DPS Editorial, draft 1, Lucy Marshall

Beginner artists are constantly being told that they will never ‘make it’ in the music industry by others who don’t believe. Hundreds of talented young people, just like you, continue to play at live gigs, write their own songs, and get their albums out there for other rising stars to be inspired by.

 “It just takes a little bit of effort and belief” says seventeen year old superstar, Freya, who is currently travelling, at a rather quick speed, towards her second world tour this year after also releasing her debut album, ‘Treecul’, which soared to number one in the charts, above Rihanna, and Beyoncé.

            Freya hit the public with her first number one single, ‘Someone Someday’ last year and has been working busy on her debut album. This was more successful than what she had predicted, selling over 10,000,000 copies that year! The seventeen year old plays guitar, piano and banjo, and has supported acts such as Taylor Swift, Radiohead, Coldplay and Paramore. Her first ever tour, ‘Treecul for Bees’ was one of the most successful tours in the last ten years, selling out everywhere within the first 24 hours of the tickets being released.

            We managed to catch up with Freya this month, in-between her busy and hectic lifestyle, to ask her a few questions and to get you guys some handy hints for making a career out of music.

MusicMaddness: So Freya, how old was you when you first realised you wanted to become a singer-songwriter?

Freya: well, I was fifteen when I started playing the guitar, and I’d always been a singer, but it wasn’t really that serious about it until I’d turned sixteen. That’s when it really kicked in.

 MM: So, did you have lessons for the guitar?

Freya: I had about two, well, I’d always been the kind of kid who, y’know, wanted to learn the electric and be in a band, rock out all night long kinda thing, so, I asked my dad for an electric guitar, and we made a deal. He said, ‘You learn the acoustic, and I’ll get you an electric.’ So I started with and acoustic, and taught myself through old chord books and YouTube, until I realised that that’s what I wanted to do.

MM: When did you start writing your own material?

Freya: Well, I’d always found it difficult to write about ‘my life’ and ‘love stories’ because I was a pretty sheltered teen, and I didn’t let anyone, like boys, upset me too much, and I still don’t! I was and am rather mature for my age, so I wouldn’t go all dramatic on a minor fallout haha. I did start making up my own little stories, to write songs about when I was fifteen, but it really took over me when I was sixteen, and it was almost instinct to write them.

 MM: We know you started to sing and play at random pubs and clubs when you were fifteen. Where was your first live gig and what did it feel like?

Freya: It was at a small open microphone night in a village next to my own; my dad had persuaded me to go and sing there, and I was so terrified. The thing is, I had always been a shy, quiet girl, and I hated singing in front of people, even my family! So, to this day, I still don’t really know how Id managed to get up there that day and sing in front of all those people!

MM: Most of our readers are young musicians who wish to be just like you one day, what tips can you give them to ‘curve the nerves’?

Freya: Hey everyone! Well, even though I look totally at ease (apparently) when I’m playing live, inside, my heart is pretty much doing backflips! Everyone gets nervous, you just have to learn how to curve and morph that fear into adrenaline, and let it shine in your performance!

MM: Your debut album, Treecul, was released last year, and beat Rhianna and Beyonce in the charts, what was your reaction to this?

Freya: To this day, I am still so shocked and, grateful that so many people enjoy listening to my music. The day I found out, I just wanted to flip, and like, do summersaults and eat too much ice cream, and hug every single one of my fans… I just couldn’t believe it.

MM: The album itself, what’s it all about?

Freya: Well, I originally came up with the title, ‘Treecul’, to represent a struggle, as I imagine it hard to walk through a bath of treacle! Haha! But, in all honesty, it was extremely difficult to get to where I am now, I was only a normal girl, I mean I still am, but, my family didn’t have endless pits of money, which they could throw at a recording studio for my demo… I had to graft to get to where I am now. It was a constant struggle, but it was all great experience for what I do now. At some points I’d give up, and say ‘I’m never going to make it,’ but my friends and family just kept pushing me, and boy, am I glad they did! So the album is about knock backs, and getting back up again to achieve what you set out to achieve, even if people say that you can’t ever be this, or will never be that, because, if you fight, and fight and fight for it, you will one day get there. And that’s what I wanted people to know and to realise.

