Audience Research Part 2 - Focus Group

This is my focus group, and I had them answer some questions regarding the comparison of two R&B magazines. I had them compare Billboards September 2012 edition, and Vibe’s May 2010 edition.

Here are the questions I asked, and the responses from my focus group:

11)      Firstly, what type of music do you like to listen to?

Alana: I like pop, and R&B music, especially the more up-tempo stuff. Honestly, I think there is quite a lot available for this genre – especially pop because it’s the stuff that’s always at the top of the charts. Recently I have been interested in mid-tempo R&B, similar to what is being done in alternative R&B. I think that in modern day, there is so many choices of music genres to listen to, which I think we are lucky to be exposed to.                        

Rhea: I listen to mainly Hip-Hop, rap, and alternative R&B. I like the way that lyrics can be used to portray and communicate different messages, and tell stories because I think that on the radio we are only exposed to music that is missing these ideas.

Neel: Personally, I like alternative R&B, especially as it is a genre that is becoming more and more known. Artists like The Weeknd, who focus on the music content rather than the fame and money side of his career are really good to see because there isn't a lot of mystery around artists these days.

2) Specifically what do you think about the features on the covers?
N: The billboard cover is very plain, because there are only three different features, but that lets you focus on the photograph. The features apply to the genre of the magazine, and they are a balance between being music related and rivalry between other music artists. I think that they should expand on what they put for the features because it doesn't give you an insight into the rest of the magazine.
A: I think that the Vibe cover has a good selection of different features because some of them include fashion, music, culture, sports and obviously music artists but then some of them might not be relevant for some music magazines. I prefer when there is more content regarding music when I buy a music magazine. I like the fonts that they have used because it is clear to read against the background, and there is a good balance between red and white. I think the main feature which is meant to be about Trey Songz is a bit small because if you didn't know who he was you may confuse his name with the others on the cover. I think that the numbers could have been put in another colour, to help them stand out more, however it would distract us from the main focus of the cover.

3) What do you specifically think about the photographs that have been used on the covers?
R: I think that the image on the Billboard cover is very bright, as they have added that lens flare/light at the top. I think that some may think it is difficult to see but I think it makes her look younger and it suits a pop genre more. I think that the limited colours on the page are all taken from the undertones of the cover photo, so everything sits together well. I don't like the fact  that her head covers the masthead because you can't read the masthead, but I don't think that it is necessary as Billboard is well known.
A: I think that the photo is very sexual because he doesn't have clothes on, he is looking directly at the camera, and they have made his body wet. I think that this is appealing to women more then men but then this is balanced out by the features and colour choices. The fact that the background is tiles shows that he is in a shower, so I think that this is definitely more appealing to women.

4) What are your thoughts on the colour schemes?
R: I think that the colour scheme for the Billboard cover is harder to work out, because on first glance you would say that there isn't one, but I think that they established their colour scheme from the undertones in her skin, her eyes and the Billboard logo.
N: The combination of red, white and black is used a lot in music magazines as well as Vibe, and I think they all make each other stand out here. I think that it matches the masthead too much because its quite a large space taken up by the one colour of red. The fact that the photograph is quite dark makes the red and white stand out more, which is good and easy to read.

5) Who do you think the covers/magazines are aimed at?
N: I think that the Billboard cover is aimed at people between the ages of 16 and 35, because of the genre of music that the cover artist makes. Also, the colours may be more appealing to women, because they are lighter and the picture is more feminine.
A: The Vibe cover is aimed at women because of the sexual nature of the photograph, but I think that the features are more suited to people that are interested in Hip-Hop culture because there is a wide variety of different topics on them.

6)      Overall, what do you think about the Vibe cover?

R: I think it definitely makes a statement. Especially with his gestures and facial expressions and things like his body. You can just tell who he is. He is definitely presented in a sexual way, and the water dripping on his body exaggerates that. I like the colours - they're used a lot in magazines and I like the way the features are spread out.

N: It looks kind of powerful, but that’s just because we can see so much of him, and the picture takes up a large amount of the cover. The spacing out and layout looks good but I think they could’ve fitted more on the front.

 7)      Overall, what do you think of the Billboard cover?

A: She looks really innocent, kind of sweet but to be honest I think that’s just from the brightness of the cover. I think her styling suits what the coverlines are saying. I think I prefer the vibe cover though, it’s more impactful.

N: I like the way they layered the text over her hair, and then hid some underneath her arm - it looks professional. The little circle on the top right corner adds some ‘fun’ to it, and it kind of mimics the font of the masthead.