EMF 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 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 Mosiac.

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. EMF were at the time also known for their baseball caps worn sideways, and the baggy shorts they wore.

In 1991, their debut "Unbelievable" topped the charts in many countries around the world, reaching the number one in the USA in 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." 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 an EP called 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.

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. 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.