The Strad and Mojo Comparison

Q. 5 Refer to Extracts 1 and 2 in the Insert. 

How far is the different media language used in the two extracts due to the different target audiences – popular music and classical music fans – of MOJO and Strad magazines? 

In your answer you should: 

 analyse the media language in Extracts 1 and 2, which are from MOJO and Strad magazines 

 make judgements and draw conclusions about how far the media language is used differently in both extracts to fit different target audiences.                            (15 marks)

Both Magazines contrast completely in portraying language through popular and classical music in many ways. In The Strad magazine they use serif font as their main text on the front cover. This could be to portray they are a serious, professional magazine and want to connote to their audience that their musician on the front is amazing. We can also see they want to be respected as a serious magazine due to their magazine name 'The Strad'. Strad is short for Stradivarius which is a type of instrument (usually violin) which was built be Antonio Stradivarius in the 17th and 18th centuries. These violins are very rare and really expensive as well as having strong value behind the name ,just like the 'Strad' magazine. 

On the other hand, Mojo magazine uses a reggae style font as the magazine is based around Bob Marley and his style of music. The main text is coloured in the Jamaican flag and so is the theme of the magazine. This connotes to Mojos readers that they embrace all artists and their individuality which completely opposes who they usually place on their from covers, being white males in their prime. 

Strad also present Rachel Podger as the main splash in a very angelic way. She is portrayed with a stained church glass window behind her, possibly meaning she was playing rosary songs in church, and a soft glow on her face. This conveys Strad take their musicians appearance very seriously and believe they deserve great respect. This could also link to the quote on the front page 'You have to give yourself over to this painful journey', stating that all musicians went through hours of hard work to get to where they are now.

In contrast, Mojo presents Bob Marley with 'comfy' clothes on, again possible connoting his style and way of popular music.