Conventions of a Magazine Album Advert Poster - Kieran Panchal 9652

An album advert featured in a music magazine have three main functions. These are:

• To promote the artist
• To sell the music project (album/EP/Single)
• To be eye-catching

Most tangeable adverts for music contain these main features:

• The Release Date - This is so consumers know when to expect the product to be available on the market. If an advertisement did not contain a release date, potential customers lose interest in the product, as they would not know when they will be able to own and enjoy the product.

• Album Title - This is so consumers can reference the album. Not only is this important for when the album is being bought, but this also helps spread awareness prior to its release, as it can allow the product to be a talking point. This also can give the consumer an idea of what to expect with the album due to the connotation that many titles can carry. For example, an album titled 'A guide to Love, Loss and Desperation' may give the impression to the audience that the album is themed around romance and sadness. 

• Image of Album Cover - This is so the product can be identified and recognised when it is seen both in stores or online. This can also serve the purpose of being eye-catching and helping to entice consumers to look at the advertisement.

• Name of Artist - This is imperative so that the audience know who the artist releasing the project is. In addition, if the audience are already familiar with a band, they may be more inclined to take more interest and feel that the poster is more relevant to them. 

• Information about the album - This convention is often featured in adverts for the albums of less established bands, as it shows the audience what they can expect from the music. Generally, the audience of well established artists will not require this as they would already most likely have a strong idea of the album's style.

• Point of Sale - This would give the audience an insight into where the product is available to purchase. Contemporary examples of this may be iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify or Google Play.

• Record Label Logo - This can give the audience a further idea of the genre of the artist as many labels are genre specific. This can also add credibility to an album/project as the audience may realise that a band has potential if signed to a label.