Uses and Gratifications of Music Magazines

McQuail (1983) classified the following common reasons for media use:

Information

• finding out about relevant events and conditions in immediate surroundings, society and the world - in music magazines the readers can gain an insight into the world of music which they are initially interested.
• seeking advice on practical matters or opinion and decision choices - the magazines can sometimes allow the readers to help make those decisions that they feel could be important to their lives, the magazines can influence these decisions and choices of the reader.
• satisfying curiosity and general interest - music magazines inform the reader about recent news on topics such as bands and tour dates of interest.
• learning/self-education - music magazines can be read by their audiences to learn about the bands and music style that interests them. People may also buy the magazine to extend their knowledge of music further.

Personal Identity

• finding reinforcement for personal values - people can read magazines based upon a typical musical genre and find within them views which could be used personally and seen as meaningful
• finding models of behavior - music magazines can easily and frequently depict character, such as bands or singers which can influence the readers behavior and ways of life.
• identifying with valued others (in the media) - music magazines containing interviews and personal views by the bands and singers can allow the reader to draw some identification between themselves and the artist.

Integration and Social Interaction

• Gaining insight into the circumstances of others - similar to identifying with them, the reader can read and learn about some of the situations and hardships many artists can endure.
• identifying with others and gain a sense of belonging - others with a similar choice in music can interact with the reader through pages on magazines; knowing they feel similar or some matters helps the reader gain a sense of belonging.
• finding a basis for conversation and social interaction - many people that enjoy similar music often use this as a base for conversation. music magazine articles also allow a thread for conversation; about a band or tour for example.

Entertainment

• escaping from problems - some readers will read a magazine to take them somewhere else. a music magazine containing an article about a recent performance by a band can easily be an escape for music fans
• Relaxing and filling time - readers may see the music magazine just as an aid to relax or fill time due to the fairly easy reading written in them commonly.