History of a Music Magazine

History of 'Kerrang'

'Kerrang' is a well known classic rock magazine that was first published on 6th June 1981 by a man called Geoff Barton. It was originally a one of addition in a British newspaper ('Sound') which was a fortnightly magazine, which soon became weekly.'Kerrang' gradually earned its title as the best selling British music magazine by the early 2000's.

'Kerrangs' initial targeted audience ranged from ages 16-25, however over the years the ages of the readers have dropped as more teenagers tend to purchase the magazine. The audience age drop may be partially to do with the regular feature of younger/well known or 'new' bands that the younger generation tend to listen to, as opposed to the slightly older audiences who started off reading the magazine because of its classical rock features. Examples of bands and singers that are often featured on the cover of 'Kerrangs' are 'Green day', 'You Me at Six' and 'Biffy Clyro'. 'Kerrang' has an average of 294,00 buyers per week making it the world's biggest selling weekly rock magazine. Majority of 'Kerrangs' readers are below the age of 35, which portrays that this magazine has a relatively young audience.

Like any other magazine it is clear that 'Kerrang' s aim as a magazine is to please its readers. This has been achieved by including distinct factors that the typical audience for this magazine would want to see such as the latest about new and upcoming albums, free posters, as well as information about interviews from the latest current, most popular artists.
The style of this magazine front cover is also suited to its audience. The title itself at the top of the page has a 'smash-effect' which reflects the rebellious attitude that both the music genre (rock) and the magazine have a reputation for. The choice of colour also suggests the 'disobedient' outlook as the connotations of the ill-lit house-style illustrates a turbulent reaction which is both fitting for the genre of the music and potentially fulfilling for the audience.
Stereotypical audiences for this magazine are assumed to be 'gothic' or 'emo' like social groups, this is due to the dullness in the house-style of the magazine and the insensitivity that is conveyed through the people on the covers and the 'loudness' that is communicated.

As you can see 'Kerrang' magazine has developed significantly over the years, although still manages to maintain a consistent house-style. I think that consistency is vital in magazine production because it allows producers to form a relationship with its readers, a form of almost guaranteed meet of audience expectation, with a potential result of loyal customers. An example of this consistency is the main font of the title of the magazine and the capital letters that are used on every edition, producing connotations of danger and untidiness.