Analysis: NME double page spread

In this Double page spread featuring Florence and the machine the language used throughout the article is informal so to create a relaxed relationship between NME and the reader, they are talking to the reader as a friend with inside music knowledge, this informality allows the reader to feel like they are being let into the lives of the artists who feature throughout the pages of NME. Although the language is used is informal it still uses good grammar and a wide vocabulary as it informing the reader.

The double page spread features Florence Welch from the hit band Florence and the machine. The headline is “USA got the love”, ‘USA’ is in a larger bolder font which occupies most of the double page spread this is as the article is about Florence’s success in America, as a British artist this is a great achievement. ‘Got the love’ is a pun reference to Florence and the machine’s number one song ‘You have got the love’ that fans will be able to recognise.

The main image of Florence relates to the main sell line as she is sitting on the American flag made instantly identifiable to the audience by the iconic red and white stripes. Florence is looking directly into the camera making eye contact with the audience and pouting. She is wearing black leather shorts a matching top and sky scraper heels, her make-up ties in with her look as she has dark grey smokey eyes, her hair is styled in loose care free curls and is her signature flame red colour this gives her the iconic rebellious rock and roll chick look. This look will appeal to the target audience as NME mainly consists of a male readership and Florence Welch is styled as the ultimate rock chick, the fantasy girl for male readers. As for the minority of female readers she is someone they look up to and aspire to be like as she has reached success with her music, the female readers may be inspired by her unique rebellious style and may be encouraged to have the same care free attitude as Florence Welch.

Although the gender representation of Florence Welch is not stereotypical as women are often overshadowed by males within the music industry as NME is aimed at a prodominatley male audience. As Florence is the head member of the band she is used as a indie music icon for other women to relate to and aspire to be like, she shows that musical success by a female lead band is possible, her success is emphasised as the story talks about her breakthrough in the U.S.A reflecting her ambitions and the product of her attitudes, empowering other women to reach the same levels of success. Although this article mainly appeals to the minority  of female members of the target audience the image will appeal to the males as Florence is presented in a sexualised way as the males fantasy girl.

The pull quote used to lure the audience into reading the article states ‘She’s 2009 biggest success story, with America at her feet. So why is Florence Welch lying on the floor attacking herself’ this sell-line allows the reader to see an unexpected yet more realistic side of Florence Welch. Although she is portrayed as glamorous and successful she the pull line shows that like everyone is she has her own insecurities. The readers will be able to relate to this as human beings we all have parts of our self-esteem that could be improved on.

The colour scheme of red, white, black and blue relates to the main heading of the article as it is the patriotic colours of the American flag.