 Maps & Atlases formed in fall 2004 when the founding members met in art school at Columbia College Chicago.Bassist Shiraz Dada, drummer Chris Hainey, Dave Davison (guitar and vocals), and guitarist Erin Elders first came together trying to find a sound that was both technical and organic, in the same vein as their influences Don Caballero and Hella.According to bassist Shiraz Dada, the group's name originates from a hand-painted advertisement posted on the side of a building near the college.