In a world where music is often a reflection of personal stories or cultural movements, Public Service Broadcasting has carved out a truly singular niche. Their music isn’t just about personal experiences or traditional songwriting; it’s a cinematic fusion of history, technology, and art. With an innovative approach that melds archival samples, live instruments, and a unique narrative style, Public Service Broadcasting invites listeners into immersive soundscapes where past and present collide.

This British duo-turned-trio stands out for their ability to transform historical events and educational broadcasts into rich, emotional, and atmospheric compositions. Their tracks often feel like a guided tour through forgotten moments in time—whether it’s the rise of space exploration, the struggles of coal miners, or the spirit of human innovation. By tapping into archival audio, using samples from vintage public service announcements and propaganda films, they create music that is both intellectually stimulating and sonically adventurous.

Background

Early Life

Public Service Broadcasting is the brainchild of J. Willgoose, Esq., a multi-instrumentalist from London whose love for history and obsession with storytelling began long before the formation of the band. Growing up with an interest in film, technology, and education, Willgoose developed a fascination with how media shapes society. His curiosity about the past was fueled by a sense of nostalgia for archival footage and the early days of radio and television.

This interest in the ways stories are told and remembered became the foundation for his later musical explorations. Notably, Willgoose’s family background also played a role in shaping his worldview. His mother was a teacher, which instilled in him a passion for learning and knowledge-sharing—elements that would later define the band’s ethos.

Musical Beginnings

Public Service Broadcasting’s musical journey officially began in 2009 when J. Willgoose, Esq., began experimenting with the idea of combining samples from historical sources with original music. Initially a solo project, Willgoose started creating songs built around old public information films, propaganda broadcasts, and newsreel footage, developing a style that blurred the lines between music and multimedia storytelling. He was later joined by drummer Wrigglesworth (real name: JF Abraham), who added dynamic percussion that complemented the electronic textures and vintage samples. The duo started performing live shows with a multimedia approach, projecting vintage footage while playing live instruments to enhance the immersive experience.

Their first release, The War Room EP (2012), was an ode to World War II and its corresponding propaganda materials. The success of the EP cemented their signature style—combining historical samples with post-rock, electronica, and live instrumentation. Their music quickly gained traction in the UK’s underground scene, catching the attention of both history buffs and music fans alike.

Artistic Influences

Public Service Broadcasting’s sound is a tapestry woven from a wide array of influences, reflecting their deep love for history and an eclectic range of music. They draw heavily from post-rock and krautrock, two genres known for their experimental nature and use of repetition and atmosphere to build a sense of space and narrative. Bands like Kraftwerk and Neu! play an undeniable role in their minimalist, yet cinematic soundscapes. Meanwhile, Radiohead‘s complex approach to composition and use of electronic textures can also be traced in their more ambient, introspective tracks.

Beyond musical influences, they take significant inspiration from film and media—particularly the British Film Institute’s vast archives of old educational films, propaganda shorts, and newsreels. These materials provide the backbone for many of their projects, allowing the band to tap into a shared cultural memory. Public Service Broadcasting also takes cues from contemporary artists like Boards of Canada and The Books, who similarly explore themes of memory, nostalgia, and archival material in their electronic music.

Discography Overview

1. Inform – Educate – Entertain (2013)

Public Service Broadcasting’s debut album, Inform – Educate – Entertain, is a mission statement as much as it is a record. The title reflects the BBC’s original remit, and the music follows suit by blending historical recordings with vibrant electronic rock. The album draws from a variety of archival sources, covering themes such as the early days of aviation (“Spitfire”), the thrilling rise of space exploration (“The Race for Space”), and British nostalgia for old public service announcements. It showcases the band’s knack for turning educational materials into compelling, rhythmic tracks, powered by Krautrock-inspired loops, energetic drums, and guitar-driven post-rock.

While some might consider using old educational and propaganda materials an intellectual exercise, the band injects their tracks with emotional weight. Songs like “Night Mail” transform W.H. Auden’s poetry and a British documentary about the postal service into a dramatic, fast-paced anthem. This debut set the tone for their future work, establishing Public Service Broadcasting as a group that could entertain while educating.

