.MP3 Magazine Concept
October 2024
".MP3" is a concept magazine that explores the bold fusion of emerging music genres like sugar trap, hyperpop, digital punk, and alt-pop. This issue, titled "Digital Anarchy: The Rise of Cyber Counterculture, features Rico Nasty as the cover star and dives into the genre-bending, visually rebellious, and unapologetically expressive world of artists pushing the boundaries of modern music and culture. The magazine's aesthetic blends Y2K nostalgia with glitch art and digital futurism, capturing the spirit of an era where femininity, rage, and creativity collide.
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Cover Design
The cover features Rico Nasty, embodying the edgy yet feminine Bratz-inspired cyberpunk aesthetic. The bold tagline, "Digital Anarchy: The Rise of Cyber Counterculture in Music," sets the tone for this issue, highlighting themes of rebellion and creativity in the digital age. The subheading, "SUGAR TRAP + HYPERPOP + DIGITAL PUNK + ALT POP," further establishes the issue's focus on genre innovation and visual impact.
Inner Pages
Page 1: Genre-Bending Icons Spread The first inner page is a bold, striking spread dedicated to Rico Nasty. It features several dynamic images of Rico in her most iconic, rebellious looks, enhanced by glitch art and neon accents that emphasize her punk-rap aesthetic. At the center of the page, the bold quote, "Genre deserves to get bent and broken," captures Rico’s approach to music and her role in pushing genre boundaries. This page positions Rico as a pioneer of sugar trap, highlighting her fearless embrace of blending and breaking musical conventions. Page 2: The Digital Punk Revolution The second inner page shifts focus to other genre-defying artists, featuring Charli XCX, Ashnikko, Willow, and Grimes under the headline, “Tracklist of Today.” Each artist is showcased with an image that captures their unique visual style, complemented by a brief profile and quote that highlights their contributions to modern genre-blending. The page’s design uses bright neon accents and glitch-inspired elements to maintain the magazine’s chaotic yet cohesive aesthetic. Sidebars offer “Must-Listen” track recommendations and quick stats that emphasize each artist’s influence in shaping today’s music landscape.
Design Aesthetic
The design language of ".MP3" merges Y2K nostalgia, digital glitch aesthetics, and neon cyberpunk vibes. The color palette features electric pinks, neon greens, and deep blacks, evoking a sense of rebellion and digital futurism. The typography combines bold, modern fonts for headlines with handwritten or graffiti-inspired fonts for quotes, capturing the raw energy and authenticity of the featured artists.
Project Goal
The goal of ".MP3" is to celebrate and document the rise of genre-bending, culture-shifting artists who are challenging the boundaries of music, fashion, and visual art. The magazine aims to reflect the diverse influences and unapologetic creativity of artists like Rico Nasty, Charli XCX, Ashnikko, and Willow, creating a space that captures the chaotic beauty of this digital revolution.
Key Takeaways
Through ".MP3," I aimed to explore how contemporary artists use genre-blending, DIY culture, and bold visual aesthetics to create a new wave of expression. The magazine concept highlights the intersection of music and fashion, capturing the essence of a digital counterculture that thrives on innovation and rebellion.