MM: Beautiful. But moving away from the subject of music, and to your personal life, there are rumours that you and the equally famous heart throb, Ed Sheeran, are dating. Are these true?

Freya: Haha! Yes, they are true, we are dating.

MM: Result! So, thanks so much Freya for taking part in this; any parting words/ tips for us and your fans?

Freya: It’s been a pleasure! And yes! Guys, don’t ever listen to people when they say you can never be this, or that, always listen to your heart! As cliché as that may sound, it’s what I believe in and what I have always believed in! Also, thanks for all your support and awesomeness! It really has helped me through this wild and crazy journey! Get yourself out there! If you aren’t playing live gigs yet, then do so! Go on to tinternet and research open mics near to you! Get exposed! And always keep dreaming!

F

Reya is working on her second album, ‘Picking up the pieces’, which is to be released next year. Her second tour which was a huge success, ‘Treecul for bees’’ dates will be released shortly on her website, to keep a keen eye out!

www.freya.co.uk

Music Magazine, Issue 36, draft 1 of front contents page, Lucy Marshall

Music Magazine, Issue 36, draft 1 of front cover, Lucy Marshall

content page analysis

The content page for Q magazine is very

 simple, there is no fancy editing tricks used.

The layout of the is well put together, it is neatly

separated in boxes. It has a simple and clear title

with the issue number beside it. 

  Down the left hand side the features are laid out

very clearly, one beneath the other.The Sub-heading

for each feature is in bold letters and a clear separation

can be seen between each one. There is also a splash of

red with some of the fonts rather than black to make it 

stand out from the rest and draws the readers attention.

    The image down the right had side have been used to

give the readers a glimpse of what the article may be about

without revealing everything. Overall this content page is very

clear and supplies the reader with easy access to the content

of the magazine. It is also very organised, classy and well put

together.

front cover analysis shron

. Masthead - Name of magazine displayed. Wrote in a unique style. Q's use of mast head is a Bold red square, with a bold capital white Q in the centre. The Q may represent 'Que the music' as in the word 'cue' they use a play on word affect.
. Date Line - Month and year of publication, for furture references. Q's dateline is situated on the right hand side below the coverlines. noramally situated underneath the masthead or at the bottom of the page.
. Main Image - In the case of this cover there is just one single image of the artist Madonna. The Shot fills the whole magazine front, with the artist making full eye contact with whoever looks at it.With Q you usually refer it to bands and indie artists, we start to see more pop groups within these issues.
. Model Credit - This Says : 'Madonna: "Stupid question! Next!" It is not unusual to have a credit like this on such a bold music magazine. The cover line shows Part of the interview puplished. Grabs the reader with this tiny bit of text.
. Cover lines - Q uses a many cover lines, which are spaced out around the main image. Making sure it does not draw its attention from the main shot. The cover lines are in either white or red, the same as the colour of the mast head. The colours stand out to give it a fresh bold look as the back ground is very dark.
. The main cover line - Covers up to a quarter of the cover area, the font used is mainly in three sizes and or colours.Q uses two font sizes to create there main coverlines, using the largest for the Artists name(most important). In the second to largest font they use speach, large bold writing with one of the words in italics, this line is in white font witch contrasts the black background colour to capture the artist shown staring at the reader. The size in which they use there main cover line attracts the audience because they are bold and attract the audience, the main coverline appeals to the audience through the use of sans serif, it creates a proffesional look to the writting.
. Left third - the left third of the cover is the part shown when up on magazine stands, containing most of the cover lines and the main line. the title must be recognisable in a dozen of other competitors. Q uses a big bold font with the use of reds blacks and whites to create there main title to stand out, all the writting is large enough to see, the use of colours gives it a crisp fresh look, which is easy for the eyes to read. Its important the mast head is viable here.
. Bar code - a standard bar code used by all retailers, contains the price of the magazine once scanned. Q's bar code is situtuated in the top right hand corner, which is easy to find and not stuck down in the bottom right like other magazines normally place them.
. Selling lines - Short, sharp description of the title's main marketing point. Q('Britains Biggest Music Magazine') or perhaps setting out its editorial philosophy.

Selection and Rejection 2 Lucy Marshall

I chose this photograph because it is sharp, goes by the rule of thirds, and I feel the lighting is appropriate for the picture. 

