London, UK

Sony Music has unveiled a graphic installation documenting the company’s 125 year musical history. Designed by Alex Fowkes, the Sony Music Timeline runs throughout the central atrium of Sony’s open plan Derry Street offices. The installation features nearly 1000 names of artists signed to Sony Music and its affiliated labels from the foundation of Columbia Records in 1887 to the present day, including musical icons Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, The Clash, Michael Jackson and many many more.

Interspersed among the artist names are certain key developments in technology, musical formats and corporate history — from the invention of early recording cylinders to vinyl, cassette, CD, radio, MTV, the Sony Walkman, the iPod and the introduction of digital streaming services. The work is organised by decade into 54 columns measuring over 2 meters tall and covering almost 150 square meters of wall space. It uses CNC cut vinyl as the sole medium for the whole installation.

Sony’s partnership with Fowkes is set to continue as the Sony Music Timeline will grow each year with the addition of new artist names signed by the major.

(Thanks to my colleague Adrian Shum for the link).