Researching already existing music magazines

In this section of my research I have looked at already existing music magazines to gain ideas of what I may put forward to use or include in my own music magazine. I have particularly looked at magazines which are successful on today's market. By this I acknowledge what content the magazine should contain to make it up to a high standard. To broaden my knowledge I have looked at magazines which convey different type of music magazines. I benefit from this research as I am inspired from these current magazines which will have a significant effect on my magazine plan.

BBC Music

BBC Music is a monthly magazine, which has been first issued in June 1992. The "world's best-selling classical music magazine" which has been at first published by BBC Worldwide has been taken over Immediate Media Company since 2012. The magazine mainly focuses on classical music however sections about jazz and world music can also be found.

XXL Magazine

XXL Magazine is classified as the new voice of hip-hop generation. The magazine which is published by Townsquare Media which was founded in 1997. XXL focuses on music,  style, sports, and politics. All of this content is presented  in a sophisticated and respectful way.

Rolling Stone

A magazine which releases 26 issues per year, has been labeled as the best music magazine out on the market. The magazine has been founded by Jann Wenner, its publisher in 1967. The content which is visible in the magazine is music and pop trend based, however contents such as social commentary on recent news, reviews and politics can be seen.

 New Musical Express

NME is a weekly magazine which is published since March 1952. New Musical Express started as a newspaper and gradually moved towards a magazine format during the 80's. Its largely associated with rock, alternative and indie music.  Inside the magazine we can find reviews, guides, discussions and recent news based around the magazines music interests.

Vibe

Vibe has been founded by producer Quincy Jones. The publications provides us with latest news, music reviews and new music reports. After shutting down the production in 2009 it has been bought by InterMedia Partners. The magazine is mainly targeted at young,urban followers of hip-hop culture. 

Complex

Complex is a New York based media network which runs since 2002. It is founded by Marc Ecko and is published monthly by Rich Antoniello the CEO. The magazine consists of two main topics, product guide and lifestyle magazine and is based on pop culture and hip-hop. Additionally in the magazine we can find niche cultures such as street wear, sneaker culture and graphic art .

Billboard

Being the world's premier music publication, Billbard provides us with the latest news, music reviews, new artists and their newest tracks as well as current trends in the music industry. The magazine is owned by Prometheus Global Media and is on the market since 1894. It is distinguished as being among the oldest trade magazines in the world. Billboards Top Charts are the music industrys primary source for weekly album sales and top artists.

Guitar Player

This magazine is very specific in its target audience as it is mainly created for serious guitarists who want to become better at playing and more informed about current guitar music news and trends, especially in terms of artists or guitar gear. The magazine is owned by a company called New Bay Media and has been founded in 1967.