As part of my audience research, I have created a moodboard focussing on the Mod scene. Although I previously stated the magazine was not specifically a cult magazine, I felt that as much of the classic legendary bands covered in my publication originated in the British Music Scene (some from the Mod era), it was important for me to do extensive background research into the Mod scene. Below is a list of the things I am portraying about this cult, in my moodboard.

 

 

• Style - The Mods were all about their image, the way they dressed, where they metM how they got about etc. For these reasons I have used a number of images of Brighton Pier, Scooters (including key brands) and focussing on the iconography of the suits. These are huge symbols of the Mod Scene, and were a way of Mods identifying with one another and speaking out about injustices they faced, showing that it was more than just the music, which is something I would like to champion in my Music Magazine (the style), from the Mod era and beyond. The imagery of the festivals and Brighton back up this point that being a Mod was a way of life, summed up by the Paul Weller quote; "I was born a Mod, they'll bury me a Mod".

 

 

• Culture - Music from this era, spoke out about many social injustices, and in particular, anger at the establishment, which is largely down to the fact that most bands of this era were from a working class background, symbolised by the use of a 1960's image of Woking. Images of riots show clashes are used show both musical and social influence, with not only Rockers (the big rivals of the Mods) but also the Police, displaying moments that have gone down in history, such as 1963 Mods & Rockers rioting on Brighton Seafront and the miners riots of the 70's. Bands such as The Jam and the Kinks show championed these causes in particular, and the phrase "Working Class Hero" was an idea used by the lower classes, as a symbol of hope. Vicky Pollard was used as a comical way of portraying the working class.

 

 

• Influences - Images of The Beatles, John Lennon & Chuck Berry, show how followers of the Mod Scene, were influenced stylistically by older artists from outside their cult group. Ska imagery also show the effects other influences had on other areas of the Mod Scene.

 

 

• Unity - As previously mentioned, Mods dressed and spoke in certain ways, hung about in certain places, rode certain scooters etc as a way of identifying with one another, and making a public standard against inequalities that oppressed the working classes at the time. The images od Mod gatherings, festivals, and groups of men show this.