History of Music Magazines

For my 'History of Magazines' I have chosen to investigate the music magazines 'KERRANG' and 'Q'. I will be discussing topics including the history of the magazine, the typical content, who the typical readers are etc.

 For the first magazine, I chose the Classic Rock magazine 'KERRANG'.

Kerrang! was first published on 6 June 1981 and was edited by Geoff Barton, initially as a one-time supplement in the Sounds newspaper, which focused on the New Wave of British heavy metal phenomenon. Angus Young of AC/DC appeared on 'KERRANG!'s first cover. Launched as a monthly magazine, KERRANG! began to appear on a fortnightly basis later, and in 1987 it went weekly. The original owner was United Newspapers who then sold it to EMAP in 1991.

 The target audience was 16-25 year-olds (particularly rock music fans). Although over a period time the age of the target audience dropped to 14-17 year-olds (teens who tend to buy the magazines due to the featured bands on the front cover portrayed to much 'cooler'. Additionally the older years began to see 'KERRANG'! in a different light, some saw their obsessed with rock music and being an emo as a faze and grew out of it.

 The agazine tends to include things the audience will be interested in, such as; gig reviews, posters and competitions. 'KERRANG!' also includes full page advertisements for music companies such as HMV and Play.com as well as promoting other retailers such as Virgin, Playstation,  xBox, alternative clothing and jewellery manufacturing and concert ticket lines.

The first 'Q' magazine was published in October 1986. Its Founders Mark Ellen and David Hepworth were dismayed by the music press of the time, which they felt was ignoring a generation of older music buyers. 'Q' was first published by the EMAP in October 1986, setting itself apart from much of the other music press with monthly production and higher standards of photos. In the early years, the magazine was sub-titled 'The modern guide to music and more'. Originally it was to be called Cue (as in the sense of cueing a record, ready to play), but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine.
The magazine has an extensive review section, featuring new music releases, music compilations, film and live concert reviews, as well as radio and television reviews. It also includes a list of approximately eight albums, which it classes as the best new releases of the last three months.
Much of the magazine is devoted to interviews with popular musical artists. The magazine is well known for compiling lists. It has created many ranging from 'The 100 Greatest albums' to the '100 Greatest '100 Greatest' Lists'. Every other month, 'Q' have a special edition. These have been about musical times, genres, or a very important/influential musician.
'Q' is considered to have a very niche audience as it is specifically aimed at only music fans. However, the founders of the magazine felt the older generation were being ignored so chose to aim the magazine at over 25's rather that teenagers. By doing this, it allowed the magazine to be more expensive as most of the buyers have a paid job.