Contextual Analysis of MixMag

Mixmag is a very popular dance and clubbing magazine, which covers a variety of topics including dance events and music reviews. The word 'mix' in the masthead refers to the DJ theme of the magazine, and perhaps the mixed reviews that the magazine cover.


The colour yellow is used frequently on the cover used including the masthead and cover lines; this suggests to the reader that the magazine is fun and youthful as yellow is often seen as a bright and vibrant colour, portraying happiness. It also contrasts the sophisticated colour of brown used in the background of the cover. The font used in the masthead is bubbly and trendy, which would also appeal to teenagers buying the magazine. It is also bold and clear to read, making it easy on the eye and stand out.


The price of this magazine is £4.20, which is advertised on the corner of the page. Somebody who is not really interested in clubbing and dancing that much, but just likes the look of the magazine to read, would not realistically pay that much for it. Therefore it is in a small font, and a place that is not that visible to see at first glance.


The picture on the cover is of David Guetta, and it is a mid shot which shows his relaxed and confident body position, which suggests that he is a good role model and would give the reader confidence to buy the magazine. He is also wearing sunglasses, which suggests to the audience that he is very famous as most celebrities where them, and also shows that he is fashionable. This would appeal to teenagers as they would want to aspire to be like him, therefore they are more likely to want to read about him and purchase the magazine.


The headline in the middle of the cover, which is a quote from David Guetta, reads '2009: F*** ME WHAT A YEAR!'. The swear word has been blocked out so it doesn't offend anyone, yet the swear word would appeal to teenagers as that is often part of there everyday language, so they may feel like they can relate themselves to him. It also portrays David Guetta as someone with an attitude and perhaps an argumentative person, which would make readers interested in his life and what he has to say.


The magazine offers a free CD when you purchase it, which would obviously encourage people to buy it, especially if they are seriously interested in DJing and clubbing. This also may persuade people that they are getting their moneys worth, which would help sell the magazine. In the top right corner of the cover, there is a picture of a girl at a gig which gives the reader an idea to what the magazine includes, and that it is fun and energetic to read. There is a list of famous singers and DJ's on the cover including Dizzee Rascal, La Roux and Major Lazar, which suggests that the magazine is well known and popular.