Why Map Software Can't Replace a Creative Mind
People often ask me, “Is there a bit of software that automatically creates these maps?” If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard that, I’d probably be on a beach somewhere.
The truth is, there’s no button you can press to generate one of my music maps. Software can’t do it—because it’s not just data. Every map I design is the result of deep research, structured manually, and crafted with artistic care. These aren’t automated diagrams. They’re visual histories, built by hand.
Deep Research Without Map Software
Gathering Detailed Discographies
Before any design work begins, I spend weeks compiling detailed discography data. That means going beyond what's readily available online. I use:
- Liner notes and album credits (excellent sources, though often incomplete)
- Official band discographies for cross-checking information
- Interviews, biographies, and fan sites full of rare insights
- Historical music encyclopaedias and archives, especially for older artists
There’s no single source that holds all the answers. And that’s precisely why automated tools fall short—they can’t piece together scattered, inconsistent information.
Complex Lineups and Changing Musicians
Some bands, like The Beatles, are pretty straightforward. Others, such as Fleetwood Mac, King Crimson, or Frank Zappa, are a tangle of lineup changes and guest appearances. Just figuring out who played what on which album can take days.
I build spreadsheets, cross-reference sources, and dig into each release. This type of work is beyond the capabilities of standard mapping software.
Turning Music Data into Visual Maps
From Raw Data to a Designed Map
Once the data’s gathered, the next job is to translate it into something visual. That’s where the real thinking begins:
- Each studio album becomes a “station”, marking a key moment in the band’s history
- Each musician becomes a “line” running through the albums they played on
- Guest artists or short-term members appear as “interchanges,” showing connections
There’s no automatic way to do this. Every decision—what to show, what to simplify, how to structure it—is made by me, not by a computer.
Why Map Software Falls Short
It’s tempting to think software could take over this process. But there are a few reasons why it can’t:
- Music history isn’t linear. It’s messy, nuanced and full of odd exceptions.
- Not all musicians are equal—some are core members, others appear once or twice.
- Good design needs human judgement. It’s not just lines and dots—it’s a story.
- Each band is different. No single template fits all.
Designing the Map: More Than Drawing Lines
Building a Visual Layout
Once I’ve structured the data, it’s time to design the map. That means:
- Choosing colours to distinguish artists, eras or album cycles
- Positioning stations and adjusting lines to keep them readable
- Resolving overlaps and intersections without losing clarity
This part blends artistic instinct with technical control. It's not just decoration—it's the heart of making it legible and engaging.
Refining the Details
Design isn’t fast. I spend hours:
- Tweaking labels and spacing to avoid clutter
- Checking every name, date and line for accuracy
- Ensuring the final layout feels balanced and clean
No app can do that kind of refinement. It relies entirely on human effort, judgment, and care.
Bringing It to Life in Print
High-Quality Production
When the design is finished, I move on to print production. That means:
- Using thick, museum-grade art paper for sharp results
- Running detailed checks to ensure nothing’s missing or misaligned
The final print isn’t just a data visual—it’s a celebration of the music, made to last and display proudly.
More Than Just Data
These maps aren’t just infographics; they tell the story of a band’s evolution—the musicians who shaped the sound, the albums that marked key milestones, and the hidden connections that fans love to trace.
