Rolling Stones: Music Magazine Research

‘Rolling Stone magazine is a cultural icon, the number one pop culture reference point for young Australians. With an eye to every genre and every scene, we report and comment on the music that matters like no other magazine. Our cover stories, features and reviews are benchmarks for readers and industry alike, featuring unrivalled access to and analysis of the biggest names, hottest bands, and coolest happenings. The magazine's founder, Jann Wenner, once explained, "Rolling Stone is not just about the music, but about the things and attitudes that music embraces," and this is the de facto motto of the magazine. In addition to our authoritative position on music, Rolling Stone's influence touches all facets of popular culture, from politcs and social issues to television, film, gaming and fashion.’

Rolling Stones magazine has a target audience of 11,899 in which 60% are male and 40% are female.
They target an age of 18+, and 27% of the readers are between 18-24. Another 27% are aged from 25-34, 20% from 35-44, 14% from 45-54 and a small 13% from the age of 55 and above. Rolling Stones magazine is extremely successful with their target audience as although they target the younger generation from 18-34 there magazine also appeals to the older generation who are interested in music. The magazine is extremely passionate and truly captures the heart of music.

 The house style in this magazine is the Rolling Stones logo. It is always the same style and font normally placed behind the model but still visable to the audiences eye, making it easy to identify. Rolling Stone magazines are normally simplistic and straight to the point. Each article stars different celebrities but there contents is always about new up and coming music. This magazine article stars Taylor Lautner who would appeal to the magazines target audeince as he stars in the popular Twilight movies. The main head line 'teen wolf' is in capitals making it bold and catching the audiences eye. It is in the same font and style as the Rolling Stones logo instantly linking the image together. The cover lines are brown and in the same font, giving the magazine a simplistic but effective feel.

 This is another Rolling Stones magazine cover staring Amy Winehouse. Continueing the house style; the mast head is behind Amy Winehouse but audiences can identify the magazine. The model is easily identified as her name is below in blue, making her and her name stand out. This again, draws in the target audience as her music appealed to the younger generation. Although her name is clearly stated on the magazine, this photoshoot has clearly captured Amy Winehouses's iconic image. You can see her many tattoos and she is also wearing her hair and eye-liner in the way that she is famous for.

 This issue features Adele. The Rolling Stones logo is clear to see above the head shot of Adele. Adele is a popoular artist in the industry yet again, targeting the right audience. This issue is certainly simplistic but it has an extremely effective overall image. I think that simplicity is a very effictive attribute within magazine covers as it can often make the audience drawn to the magazine with the intentions of wanting to know more rather than giving it away through the front cover. To do this you need a strong, bold cover which Rolling Stone's magazine seems to capture everytime.

 This issue shows the Rolling Stones logo behing a picture of Christina Agulera. Christina Agulera is portrayed here as a 1950's sailor/pin-up girl. This magazine attracts the male gaze as the model is dressed in limited clothing showing lots of flesh. Her pose will also attract the male gaze.

This issue is starring another popular artist Jay-Z; which would instantly attract many of his fans. The Rolling Stones masthead has been placed behind the main image, but the readers can still easily see the well known name. Jay-Z's pose is simple yet effective. His face has a slight confused/not impressed expression. His clothes portray him as wealthy and materialistic. The main features are all in grey which creates a colour theme of black and grey.