RECONNAISSANCE

location ideas:1.Recording studio2.Brick wall3.On stage4.White background

Each of these locations would be ideal for specific sections of Symbal magazine. For the front cover, a plain white background would be the only applicable idea,

due to the fact that the use of actual locations is often exempt from indie rock front covers. A white background is idealistic as it will allow for clear contrast between the minimalism of the background and the varying colours and fonts of the words that will appear on the front cover, as well as emphasising the artists/bands themselves with ambient lighting and defining contrast. It will also allow for clear analysis of the text as there will be no changes in tone or colour, unlike what would be evident if an actual location were to be used. Furthermore, the use of a white background is very common across all issues of NME, and this thereby encourages it’s use even further, as NME is the primary influence for my magazine in general.

Continuing on from this, it is most likely that either the recording studio or brick wall will be used for the image in the contents page. For the contents page, the background is not as significant as it is on the front cover, as the image is no longer the dominating aspect of the page. On the other hand, however, the background itself must still be relevant to the genre, and the fact that the band of the main image are in the process of recording their new album suggests that the recording studio may be the ideal location for the background in the contents page. It will also enforce the idea that the primary interest of the band is the music itself, and their positioning in a recording studio will demonstrate how dedicated they are to producing it, as well as accumulating interest for their upcoming album.

However, for the double page spread, the stage and the brick wall are the most suitable contenders for the background. A cracked and damaged brick wall is something that is often used as a backdrop for indie rock bands with a more rock-orientated sound, as it insinuates that they are more ‘in touch’ with urban lifestyle and therefore produce more music of that likeness. The stage would again emphasise the bands dedication to the music they play and how willing they are to interact with their fans, in sharing their music. However, it is necessary to note that a stage may not be available for the photos that I wish to take for Symbal, and this therefore cites a brick wall as the most likely option. Moreover, props such as guitars, hats, and potentially mike stands may be included, allowing for the viewer to make the associated link with both the setting and the band themselves.