My Life Story
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce My Life Story, the London orchestral pop group who brought grandiose arrangements and wry storytelling to the Britpop movement.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: London, England
Active years: 1993–2000 / 2006–present
Associated genres: Pop, orchestral pop, Britpop
Record labels: Parlophone / Universal Music Group / Exilophone
Members: Jake Shillingford – lead vocals / Nick Evans – guitar / Chris Hardwick – drums / Jack Hosgood – bass / Aimee Smith – keyboards
Formation and Early Years
Formed in London in 1993 by Jake Shillingford, who envisioned a pop band with chamber orchestral flourishes.
Debuted with the single "Girl A, Girl B, Boy C" in 1993, produced by Giles Martin, son of legendary Beatles producer George Martin.
Known for a rotating lineup that often featured over a dozen musicians, blending strings, brass, and traditional rock instrumentation.
Released debut album Mornington Crescent in 1995, establishing their theatrical sound and earning comparisons to The Divine Comedy and Tindersticks.
Rise to Prominence
Gained mainstream attention with The Golden Mile (1997), which spawned five UK Top 40 singles, including "12 Reasons Why I Love Her" and "Strumpet."
Their orchestral style and witty lyrics set them apart from the guitar-heavy dominance of Britpop.
Performed at key venues across the UK and Europe, building a loyal fan base with their energetic, multi-instrumental live shows.
Commercial Success and Albums
Mornington Crescent (1995): A cult classic debut that blended lush arrangements with sharp lyricism. Tracks like "Girl A, Girl B, Boy C" showcased their unique sound.
The Golden Mile (1997): Their breakthrough, featuring multiple charting singles and a more polished, pop-oriented sound.
Joined Up Talking (2000): A pared-down lineup resulted in a more introspective third album, reflecting a transition away from their orchestral roots.
World Citizen (2019): A fan-funded fourth album that revived their signature sound with modern sensibilities.
Later Activities and Legacy
The band officially disbanded in 2000 but reunited in 2006 for a series of live shows, including a full performance of Mornington Crescent.
Jake Shillingford formed ExileInside and launched Choppersaurus, a production music company, continuing his creative evolution.
In 2020, Shillingford signed a global publishing deal with Mute Song, reigniting interest in their back catalogue.
Their fifth studio album, Loving You is Killing Me, was released in 2024, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
Notable Facts
Top 40 Success: The Golden Mile produced five singles that entered the UK Top 40, marking a commercial peak for the band during the Britpop era.
Film and Television Legacy: Original drummer Jason Cooper later joined The Cure and contributed to several film and TV soundtracks, continuing a legacy of innovation beyond the Britpop movement.
Historic Venue Connection: My Life Story performed their debut album Mornington Crescent in full at KOKO in 2009, a venue located near the album’s namesake station, cementing their place in London’s musical history.
Defining Lyric
"I jotted down a shopping list of love" — 12 Reasons Why I Love Her
Discography
Mornington Crescent (1995)
The Golden Mile (1997)
Joined Up Talking (2000)
World Citizen (2019)
Loving You is Killing Me (2024)
Essential Listening
"12 Reasons Why I Love Her" (1996): A quintessential Britpop single that combines wit and orchestral grandeur.
"Strumpet" (1997): A bold, dramatic track that exemplifies their flair for storytelling.
"24 Hour Deflowerer" (2016): A comeback single that fuses their classic style with a modern twist.
Why You Should Be Listening to My Life Story Now
My Life Story brought cinematic grandeur to Britpop, making them a standout act of the era. Their innovative fusion of pop and orchestral elements remains as engaging today as it was in the 1990s. Dive into their rich discography and rediscover the drama and charm of Britpop’s most theatrical band.
See you on down the road.