I chose neutral colours because the issue I am creating is an autumn issue, and so seasonal colours are evident. Also, the colours suit the location of which we took the photograph in. to accompany this, I gave the model neutral makeup, this included browns and golds, with a hint of blusher to add that cold, yet warming feeling.

I chose the model to be looking away from the cameral because I wanted o create the feeling that she was deep in thought and wanted to leave the potential buyer why she is doing so.

I chose the model to be sat on my guitar case, to bring a hint of music to the picture, even-though it is hard to see that. Perhaps this could be an possible improvement, to have the guitar case more visible. On a whole, i probably wont use this for my front cover shoot because of how the model is looking away.

Lucy Marshall

Selection and Rejection 1 Lucy Marshall

I chose this photograph because it captures the seasonal feel of it, with the auburn leaves on the trees and the grass. It also captures the fact that it is a music magazine, as you can fully see the banjo and guitar. It is obviously made evident that the model herself is a 'performer' and this suggests that she is the one included in the main article of the magazine, which draws people’s attention.

The suitcase resembles that she is on tour; the idea of packing her bags, and taking her guitar all over the world will most likely spur people on, young musicians who wish to be like the model.

This particular shot is a long shot, capturing the whole body, and some surroundings; I feel these are good was of expressing the seasonal feeling and the atmosphere as a whole.

Lucy Marshall

Analysis of language and register of editorial, lucy marshall

We analysed the language and register of a double page spread editorial from an issue of 'Metal Hammer'. One of the things we found was that it is quite a sophisticated and formal way of language. For example, there aren't any simple or compound sentences in the text, nor is there any colloquialisms , slang or contracted words. There is, however, rhetorical questions, which includes the reader, and there are also speech quotations to give the opinion and feelings of the actual artist. And this also makes the editorial more believable.

The punctuation is used quite effectively through the double page spread like the comers is break up the long complex sentences and the question marks to give a variety of punctuation. They also use brackets and italics to include more information and make the article more sophisticated. The words they chose are rather complex and sophisticated, which also adds to the believability of the article. We think that the magazine is aimed at 17+ year olds and also we think that the tone is rather intellectual and informative.

Analysing this editorial of 'Metal Hammer', we have decided that we need to take into account out target market etc. We have decided to used slang, colloquialisms and contracted words to make the article a lot more less formal, as our target market is a lot more younger than the ones aimed in the editorial of 'Metal Hammer'.

We have also decided to use less challenging vocabulary and simple with compound sentences, again, because of our target audience. It should be light hearted and have a humorous tone.

preliminary front cover analysis sharon

Chose this font because its bold so it catches the readers attention and it is also  easy to read. I chose this slogan to show that all the students at sixth form always try their best. I chose these two colours because is contrasts with the background. The background is plain so the focus goes on the model and the writing. Chose the costume for the model because it shows a skeleton of the human body and the heart to show that he loves sixth form. Also his is wearing glasses to give the stereotypical idea that he is clever. Chose to have a circular shape around the different points so that it draws the audiences attention to the things that can be found in the magazine.

For my front cover I chose these colours because then contrast with each other which helps the magazine to stand out. I chose the stories because of the new sixth formers have just joined so then may want to know about about the subjects and the names of their new teachers. I chose the picture because it shows that the students can also relax during sixth form and not panicing about the exams. I also chose the circles because of them being simple shapes and easy to recognise. If I could do the front cover again I would chose to change the background so it is more plan and not use a brick wall. I would also change the slogan so it is shorter and catchier.

preliminary content page idea sharon

Content

About the subjects.......................................Pg 3-4

Meet the teachers.............................................Pg5

Interview with Mr Bradley..............................Pg 6

About the future trips......................................Pg 7

About the events to come............................Pg 8-9

interview with the new student................Pg 10-11

Picture of Mr Bradley and The model on the front cover

what i have learnt sharon

What I have Learnt
I have learnt how to use some new techniques on the Adobe Photoshop Elements such as how to add shape on to a photo and how to crop a photo. I already knew how to work with the different layers and how to add text and photos to Adobe Photoshop.
I also knew about the rule of thirds and framing and the different angles. Also I knew about the mise en scene too because I did GCSE media.

