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EMF (band)

From Alfawiki
EMF
Company typeGroup or band
IndustryMusic
Founded1989 in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England
Headquarters
Cinderford
,
England, United Kingdom
ProductsMusic albums, singles

EMF is an alternative rock group originating from Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England, who gained significant attention during the early 1990s. Over their initial active period from 1989 to 1997, they produced three studio albums before entering a break. Their first single, "Unbelievable", achieved a peak position of number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and secured the top spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their debut album, Schubert Dip, reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. In April 2022, EMF released Go Go Sapiens, marking their first new album in 27 years.

Origins (1989)

Prior to forming EMF in October 1989 in Cinderford, all members were active within the Forest of Dean music community. Keyboardist Derry Brownson departed from Flowerdrum to join forces with bassist Zac Foley, drummer Marc Decloedt, DJ Milf, and vocalist James Atkin. Guitarist Ian Dench, previously part of Apple Mosaic, was the final addition to complete the lineup. The band’s name, EMF, stands for Epsom Mad Funkers, a nod to a New Order fan club.

Their musical style is a fusion of indie rock, dance-rock, and indie dance. In 1990, they toured across the UK supporting Stereo MCs.

Schubert Dip and Stigma Era (1990–1992)

EMF’s debut single "Unbelievable" was released in 1990 and achieved international success, reaching number one in the United States by July 1991. The track incorporated samples from comedian Andrew Dice Clay. Their first album, Schubert Dip, released in 1991, climbed to number 3 in the UK charts. Ian Dench explained that the album title references borrowing chord progressions from composer Schubert. Notable singles from this period include "I Believe", "Children", and "Lies". The latter contained a contentious sample of Mark David Chapman, which led to legal action by Yoko Ono and subsequent modifications.

In 1992, EMF issued the Unexplained EP, featuring a rendition of "Search and Destroy", alongside their sophomore album Stigma. Both releases experienced limited commercial success. Singles such as "Getting Through", "They're Here", and "It's You" were part of this phase. Additionally, that year EMF contributed "Unbelievable (The Hovering Feet Mix)" to the Red Hot + Dance compilation by the Red Hot Organization, aimed at raising funds for AIDS awareness.

Cha Cha Cha Album and Initial Disbandment (1995–2000)

The band’s third studio effort, Cha Cha Cha, arrived in 1995 and included singles like "Perfect Day" and "Bleeding You Dry". During this time, EMF also collaborated with comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer on a cover of The Monkees’ "I'm a Believer", which peaked at number 3 on UK charts.

Following the disappointing reception of their single Afro King, EMF decided to part ways. Band members embarked on separate musical ventures: Ian Dench formed the indie group Whistler, James Atkin started the big beat outfit Cooler, Derry Brownson joined alternative rock trio LK, and Zac Foley became bassist for Carrie.

Reunion Phase and Subsequent Hiatus (2001–2006)

In 2001, EMF came together again for a performance in London and released a compilation album titled Epsom Mad Funkers: The Best of EMF.

Tragically, bassist Zac Foley passed away on January 3, 2002, at age 31 due to a drug overdose involving substances not prescribed to him. Following his death, EMF played four additional concerts later that year before disbanding once more.

Second reunion and third hiatus (2007–2009)

In 2007, EMF came together once more for a singular performance at London's Scala on 18 December, with Richard March (previously of Pop Will Eat Itself and Bentley Rhythm Ace) stepping in for Foley. The following year, they appeared at the Portsmouth Festival and served as support for Carter USM at both Birmingham Academy and Brixton Academy. By May 2009, due to personal circumstances, the band declared they would cease performing live, bringing this reunion period to a close.

Third reunion (2012–2019)

EMF made their comeback in 2012 with a set at Lakefest in Tewkesbury, sharing the bill with Levellers and Dodgy. Stevey Marsh joined as the new bassist for this occasion. To celebrate the 21st anniversary reissue of Schubert Dip, they played the album in its entirety. Later that year, they headlined Westbury Festival in August and, in December, delivered full performances of both Schubert Dip and Stigma at Gloucester Guildhall. This concert was captured and later released as the live Blu-ray/DVD titled Videodrome: Long Live the New Flesh. EMF also topped the lineup at Indie Daze in London on 1 October 2016.