2. The Race for Space (2015)

With The Race for Space, Public Service Broadcasting took a thematic leap, focusing on the 1960s space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The album is a sonic tribute to one of humanity’s greatest technological achievements, weaving together vintage radio broadcasts, mission control audio, and astronaut interviews with their signature instrumental soundscapes. Tracks like “Gagarin” celebrate the USSR’s first human spaceflight with funky, upbeat rhythms, while “Go!” masterfully builds tension around the Apollo 11 moon landing using NASA control-room commands.

The album marks an artistic evolution, with the band incorporating more dynamic arrangements and orchestration into their compositions. Emotional depth emerges on songs like “Valentina,” a tribute to cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, and “The Other Side,” a heart-pounding track that conveys the tension of Apollo 8’s journey around the moon. By blending triumph, tension, and tragedy, The Race for Space captured the public’s imagination, cementing the band’s reputation for innovative concept albums.

3. Every Valley (2017)

Shifting gears from the lofty heights of space, Every Valley brings Public Service Broadcasting back down to earth—specifically to the coal mines of South Wales. The album tells the story of the rise and fall of the British coal industry, tracing its impact on the working-class communities that depended on it. Drawing from interviews, news clips, and historical footage, the album captures the industrial landscape and human resilience at the heart of these communities.

Musically, Every Valley is more intimate and reflective than its predecessors, incorporating folk influences and even guest vocalists, such as James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers on “Turn No More” and Camera Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell on “Progress.” Songs like “All Out” and “They Gave Me a Lamp” explore the miners’ strikes of the 1980s and the solidarity of women who supported the labor movement, adding layers of political and social commentary to the album’s historical narrative. With its deep sense of place and empathy, Every Valley broadened the scope of what Public Service Broadcasting could achieve, not just sonically but emotionally.

4. Bright Magic (2021)

In their fourth studio album, Bright Magic, Public Service Broadcasting turned their gaze to Berlin, exploring the city’s rich cultural and artistic history. The album is divided into three thematic sections: Building a City, The Shadow of the City, and Bright Magic, each representing different aspects of Berlin’s identity. While their previous albums were heavily sample-based, Bright Magic marks a more introspective, atmospheric turn, with the band relying more on instrumental passages and mood-setting rather than extensive archival material.

Influenced by the city’s electronic music scene, the album blends techno rhythms and ambient soundscapes with the band’s signature post-rock elements. Tracks like “Im Licht” and “People, Let’s Dance” celebrate Berlin’s vibrant nightlife and club culture, while “Der Rhythmus der Maschinen” taps into the city’s industrial past. The mood turns darker with “Lichtspiel I: Opus” and “The Visitor,” which explore the complexities of Berlin’s past, from its artistic renaissance to its scars from war and division. Bright Magic is perhaps Public Service Broadcasting’s most sonically adventurous album, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Berlin itself.

Industry Perspective

Challenges and Triumphs

Public Service Broadcasting has never taken the conventional path in the music industry, and that in itself has been both a challenge and a triumph. Their unique approach—creating concept albums driven by archival samples and historical themes—sets them apart, but it also makes their work harder to categorize. In a music landscape often dominated by chart-friendly pop and personal storytelling, their choice to focus on educational and historical content could have easily been dismissed as too niche or inaccessible. However, the band turned this potential limitation into their greatest strength, carving out a dedicated fanbase who appreciates their intellectual and experimental style.

A significant challenge came with the release of Every Valley (2017), which chronicled the decline of the British coal industry. The subject matter was deeply personal and politically charged, especially for the communities directly impacted by the industry’s collapse. Public Service Broadcasting took a bold risk by telling a story tied so closely to British socio-political history, knowing it could alienate listeners outside the UK or those unfamiliar with the subject. However, the emotional resonance and universal themes of resilience and solidarity helped the album transcend its localized focus, earning them critical acclaim.