Front Cover Drafts 1 Lucy Marshall

Contents page Draft ideas 1 Lucy Marshall

Double Page spread Analysis 1 Lucy Marshall

I have analysed the double age spread of an issue of 'Metal Hammer'; a popular heavy metal magazine, aimed at 18+ year olds.

            This article is called 'Darkly Devious Danny', and is a picture led article, meaning that half of the double page spread is covered by an image which also includes a small caption explaining the photograph. This particular image is a very gruesome, which may be to shock the reader, leading them intrigued to read more.

            The actual headline of the article is in red, which fits in with the four colour print, and also links in with the picture, as it is quite bloody an gory. The word 'devious' is in a different font, to make it stand out, and again fits in with the house style. The head line is also an alliteration of 'D's' to give it an onomatopoeia effect, which also fits in with the house style.

            There is also different coloured text in the pall quote at the beginning of the editorial which also makes another reference towards the heading. In the editorial, there is also a stand first n red which indicates the beginning of the main article. The mode of address is quite formal with a sophisticated vocabulary, suggesting again that this magazine is aimed at the older age range.

             

Lucy Marshall

Organisation: Photo-shoot. Lucy Marshall

For my photoshoot, I had organised for three friends, who would have made good models, to come round to my house and participate in the photo-shoot. One of the possible models was unfortunately at work, the other couldn’t make it but i still had one left. In the end, I had no choice but to take all the pictures of her.

                                            

I had already gone through everything i wanted my model to bring; including clothes and accessories etc., beforehand, to make sure that everything she brought would have been suitable. She arrived at my house for 10:00am the next morning, where i did her make-up, her hair and sorted out her costume. I tried to do this as quickly as possible as not to lose natural light.

I then took my model outside, with my brother to help me carry a few props which included my guitar and case, my banjo, an old fashioned suitcase and  a few extra things to ensure maximum potential of the photograph; white sheets (for reflecting lights) and a try-pod. We went to all of the several locations i had planned previously and took about 70-90 in each location. After this, we went back home and quickly looked through them on my laptop, only to reveal that most of them were blurred. So we took everything again, and re-did the shoot. This was a minor setback for us but, however, we carried on.

The second photo-shoot was a lot more successful. So then we changed her clothes and re-did her makeup and then went back to some of the different locations to take yet more photographs.

I was planning on doing a third photo-shoot, with 'lady gaga' kind of makeup and fashion, but by the time the makeup was done, we was losing light rapidly and only managed to get a few shots which im not impressed with anyway. But this can be an important thing to mention in my 'selection and rejection' process.

As for the other two models, they are still unsure whether they can make it or not, so I’ve asked my brother to model for me in an upcoming weekend, ready for the contents page designing period.

I also attended a local open mic night, and took some of the different acts performing there. The lighting was very dim, so most of them were thrown away (or are not going to be used) but i did take two or three which i am happy with and which i will be using in my magazine.

Lucy Marshall.

Contents page analysis, Lucy Marshall

What is the purpose of a contents page?

The purpose of a contents page is so the reader, or potential buyer, can see what is included in the magazine, and where they are. It also helps readers to jump to pages they want to be.

Contents page analysis

The contents page of Mixmag February 2009, has a very simple layout and colour scheme. The colour scheme is made up of black, white and yellow. There are similar colours on the front cover, and there is also a similar house style. The page numbers are done in a large yellow font with no serifs, this makes the text easier to read but still makes it stand out. Also it gives a professional look.

The big picture draws attention to the main article inside and urges the reader to buy the magazine, as it looks interesting and unique. The contents text is split up into different sections with titles which also makes it easier to read and gives it a more busier look, which is what a good magazine contents page should look like, busy and interesting.

The title 'Mixmag' is presented in the top right corner, in the same font and colour as on the front cover, this acts as some sort of logo of which people will recognise the title for the magazine. The main article of the 'Dj's shoes' and the very masculin man may put off female characters, so to balance this out, there are two smaller pictures including fashion shoots which would make sure the female group would also want to buy the magazine.

The actual colour scheme is relatively simple, leading the reader to focus more on the actual content than the appearance, but this, as a consequence, could put off people as it doesn't look very exciting. A way of doing this without changing the colour scheme would be to include more in the magazine, make it look more busy.