Brand Tone

Authentic & Unfiltered, Passionate & Independent, Informative & Objective, Community-Oriented & Collaborative, Resilient & Evolving

Brand Values

• •Independence: Freedom from major labels, sponsors, and mainstream influence is a core tenet.
• •Authenticity: Promoting genuine talent and stories.
• •Discovery: Providing a platform for largely uncovered, artists.
• •Quality Curation: Focusing on the merit of the subject matter.
• •Supporting Artists: Aiming to highlight the disconnect where artists struggle despite innovation and providing a platform for them. Also, offering fair compensation to contributors.
• •Global Reach with Local Roots: Originating in the UK scene and now expanding globally.

Best Practices

• •Champion the Underdog: Always frame content in a way that highlights unique, emerging, or independent aspects. Use language that empowers and gives voice to the less-known.
• •Speak Authentically & Directly: Avoid overly corporate or marketing jargon. Use clear, honest, and straightforward language that resonates with an audience tired of mainstream narratives. Think "unfiltered lens."
• •Emphasize "Independent" and "Quality": Regularly reinforce these core values in descriptions, calls to action, and general communication. This differentiates CONE from mainstream publications.
• •Foster Community & Collaboration: Use inclusive language ("join us," "we," "our community"). When addressing potential contributors, be respectful and clear about opportunities, including payment.
• •Stay Curious & Passionate: Let genuine enthusiasm for art, music, and culture shine through. The tone should feel like it's written by fans, for fans, but with an expert curatorial eye.

Social Perception

For Artists & Creators: Likely perceived as a valuable platform for exposure, especially for emerging and independent artists, given their mission to spotlight "underdogs." The calls for paid contributions would be seen positively. For Readers: Seen as a source for discovering new and authentic talent in music, art, and culture, away from mainstream hype. Readers likely appreciate the independent and unfiltered perspective. Industry Perception: Other media and industry professionals might see Cone Magazine as a dedicated niche player with a clear focus on independent arts. Their willingness to pay contributors positions them as a serious publication.

Copy Examples

• •Social Media Post (Promoting a new artist): Tired of the algorithm? So are we. Dive into the raw, unfiltered sound of [Artist Name] – an artist you won't find on your usual playlist, but you'll wish you had sooner. Discover genuine talent on CONE. Link in bio. #IndependentMusic #AuthenticSounds #ConeMagazine #UnderdogMusic
• •Website Banner (Shop Promotion): Beyond the Mainstream. Beyond the Hype. CONE Shop: Vinyl, merch, and more from the artists who dare to be different. Support independent creators. #ConeRecords #IndieArt #MusicDiscovery
• •Email Newsletter Subject Line (New Issue/Content): No Filters, Just Fire: Your Weekly Dose of Real Art & Music from CONE.
• •Call for Contributors Ad: Got an ear for the unheard? An eye for the unseen? CONE Magazine champions independent voices. We're looking for passionate writers and creators to help us uncover the next wave of talent. We pay our contributors. Pitch us. #WriteForCone #IndieCulture #CreativeOpportunities
• •'About Us' Snippet: At CONE, we dig deeper. We're an independent magazine and media platform dedicated to the authentic, the innovative, and the overlooked in music, film, and culture. Join us in celebrating the artists who define their own path. #TrueToTheArt #ConeCommunity