EMF 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. Since its inception, EMF have released three studio albums and have gone on hiatus twice. Their first single, "Unbelievable," got to number 3 in the UK charts and was a number one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their debut album, Schubert Dip, went to number 3 in the UK Albums Chart.
Band name
The name "EMF" is an abbrebiation of "Epsom Mad Funkers", a nickname given to groupies of the band New Order.
In the aforementioned song, "EMF" could be interpreted as an acrostic for:
Ecstasy
Motherfucker
From us to you
The chorus lyrics are as follows:
E! Ecstasy! M! Motherfucker, motherfucker! F! From us to you...
In addition, the remix single release of the song "Lies" included a song "Head the Ball" with the repeating lines "Electro Motive Force" and "Esctasy Mother Fuckers" during the song.
The band was signed by EMI/Parlophone after a mere four gigs, without even being asked for a demo tape. Legend has it that A&R man Nick Mander was made to jump into a river before the band would agree to sign with EMI.[citation needed]
Members
Former members
- Zac Foley (bass), born Zachary Sebastian Rex James Foley, 9 December 1970, in Gloucester; Died on 2 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.
Biography
Formation (1989)
They originally toured with DJ Milf who now has his own band called Stateside 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, UK in October 1989. Derry Brownson had formed a band called Flowerdrum with his brother Leigh but left to join Zac, Mark and James as EMF. Ian 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.[citation needed] Their music has also been counted as part of Madchester and indie dance. EMF were at the time also known for their baseball caps worn sideways, and the baggy shorts they wore.
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 USA in July 1991. The single features 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."[citation needed] 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.
In 1992, EMF returned with the Unexplained EP (including a cover version of "Search and Destroy") and later their second album Stigma, both of which did badly in the charts. The singles were "Getting Through," "They're Here," and "It's You." This has been explained with EMF's, lack of innovation past their first single, but also by the rise of Britpop.
Cha Cha Cha and first hiatus (1995–2000)
Until their 1995 album Cha Cha Cha EMF effectively disappeared from sight. This album featured the singles "Perfect Day" and "Bleeding You Dry." Both were highly acclaimed, but failed to sell well.
In summer 1995 EMF teamed up with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer and recorded "I'm a Believer" (a cover song from The Monkees). This single sold better, but critics were less enthusiastic, stating desperation.[citation needed] The band then released Afro King which was by some regarded as a return to dance-pop origins, but the release failed to do well. After this, the band split for the first time, however, all members of the band continued to play music.
Reunion and second hiatus (2001–2006)
In 2001, EMF gave a reunion gig in London, UK. They also released a best of album Epsom Mad Funkers: The Best Of EMF.
The band's bass guitarist, Zac Foley, died on 2 January 2002, due to an overdose of non-prescribed drugs. He was aged 31. EMF played just four more gigs in late 2002, before splitting up again.
In 2005, Kraft Foods used EMF's "Unbelievable" in their Kraft Crumbles advertisement campaign. The original song's chorus, "It's unbelievable," was replaced with a more "crumble-centric" chorus, declaring "It's crumbelievable."
Second reunion (2007–2009)
In 2007, the band announced they would be reforming to play a one-off gig at the Scala in King's Cross, London, on 18 December. The place of Zac Foley will be taken by Richard March, who was formerly with Pop Will Eat Itself and Bentley Rhythm Ace.
In 2007, Hallmark Cards used EMF's "Unbelievable" in their musical Mother's Day Cards advertising campaign. The mother was shown opening the card, heard the daughter say "Mom you Rock" followed by the music of EMF.
In 2008, EMF played the Portsmouth Festival on Thursday 9 October and supported Carter USM at Birmingham Academy and London's Brixton Academy on 21 and 22 November 2008.
On May 6, 2009, EMF announced that due to personal issues, the band would not be doing any more shows in the near future, thus ending their second reunion.[citation needed]
Discography
Albums
Compilations
Singles and EPs
References
External links
