Music is ingrained into human culture, both reflecting and informing our personal values. Many people form and express their identity, in part, through what music they consume and create. The two magazines in this exhibit reflect different cultures, with Alarm representing “modern rock and roll culture” and Real Magazine representing Christian youth culture. Despite having different target audiences, both of these publications operate from an understanding of the deeper meaning behind the music their readers consume. Real Magazine offers its college student audience content that reflects how music can be integrated into a Christian’s life, while Alarm illuminates how cutting-edge music, art and fashion all (in their own way) contribute to  “modern rock and roll culture”.

Alarm Magazine began in 1995 as a photocopied zine created by founder Chris Force in his parent’s Boston basement. The magazine quickly grew and moved its operations to Chicago in 2002. Throughout its history, Alarm has highlighted musicians, artists, and fashion designers who represent “modern rock and roll culture”, those that mainstream publications tend to overlook. The musicians represent such disparate subgenres as space rock, psychobilly, grindcore and grunge and have included individuals and groups such as Mike Patton, Queens of the Stone Age, Russian Circles, and the Melvins. Issue 16 featured articles about artists such as Puffy AmiYumi, All American Rejects, and Seonna Hong as well as the musical festival Siren Fest (among other features).

Real Magazine was founded in the Chicago area in 1995 with a target audience of Christian college students. It was published by Real Media Group and reached a peak circulation of more than 250,000 while being released at differing intervals (bi-monthly, quarterly, and annually) through its history. The magazine featured articles relevant to its target demographic, such as advice on selecting a college, fasting, and how popular culture can affect people’s lives as well as lighter fare contributed by Christian comedians. The May 1997 issue had a special focus on music and (among other features) included an introduction written by Third Day vocalist Mac Powell, a chart comparing the sound of popular secular artists with similar Christian artists, and an article taking readers backstage with Christian artists Bleach, World Wide Message Tribe, Plankeye, and Jars of Clay.