that it is
certain elements
being shouted –this
within this cover
reflects the
are clearly being
personalities of the
artist. In addition shown through the
use of different
to this, the lines
levels and surface
separating their name
areas. For example,
from the picture and
the image is taking
the title of the
up the most space
single suggests that
as they are the
they stand out and
brand; their name
are not the same as
then follows,
everyone else, again, slightly smaller, clearly showing that
The featuring artist is shown in white,
reflecting the it is not as important as the ‘artists’
linking in with the song and also
persona of the act. themselves but still significant.
distinguishing their importance on the track.