Mike Bell: A Music Map Creator - Band Legacies into Art

Music history is full of twists and turns—band members come and go, collaborations shape new sounds, and legendary albums define eras. But how do you capture those intricate stories in a visually striking and informative way? That’s where my work as a Music Map Creator comes in.

I design tube-style music maps that reimagine the history of bands and solo artists, tracing their studio albums, key collaborations, and evolving lineups. Whether it’s David Bowie’s chameleon-like career, the expansive history of The Beatles, or the ever-changing structure of Fleetwood Mac, my maps provide fans with a one-of-a-kind visual representation of music history.

What started as a personal project has become something much bigger—a way for music lovers to connect with their favorite artists freshly and engagingly. My maps are available through my website, mikebellmaps.com, in select record stores, and at my Lewes-based studio in the Needlemakers.

How I Became a Music Map Creator

My deep-rooted love for live music, data visualization, and storytelling shaped my path into music map design. Before making maps, I worked in show and event design, bringing concerts, theatre productions, and large-scale events to life. That experience gave me a unique appreciation for the music industry's behind-the-scenes mechanics, from the changing lineups of touring bands to the intricate details of stage production.

When the lockdowns of 2020 put a pause on live events, I found myself looking for a creative project to keep me engaged. That’s when I started to explore how musical histories could be visualized in a more structured, compelling way.

Rather than presenting band histories as traditional timelines or family trees, I took inspiration from London’s underground maps, where each line represents a clear and easy-to-follow path. Instead of stations, I placed albums, guest musicians, and band members along interconnected routes, showing the evolution of an artist’s career functionally and artistically.

I quickly realized that I had tapped into something special. Fans loved the idea of seeing their favourite musicians’ careers mapped out in such an innovative way. As the project grew, so did my ambition to create more detailed, comprehensive maps.

What Makes My Music Maps Unique?

Many people have created infographics and family trees, but my approach differs. I take the time to research every studio album, ensuring that my maps accurately represent every credited musician, producer, and collaborator.

Here’s what sets my work apart:

1. A Complete Musical Journey in One Place

Each map is a deep dive into an artist’s discography, with every album, lineup change, and guest appearance carefully mapped out. Whether it’s a long-running band with frequent lineup shifts (like Deep Purple or King Crimson) or a solo artist with a vast network of collaborators (like Bob Dylan or David Bowie), my maps reveal the full scope of their creative journey - a music map creator never stops!

2. The Visual Appeal of a Tube Map Format

Music history can be overwhelming, especially when bands have undergone multiple iterations. My tube-style maps make it easy to follow, allowing fans to trace an artist’s history with clear connections and visual logic.

Instead of cluttered family trees or long text-based lists, my maps beautifully represent an artist’s evolution.

3. High-Quality Prints for Collectors and Fans

My maps aren’t just informational—they are designed to be displayed. Each is available as a high-quality art print, perfect for framing in a music lover’s home, record store, or personal collection.

Because they focus on aesthetics and information, they appeal to a wide audience—from die-hard fans who know every deep cut to casual listeners who want to explore a band’s history in a new way.

Expanding Beyond Music – Film, Culture, & More

Although music maps remain at the heart of my work, I’ve also branched into other storytelling and data visualization areas.

For example, my Jaws Movie Plot Map transforms the classic 1975 film into a tube-style journey, with characters and key moments acting as “stops” along interwoven paths. This approach can be applied to many cultural narratives, from cinema and literature to political and sporting histories.

One of my most requested projects is Formula 1. I’ve mapped the 1986 F1 season, capturing the rivalries, team changes, and dramatic moments that defined that year.

Each of these maps follows the same core principle—transforming complex histories into clear, engaging visuals.

You can find them:

🔹 Online at mikebellmaps.com

🔹 At my studio in the Candlemakers, Lewes, UK

🔹 In record stores like Resident Music (Brighton) and others

If you love music history, my maps provide a unique and visually stunning way to celebrate the artists and albums that have shaped your life.

Explore Music History Like Never Before

Whether you’re a dedicated collector or someone who loves discovering new ways to experience music history, my maps offer something unique. They connect fans to their favorite artists in a tangible, visually engaging way, providing an alternative perspective on the albums and musicians that have defined generations.

If you want to own a piece of music history, check out my latest maps at mikebellmaps.com and follow me for updates on new projects.