Proposal For Blues Magazine

BLUES MAGAZINE PROPOSAL

Genre:

Musical genre and form originated in deep south of United States around 1870's by African Americans from roots in African musical traditions, work songs, spirituals and folk music of white European heritage.

Artists include:

• BB King - one of the most identifiable guitar styles in the world. Performing and recording his style of Blues for over 60 years influencing other Blues musicians.
• Buddy Guy - greatest proponent of Chicago blues. Known for his showmanship as well as musical skill. Influencing artists of the 60's and beyond.
• Robert Johnson - One of the first Blues musicians to reach notoriety aided by his skill as a singer, musician, song-writer and performer. 
• Bessie Smith - Most often mentioned in blues and opened many doors for female musicians who came after her. Her strong voice and style set the standard for jazz and blue singers.
• Muddy Waters 
• Howlin' Wolf
• Bonnie Raitt
• Etta James - Popularised blues in a time when it wasn't so recognised. Defied genre and built a bridge between blues and rock.
• Eric Clapton - Popularised blues for white audiences. Most blues guitar players today are influenced by his work. 
• Stevie Rae Vaughan 
• Jimi Hendrix

Typical instruments: Guitar, Piano, Harmonica, Bass, Drums, Slide Guitar, Trombone, Xylophone

Derivative Forms: Bluegrass, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Country Music

Venues in North London: St Harmonica's Blue Club, Ain't Nothin But The Blues Bar, The Old Blue Last

Purpose:

• Magazine as a whole: Inspired by the belief to bring back a genre that is considered outdated into the modern world and popularise it. Especially with the common musical attitude of defying genres and bringing a variety, Blues is one artists should definitely consider.
• Particular article: New artist on the rise, discussing how they first got noticed and the modern interpretations they must consider to be easily reachable and influential. 

Content:

• Column on artists who have changed the genre for the better and have made the Blues genre recognisable and 'put a face' to the genre. 
• DPS on Interview with new artist on the rise to getting noticed, how they have achieved this, how they must adapt to modern day circumstances, the idea of mixing genres and the use of discography, sampling and more...
• Front cover following most recognised theme of blues and what is often associated with Blues to grab audiences attention. Incorporating a twist to attract new audiences and make even more attractive. 
• Advertisements as a source of funds specific to the category of Blues and the music genre. More general basis of advertising as it is often difficult to find brands on such specific sub-categories. So music-themed advertisements would suffice.
• Follows consistent theme throughout whether it's a specific colour scheme or the use of patterns, icons or textures. 
• Area including social media platforms and details to get in touch and best submissions get featured under the specific hashtag of the magazine 

Form:

Classic use of glossy paper: smooth and shiny finish, protective, fibres and paper are coated and filled in to create an even surface.

Paperback: protective for the exterior cover, shiny finish, professional and effective.
Paper size: A4 - standard and practical 

Entertainment themed magazine to fulfil and satisfy the target audiences interests and fill a gap in the market for modern-day-yet-old-genre products.

Distribution:

• Promoted and displayed in music venues around North London and in entertainment facilities such as sports leisure centres, cinemas and libraries.
• New editions appear monthly providing subscriptions if granted by the target audience to be delivered to their front doors.
• Subscriptions to deliver cost but otherwise distribution and magazine is free publicly.
• Frequency of around 20,000 magazines made monthly to distribute out.
• Additional magazines made if consumer wishes to have theirs delivered.

Target Audience:

• Demographic mainly consists of social butterflies followed by standard fare partners and then jazz-centred omnivores.
• Mostly enjoyed by full-time workers, significantly higher than part-time and retired, which is much less.
• Education status is mostly bachelors degree, shortly followed by masters degree and then a professional degree. (Minimal A-levels)
• Marital status: over 65% married compared to not married or partnered.
• Overall listeners are white/Caucasian as opposed to just over 20% not white.
• Age: over 25% are aged 45-54, shortly followed by 25% 18-34 and 5% 65+

Overall: full-time workers, well educated, middle-aged, sociable, married, white.

• Lives in North London
• NRS Social Grade of B-C2
• Between 35-45 years old
• Married white woman

Resources and personnel:

• Computer desktop (for research, editing, ideas)
• Software: Photoshop (editing, creation of magazine, layout)
• DSLR camera (taking pictures, original media)
• 18-55mm lens (range of close up/long distance shots)
• Tripod (placement of camera in shots)
• Spare DSLR battery (for emergencies, long photoshoots)
• DSLR memory card (extra storage and backup of media produced)
• Camera bag (protection of equipment whilst on the go)
• Props (if needed in shots)

• Model 
• Photographer
• Photo editor
• Magazine editor 
• Content writer/journalist

Cut costs by using one person to photograph and edit and having someone else to model.