Mike Bell’s Music Maps - Changing the Way We See Bands and Albums
Mike BellA New Way to Experience Music History - Music Maps
Music isn’t just something we hear—it’s something we live through, collect, analyse, and obsess over. I’ve always believed the stories behind the music are just as compelling as the tracks themselves. That’s exactly why I started designing music maps—to visually trace the journey of legendary bands through their albums, line-ups, and creative evolution.
Instead of charts or timelines, I use the classic tube map format to bring music history to life. Each album becomes a station, and each musician a line, weaving together a band’s story through their recordings, collaborations, and creative intersections.
Why I Created Music Maps
I come from a background in live music and show design, and I’ve spent years surrounded by bands, roadies, sound techs, and the occasional backstage drama. During the 2020 lockdown, with the live music scene on pause, I rediscovered my passion for music and data. I wanted to find a new way to visualise what makes a band a band—and how every album tells part of that story.
That’s when the first music tube map was born.
How They Work: Albums as Stations, Musicians as Lines
Each map focuses on a single band or artist. I chart every studio album they’ve released, showing not only the title and release year, but also every credited musician, guest artist, and collaborator involved.
- Musicians are represented as coloured lines that travel across albums they contributed to.
- Albums are stations where those lines intersect.
- The result? A rich visual that reveals the hidden structure of your favourite records.
You can instantly see who played on what, when they joined, when they left, and how the band's sound shifted with each release. It’s a whole new lens on the music you thought you already knew.
From The Beatles to Bowie, Joy Division to Muse
The collection includes a wide range of bands and artists—from sprawling legacies like David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and The Beatles, to cult favourites like Joy Division, and The Cure. I also explore supergroups, side projects, and solo careers—mapping the entire creative universe that surrounds key musicians.
Some of my most popular maps include:
- The Beatles: Studio Albums & Musicians
- The Cure: A Visual Discography
- Joy Division – New Order & More
- The Smiths: Studio Album Timeline
- David Bowie: Full Studio Discography Map
Each one is printed on archival-quality art paper, all shipped from my Lewes studio and online shop at www.mikebellmaps.com.
Why Music Fans Love Them
Fans tell me my maps help them see the music in a completely new way. Whether they’re collectors, musicians themselves, or lifelong fans of a particular band, there’s something about this format that clicks.
- It sparks conversations.
- It highlights forgotten line-ups.
- It makes a perfect gift for any music lover.
- And it looks stunning on a wall.
These aren’t just posters—they’re visual discographies, artistic timelines, and music history lessons, all rolled into one.
Music Maps as Storytelling
Ultimately, my maps are about storytelling. Every band’s career has its share of twists, turning points, and reinventions. Capturing that visually—and doing it with precision and design flair—is what drives me.
As I often say: "These maps show you more—not just what music sounds like, but how it all fits together."
Explore the Collection
If you’re a fan of music, design, or enjoy discovering new perspectives on familiar things, take a look at the full range of maps on my website: mikebellmaps.com
