Emf

Brudenell presents EMF at Brudenell Social Club on 7 June 2026 at 6:00 pm.

With support from Ecce Shnak

Formed in 1989 in the town of Cinderford in England’s Forest of Dean, EMF blended dance, rock, and pop. Within a year, they released “Unbelievable,” a hit that topped charts worldwide.

Their debut album Schubert Dip (1991) set their sound. With follow-ups Stigma (1992) and Cha Cha Cha (1995), EMF shifted from dance-floor songs to darker, more introspective territory. By 1995 the band went their separate ways. Before the split, they released their version of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer,” with comedians Vic and Bob.

During their hiatus, the members took new paths: frontman James Atkin launched a solo career while teaching music in Yorkshire; guitarist Ian Dench worked as a songwriter and music executive, collaborating with artists including Beyoncé and The Prodigy; keyboardist Derry Brownson founded Little Killers (LK); and bassist Zac Foley played with the band Carrie.

In 2001, EMF reunited for shows celebrating their compilation The Best of EMF: Epsom Mad Funkers. The sudden passing of Zac Foley in early 2002 halted plans.

They later returned to the stage with new bassist Stevey Marsh and a 2012 live video recording of Schubert Dip and Stigma. In 2020, marking their 30th anniversary, the band released the box set From Us to You, including remastered material and a disc of b-sides and unreleased archive tracks titled Flipsides and Bonafides. James and Ian began writing again, leading to the 2022 release Go Go Sapiens. With drummer Aid Todd, the band toured in the UK, Europe, and the US.

Their 2024 album The Beauty and the Chaos followed. In 2025, EMF received a commemorative blue plaque in Cinderford.

They continue to create and tour.