EMAP prepares to launch Kingsize music magazine

EMAP Performance is adding to its music magazine portfolio by launching a new title, Kingsize, in March.

The publication, intended to be a monthly magazine after the launch of its first test issue, follows the closure of Select last year.

Kingsize, with an initial print run of 600,000 to 700,000, will come under the EMAP Performance Rock umbrella, which includes Kerrang!, Mojo and Q. The magazine will have about 130 pages. The cover price has not yet been revealed.

The new title, aimed at 18- to 28-year-olds, will cover everything from rock to hip-hop and will also include features on sports such as snowboarding and video games such as BMX.

The management of Q, Mojo and Kerrang! will oversee the new title.

EMAP claims there is no close competitor for Kingsize, which will be a “hybrid” of Q and Kerrang!.

Dave Henderson, managing director of EMAP Performance Rock, says: “The magazine will be exciting, glossy, aggressive and present a very American world, with everything from Wu Tang Clan to Eminem.

“We have pushed ahead with the launch since we saw a gaping hole in this market. Kingsize will be for those who do not want Kerrang! since it comes out every week, or find Q too mainstream.”

Henderson says that the timing of the closure of Select and the new launch is purely coincidental.

EMAP is also planning to launch a spin-off to Q in March. It will be a 12-inch square LP-sized version of Q, which will be priced at about £5.99.