NME is set to launch tomorrow as a free magazine with record breaking advertising revenues and a world exclusive interview with Rihanna.

The first free print issue of NME has generated the biggest advertising revenue in 15 years and features five times the volume of advertising compared with the corresponding issue last year.

Among the advertisers in the first issue are Hunter, L’Oréal, P&G, eBay, Google Play, Universal Pictures, JVC Headphones, Renault and BMW Mini.

Rihanna is featured on the front cover, wearing a t-shirt with the word ‘free’ emblazoned across it. Paul Cheal, Managing Director of Innovation, Time Inc. UK said: “We are launching an exciting new NME magazine with great commercial appeal into the free market with the benefit of it already being an iconic media brand.

“The launch cover star speaks volumes about NME’s access to the biggest artists in the world.”

NME will launch with a highly targeted distribution strategy delivered at scale nationwide, to reach 46 cities and 85 towns.