M People
- Known for
- Moving On Up · Don’t Look Any Further · Sight for Sore Eyes · Open Your Heart
- From
- United Kingdom
- Formed
- 1990, United Kingdom
- Members over the years
- Heather Small, Mike Pickering, Paul Heard, Shovell
- Era
- 90s
- Booking
- Available worldwide via Room5
M People (UK)Moving On Up, Don’t Look Any Further, Sight for Sore Eyes, Open Your Heart
The visionary behind the hit-making British house team M People is Mike Pickering (b. March 1958; Manchester), a respected DJ who played in Quando Quango, booked several early shows by the Smiths, and signed Happy Mondays and James to Factory Records while working A& R during the mid-’80s.
Pickering later moved from Factory to the dance label Deconstruction, where he signed acts in addition to recording material with his own band, T-Coy. He formed M People in 1990 with Heather Small (b. Jan. 20, 1965; London) and former Orange Juice member Paul Heard (b. Oct. 5, 1960; London).
Northern Soul The group signed to DeConstruction in 1991, and released the single “Colour My Life” that May. The second single “How Can I Love You More,” propelled by Small’s deep soul vocals, became a U.K. hit and spawned the 1992 album Northern Soul.
Later that year M People issued the remix work Northern Soul Extended, and then began a blockbuster 1993 with “Movin’ on Up.” The album Elegant Slumming was also a hit, earning the group a BRIT award as Best UK Dance Act. The following year, Bizarre Fruit continued M People’s success, and was followed in 1997 by Fresco. During the next two years, a pair of collections appeared: Classic M People and Testify. ~ John Bush
M People: quick answers
Where is M People from?
M People formed in 1990 in United Kingdom.
Who are the members of M People?
Members over the years include Heather Small, Mike Pickering, Paul Heard and Shovell. Touring line-ups vary — ask Room5 which line-up is available for your date.
What are M People’s biggest hits?
M People is best known for ‘Moving On Up’, ‘Don’t Look Any Further’, ‘Sight for Sore Eyes’ and ‘Open Your Heart’.
Can I book M People for a live show?
Yes. Room5 books M People for festivals, club nights, corporate and private events worldwide. Send your date, city and type of event through the booking form and we come back with availability and a fee.
