Design Studio Creates Intricate Map of Alternative Music History

November 13, 2016 5:00 am
The Sex Pistols pose for a portrait in front of their tour bus during the band's final tour. (Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)
The Sex Pistols pose for a portrait in front of their tour bus during the band’s final tour. (Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)
Richard E. Aaron

 

UK-based design studio Dorothy has mapped out what they consider to be the history of alternative rock.

Their complex map, which connects multiple subgenres of underground rock music from the 1950s through the present day, follows the layout of a transistor radio’s circuit board, and identifies the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, Joy Division, and the Smiths as key points in the development of alternative rock. Naturally, three of those four bands are British.

 

All told, the map connects over 300 musicians, artists, and producers who contributed to alternative rock, in the same way that a knowledgeable record store clerk might like listening recommendations.

Each poster is 2 feet by 2.5 feet, with metallic gold ink on dark blue, uncoated stock. If you’re interested in buying one for yourself, you can order them directly from Dorothy via their website. Check their map for the electronic music, too (previewed below).

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