I am going to use a R&B/URBAN; this is my 'type' of music so I will have a wider range of general knowledge on this area. By using R&B/URBAN I can pass on personal opinions and it won't require me to research as much - this isn't because i'm lazy but because I like the Music I know a lot more about it, the popular artists, songs and some knowledge on the artists themselves - fashions, personal life etc. In my personal opinion this genre is a lot more interesting & there is a lot more artists involved
What media exists for the genre currently?
There are many music channels for R&B/URBAN the most common amongst them being Kiss, Smashhits and The Box; there are also websites for each of these channels: totalkiss.com smashhits.net thebox.co.uk & there are also radio stations for each of these. Each also have their own logo:
Smashhits did have their own music magazine but after 28 glorious years, the UK magazine folded in 2006. The websites can be used to research more information.
Who produces these?
EMAP launched 'TheBox' in april 1992
'KISS' started as a pirate radio station in London in 1985 the original incarnation of Kiss TV was created by Guy Wingate, who, as an original co-creator of London's Kiss 100 (in its pirate days) was brought back in to head up EMAP's fledgling TV division.
'SMASHHITS' was launched May 15th 2001. It is based on the former Smash Hits Magazine, which was owned by EMAP.
As you can see the company EMPA all play a big part in each channel. These 3 channel are 'Sister Channels' along with Channel 4, E4, Film4 More4, 4Music, Kerrang!, Magic & Q. More information can be found on wikipedia.org.
What is typically included in the current publications?
The websites feature new & up-comming artists, new albums and singles, up-comming events such as gigs & concerts and artists personal information. When Smashhits were producing magazines they featured such things as: posters, new 'red carpet' looks, interviews, pop star's confessions, song words, mini mags, star's embarrassing stories - star's exposed and chances to win prizes. It seems to be a mix of general gossip and music. A magazine dated 4-17th of December 1996 featuring the spice girls (link) cost the consumer 90p however 7 years later a magazine dated October 29th - November 11th 2003 featuring Avril & Pink (link) was priced at £1.90, so the value of the magazine went up by £1 within 7 years. These magazines were published around every 2 weeks to keep up-to-date with the 'gossip.'
VIBE (link) is also a popular R&B / Hip-hop magazine. It was founded by Quincy Jones but after shutting down in 2009 VIBE was purchased by the private equity investment fund InterMedia Partners and is now issued 4 times a year with double covers but has a larger online presence. On the website it states that you can subscribe to the VIBE magazine at $34.95 for 6 issues, that works out at approximately £19 - £3.20 an issue. The magazine contains information on celebrities, sounds, fashion, lifestyle, new media and urban music.
Who is it aimed at?
By looking at these cover images I have come to the conclusion that Smashhits is for the ages 10-15 roughly; I have concluded this because of the icons used on the cover - they are both very young and appeal to the younger persons, because of their ages and because of their style too, they both appear quite different but 'punky,' releasing 'catchy' tunes, usually related to the typical 'puppy love.' The bright colour scheme used with this magazine also appeals to the younger persons as it's vibrant and 'in-your-face.' The free gifts included also played a part in my conclusion - the free poster book & halloween mag!
VIBE magazine appeals to the top end of the younger generation, I would say 16-21 year olds. I have come to this conclusion by the icons used on the font cover - both young but not borderline teen/adult, also the positions and clothing they are wearing would be considered sexy. The colours used are sophisticated and not jumping out of the page at you. From my own knowledge I know that they produce songs of different meaning on different subjects. Their songs are commonly played in clubs too - a place where you wouldn't see someone of the age 10-15.
How successful are they?
Various websites state that when VIBE was at it's best it had just over 800,000 subscribers.
(link) (link) As measured by circulation, VIBE is the leading urban entertainment magazine covering urban music and lifestyle. With circulation of approximately 850,000, the magazine alone reaches more than seven million readers per month. (link)
Why do you think they are called what they are?
As smashhits is linked with the TV channel it seems very appropriate, however the magazine came before the channel. I believe it's title is very relevant to it's content - it contains the hits - what's currently happening in the music world, smashhits gave it a bit more of an edge compared to hits alone. It's very 'hip' - making a connection with it's readers as most are quite young, and very relevant to it's pop genre.
VIBE is and R&B magazine, and a bit more sophisticated as the majority of it's readers are older than the ones that read smashhits. R&B originally stands for Rhythm and Blues, which gave a beat allowing it's lovers to feel a vibe for the music. A definition of vibe: a distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively (link)
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