From Us To You, Go Go Sapiens and The Beauty and the Chaos (2020–present)

In 2020, EMF launched From Us to You, a comprehensive vinyl box set spanning their career, featuring remastered albums alongside previously unreleased demos and tracks not included on studio releases. On 1 April 2022, they unveiled Go Go Sapiens, their first collection of new material in several years, preceded by the single "Sister Sandinista" released on 1 March. A UK tour followed in April 2022 to promote the album.

January 2024 marked the arrival of their fifth studio album, The Beauty and the Chaos, produced again with longtime collaborator Ralph Jezzard. The lead track "Hello People" includes guest vocals from Stephen Fry. Touring activities continued with a co-headlining UK tour alongside Jesus Jones and extended into US dates in June 2025 featuring Spacehog and Ecce Shnak.

On 25 August 2025, BBC broadcasted EMF - The Unbelievable Journey, a radio documentary highlighting the band's formative years and underscoring their lasting influence within alternative rock.

Members

  • James Atkin (vocals, guitars, keyboards)
  • Ian Dench (guitars, keyboards)
  • Stevey Marsh (bass)
  • Adrian Todd (drums)
  • Derry Brownson (keyboards, samples)

Former members

  • Zac Foley (bass), deceased 3 January 2002
  • Gareth Milford (DJ Milf) (DJ and turntables)
  • Jack Stephens (drums)
  • Tim Stephens (guitars)
  • Mark Decloedt (drums)
  • Richard March (bass)

Later work

Since 2010, James Atkin has been involved in music education at Holy Family Catholic School in Keighley, West Yorkshire, while also touring with Bentley Rhythm Ace. As of June 2020, he has released four solo albums including Circadian Rhythms (2023), Popcorn Storm (2019), and A Country Mile (2014).

Honours

On 18 March 2025, EMF was honoured with a blue plaque in their native town of Cinderford.

Albums

Catalogue of studio albums with selected chart rankings
Year Album UK AUS NZ US
1991 Schubert Dip 3 44 8 12
1992 Stigma 19 143 — —
1995 Cha Cha Cha 30 — — —
2022 Go Go Sapiens — — — —
2024 The Beauty and the Chaos — — — —


Compilations

EMF Compilation Albums
Year Title
2001 Epsom Mad Funkers: The Best of EMF
2020 From Us to You

EPs

EMF Extended Plays
Year Title UK AUS IRE
1992 Unexplained EP 18 136 16

Singles

Selected singles with chart rankings
Title Year UK AUS BEL
(FL) 		GER IRE NLD NZ SWI US US
Alt 		Album
"Unbelievable" 1990 3 8 4 9 5 6 12 3 1 3 Schubert Dip
"I Believe" 1991 6 54 32 26 2 28 35 6 - 10
"Children" 19 49 - 40 5 - 39 18 - 26
"Lies" 28 style="text-align:center;">159 style="text-align:center;">- style="text-align:center;">99 style="text-align:center;">18 style="text-align:center;">- style="text-align:center;">- style="text-align:center;">- style="text-align:center;">18 style="text-align:center;">27
"They're Here" 1992 29 195 - - - - - - 27 'Stigma'
"It's You" style=text_align=center; 23 style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; -
"Perfect Day" rowspan=4 1995 style=text_align=center; 27 style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; - style=text_align=center; -
'Cha Cha Cha' 
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"Bleeding You Dry" (UK promo only) 
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"I'm a Believer"
(with Vic and Bob#Reeves and Mortimer) 
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singles only    

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"Afro King"

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singles only

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"Incredible" 
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2001 - - - - - - - - - - rowspan=2|'The Best of EMF: Epsom Mad Funkers'

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"Let's Go"

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"Sister Sandinista" 
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2022

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rowspan=3|'Go Go Sapiens'

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"Crime of Passion"

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"Sparks and Flashes" 
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"Hello People" 
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2023 
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rowspan=3|'The Beauty and the Chaos' "Reach for the Lasers" 
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Videos

EMF Video Releases
Year Title
1991 Smoke the Banger (VHS)
2013 Long Live the New Flesh (Blu-ray & DVD)

Additional sources

External links

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