For me, the logical starting point is in the masthead. If I can settle on a title for my magazine then I can start to get creative based on the connotations around it. Below are a list of possible names that I could use to define my magazine:
Strum
Strum is a very abrupt, concise title. This gives it an immediate impact on the audience. It's connotations relate to the physical strumming of a guitar and since the guitar is the key instrument in country music it has relevancy towards the genre. Strum could also be seen as direct address, as if inviting the audience to come and engage with a musical instrument.
Country Craze
Country Craze demonstrates a linguistical feature known as alliteration. The fluency in both words makes it an easier pattern to pronounce. By actually stating 'Country' it clarifies the genre and appears honest to the audience. Meanwhile 'Craze' could be associated with a theme not normally present in the country genre. Country music is known for its slow and emotive format, whereas 'craze' adds a sense of energy and excitement to the genre. This implies that country music has seen a rise in popularity and misleads the audience into wanting to be a part of the 'craze'.
Outlaw Country
This, in my opinion, pays tribute to the country genre by denoting its Western origins and gives it a sense of rebellion. Country music was first sung by low-class Americans in search of the American Dream and the lyrics talked about their struggle to survive. 'Outlaw' draws on implications of cowboys and vigilantes who make statements against societal structure. Therefore the title appears like it is campaigning for freedom since there are two ways you can interpret it. 'Outlaw Country' in a literal understanding talks about territory controlled and governed by outlaws, whereas with 'country' referring to the genre, it symbolises how the singers are 'outlaws' who rule themselves.
Country Rhapsody
Symbolism is present most in this title. Rhapsody has links to spontaneous inspiration and contrasting mood and tonality, which is largely present in country music. In terms of its relation to the magazine, it could represent unpredictability and a lack of certainty. The spontaneity it implies relates to the many variations and sub-genres that have derived from it. Rhapsody lends its origins to Greek culture, where a rhapsodist was a 'reciter of epic poetry'. For me, country music is all about poetic interpretation, and this title summarises my attraction to country music.
Both 'Country Rhapsody' and 'Outlaw Country' capture the authenticity and symbolism of the country genre, through historical as well as current contexts. On the one hand, my reasons for selecting 'Outlaw Country' are derived from the historical origins and connotations of freedom fighters. On the other hand 'Country Rhapsody' references the originality and tonal spontaneity of some country music. To summarise, my decision is essentially between the roots of country music and the variations in its style. I find that 'Outlaw Country' has too much historical symbolism, and its relation to music may not be obvious at first. Plus, I think it puts limitations on the modern significance of the country genre. But then again, I like the themes that 'outlaw' connotes.
In conclusion, I am going to title my magazine 'Outlaw Rhapsody' because it combines history and style in a recognisable format. Although the phonetic pronunciation of 'Rhapsody' is misleading in that it sounds like 'rap' the addition of 'outlaw' helps to demonstrate the western relevance. Including 'outlaw' also gives the reader a certain prestige knowing that they are potentially rebels.
Outlaw Country
This, in my opinion, pays tribute to the country genre by denoting its Western origins and gives it a sense of rebellion. Country music was first sung by low-class Americans in search of the American Dream and the lyrics talked about their struggle to survive. 'Outlaw' draws on implications of cowboys and vigilantes who make statements against societal structure. Therefore the title appears like it is campaigning for freedom since there are two ways you can interpret it. 'Outlaw Country' in a literal understanding talks about territory controlled and governed by outlaws, whereas with 'country' referring to the genre, it symbolises how the singers are 'outlaws' who rule themselves.
Country Rhapsody
Symbolism is present most in this title. Rhapsody has links to spontaneous inspiration and contrasting mood and tonality, which is largely present in country music. In terms of its relation to the magazine, it could represent unpredictability and a lack of certainty. The spontaneity it implies relates to the many variations and sub-genres that have derived from it. Rhapsody lends its origins to Greek culture, where a rhapsodist was a 'reciter of epic poetry'. For me, country music is all about poetic interpretation, and this title summarises my attraction to country music.
Both 'Country Rhapsody' and 'Outlaw Country' capture the authenticity and symbolism of the country genre, through historical as well as current contexts. On the one hand, my reasons for selecting 'Outlaw Country' are derived from the historical origins and connotations of freedom fighters. On the other hand 'Country Rhapsody' references the originality and tonal spontaneity of some country music. To summarise, my decision is essentially between the roots of country music and the variations in its style. I find that 'Outlaw Country' has too much historical symbolism, and its relation to music may not be obvious at first. Plus, I think it puts limitations on the modern significance of the country genre. But then again, I like the themes that 'outlaw' connotes.
In conclusion, I am going to title my magazine 'Outlaw Rhapsody' because it combines history and style in a recognisable format. Although the phonetic pronunciation of 'Rhapsody' is misleading in that it sounds like 'rap' the addition of 'outlaw' helps to demonstrate the western relevance. Including 'outlaw' also gives the reader a certain prestige knowing that they are potentially rebels.
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