EMF biography
EMF ("Epsom Mad Funkers") are an indie dance band from the United Kingdom. The band, from the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, came to prominence at the beginning of the 1990s. During its initial eight year run (1989-1997), EMF had released three studio albums and had gone on hiatus and reformed twice. Their first single, "Unbelievable," reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart,
Band name
The name "EMF" is an abbreviation of "Epsom Mad Funkers", a name taken from a fan club of the band New Order.
The initials were rumored at times to stand for something else. The song, "Head the Ball", which featured on the remix single release of "Lies," featured the repeating lines "Electro Motive Force" and "Ecstasy Mother Fuckers" during the song, the two most commonly rumoured names.
The band was signed by EMI/Parlophone after four concerts, without even being asked for a demo tape.
Members
- James Atkin (vocals, guitars), born James Saul Atkin, 28 March 1969, Birmingham
- Ian Dench (guitars, keyboards), born 7 August 1964, Cheltenham
- Derry Brownson (keyboards and samples), born 10 November 1970, Gloucester
- Mark Decloedt (drums), born 26 June 1969, Gloucester
Former members
- Zac Foley (bass), born Zachary Sebastian Rex James Foley, 9 December 1970, Gloucester; died on 3 January 2002 of a drug overdose. The remaining members of EMF played just four more gigs in late 2002, before deciding to split up, until reforming again in 2007.
- Milf (DJ, Samples), born in Gloucester, now living in France.
Biography
Formation (1989)
They originally toured with the DJ Milf EMF, who now has his own band called Stateside Hombres, and released music under the name Jose Sanchez. All the members were relatively well known in the local music scene before forming EMF in Cinderford, in October 1989. Brownson had formed a band called Flowerdrum with his brother Leigh, but left to join Foley, Decloedt and Atkin as EMF. Dench was last to join, having already tasted moderate success as a member of Apple Mosaic.
Their music mixed light techno elements with rockier sounds - EMF regularly used samplers and sequencers. It has often been argued that EMF's music was influenced by Jesus Jones. In fact, the two bands formed a close relationship. Their music has also been counted as part of Madchester and indie dance. They toured the UK in 1990 with Stereo MCs, who were at that point relatively unknown.
Schubert Dip and Stigma (1990-1992)
In 1990, their debut "Unbelievable" topped the charts in many countries around the world, reaching the number one in the US in July 1991. The single featured sampled utterances from comedian Andrew Dice Clay. In 1991, EMF released their debut album Schubert Dip which went to number 3 in the UK. The name was explained by songwriter Ian Dench, as "If ever I'm short of a chord sequence I nick one from Schubert." Successful singles from their debut included "I Believe", "Children", and "Lies". The last one turned controversial for including a voice sample of Mark Chapman, John Lennon's murderer. Yoko Ono achieved an injunction, and a modified version was included in future pressings.
Biography from 
, the free encyclopedia.
It may not have been reviewed by a professional editor, and recent changes may not show up straight away. See the latest version of this article. Used under licence. Subject to disclaimers.