Biography

My Life Story became a pioneering force in the Britpop movement scoring 6 UK top 40 singles and a top 40 album inspiring the era’s orchestral identity. Combining playful lyrics with epic pop, MLS formed in Southend in 1984. By the early 90s, lead singer Jake Shillingford had grown the band into a flamboyant orchestral 11 piece with string and brass section. Their passionate, often chaotic live shows lead to Giles Martin (The Beatles) recording tracks for their debut album Mornington Crescent after discovering them at the Marquee. Signed to Parlophone in 1996, the band released The Golden Mile which spawned most hit singles inc 12 Reasons Why I Love Her. Joined Up Talking followed on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s It Records in 2000, featuring sixth hit single, It’s A Girl Thing. Many collaborations followed inc. Morrissey, Marc Almond and The Wonderstuff. MLS performed Glastonbury Pyramid stage and Reading Festival 4 times. They supported Blur, Pulp, Carter USM and are one of the only bands to headline over Oasis. By 2001 the band ceased all touring & recording. The 00s saw a number of sporadic celebratory reunion shows at Shepherds Bush Empire but by 2016, Shillingford wished to tour more frequently retiring the orchestral ensemble. A single, 24 Hour Deflowerer, written with long time collaborator Nick Evans lead to a 2 year run of 90s nostalgia festival shows. This boost in profile spawned the fan funded album; World Citizen, released in 2019 to wide-ranging critical acclaim.