MusicMap is an exhaustive and interactive online encyclopedia that visualizes the origin, evolution, and interconnections of over 230 popular music genres from 1870 to 2016. Created by Belgian architect Kwinten Crauwels, this comprehensive platform serves as both an educational tool and a framework for music databases.
Key Features
Interactive Genealogy
MusicMap presents a dynamic, zoomable visual interface known as the “Carta,” which organizes music genres into a hierarchical structure. The map is divided into “super-genres” and further broken down into subgenres, allowing users to explore the relationships and influences between different musical styles.
Multi-Level Detail
The platform offers various levels of detail, from broad “super-genres” to more specific subgenres. Users can zoom in and out to navigate through the different levels, making it easy to identify and compare differences and similarities between various musical styles.
Genre Panels and Playlists
Each genre is accompanied by a detailed panel that includes a short synopsis, a list of representative songs (typically 9-12 examples from different artists), and links to these songs on platforms like YouTube. These playlists are designed to facilitate music exploration and can be extended or replaced by community-generated playlists in the future.
Navigation and Legend Functionality
The website includes a legend that helps users identify and compare different genres. The interface allows for easy navigation using mouse controls to zoom in and out, and drag functions to move around the map.
Additional Resources
MusicMap includes a glossary of musical terms, an acknowledgments section, a bibliography, and navigational functions such as introductions, methodology explanations, and abstracts. These resources enhance the educational value of the platform.
Community and Future Development
The current version (1.0) is part of an ongoing project that aims to improve continuously. Future updates may include expanded playlists, community-generated content, and integration with music streaming services like Spotify.
Functionality
Exploration and Discovery
MusicMap is designed to inspire users to explore music outside their comfort zones. The compact placement of genres and the minimal degree of separation between them encourage users to discover new genres and artists.
Educational Tool
The platform provides a powerful tool for educational purposes, helping users understand the historical and cultural context of various music genres. It balances the complexity of large genealogies with the clarity of synoptic overviews.
Dynamic Map
The Carta map functions like a real-world map, with the vertical axis representing time and the horizontal axis representing super-genres. This spherical projection allows seamless navigation from one genre to another.
In summary, MusicMap is an unparalleled resource for music enthusiasts and educators, offering a comprehensive, interactive, and educational experience that delves into the intricate genealogy and history of popular music genres.