Despite these hurdles, the band’s refusal to compromise on their vision has led to remarkable successes. They’ve headlined major UK venues, including London’s Brixton Academy and even Royal Albert Hall, a testament to the growing reach of their unconventional music. Their commitment to blending art, history, and sound has not only given them a unique platform but has also opened up the possibility of redefining what “pop music” can mean in the 21st century.

Collaborations and Connections

Throughout their career, Public Service Broadcasting has been intentional about forging connections with like-minded artists and creatives who align with their mission of blending education and entertainment. One of their most notable collaborations came on Every Valley, where they worked with James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers, a band with its own strong ties to the Welsh working class. Bradfield’s vocals on “Turn No More” lent a raw emotional intensity to the track, reinforcing the personal and political stakes of the album’s narrative.

On the same album, they also collaborated with Camera Obscura‘s Tracyanne Campbell on the track “Progress,” highlighting their openness to incorporating new voices into their storytelling framework. Each of these collaborations helped them expand their sonic palette, adding emotional depth and texture to their thematic albums. These partnerships aren’t just strategic or commercial—they’re thoughtfully curated to align with the messages of their music, bringing a deeper authenticity to their work.

In addition to artist collaborations, Public Service Broadcasting is closely connected to the broader UK post-rock and indie scenes. They often share festival lineups with bands like 65daysofstatic and Mogwai, groups that also specialize in instrumental and conceptual music. This alignment with experimental, instrumental rock has helped them build a fanbase that values artistic innovation over mainstream appeal, further cementing their reputation within niche musical communities.

Recognition and Achievements

Public Service Broadcasting’s unconventional approach has earned them widespread critical recognition, especially for their concept-driven albums. The Race for Space (2015) was particularly well-received, garnering glowing reviews for its ambitious storytelling and innovative use of historical audio. The album peaked at No. 11 on the UK Albums Chart, a major commercial success for a band operating outside of the mainstream. Every Valley achieved similar acclaim, charting at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart—an impressive feat for an album about the British coal industry, showing that their blend of social commentary and music resonated with a broad audience.

In terms of awards, Public Service Broadcasting has been nominated for various honors within the UK independent music scene, including AIM (Association of Independent Music) awards. They’ve also been featured prominently in BBC 6 Music playlists, a key indicator of critical and public support in the indie and alternative music scenes. Although they have yet to receive mainstream awards like the Mercury Prize, their cult-like following and growing critical cachet suggest that their influence is only expanding.

Impact and Legacy

Cultural Significance

Public Service Broadcasting has made a profound impact on both the post-rock and electronic music scenes by redefining what a concept album can be. Their innovative blend of historical audio samples, electronic production, and live instrumentation has pushed the boundaries of how storytelling functions in music. While many artists use personal narratives to connect with their audience, Public Service Broadcasting taps into collective memory—transforming key moments in history into immersive, cinematic experiences that resonate emotionally and intellectually.

Their albums have drawn attention to historical events that might otherwise be overlooked, creating a new platform for blending education and entertainment. By doing so, they’ve carved out a niche that fuses cultural preservation with artistic experimentation, expanding the role music can play in shaping our understanding of history. In an era where streaming and short attention spans often dominate listening habits, their music demands careful attention, rewarding listeners who want to engage with music on a deeper level. For many, Public Service Broadcasting is more than just a band—they’re cultural curators, offering new ways to interact with and reflect on the past.

Fanbase and Community

Public Service Broadcasting’s fanbase is a dedicated and passionate community, drawn not just to the band’s music but to their ethos of curiosity and exploration. Their listeners, who range from history enthusiasts to indie music lovers, form a tight-knit group that values the intellectual engagement that comes with each new release. Concerts by Public Service Broadcasting are often immersive events, with visual projections and live instrumentation adding layers to the experience. Fans leave not just entertained but often with a greater sense of connection to the historical subjects the band explores.

The band’s relationship with its fans is marked by mutual respect. Public Service Broadcasting has consistently communicated with their audience in a way that fosters a sense of shared exploration. Their use of multimedia presentations during live shows, including vintage film footage and educational reels, has created a community of fans who expect more than just a musical performance—they expect to learn something new with every experience. This educational approach, paired with their willingness to take creative risks, has cultivated a fanbase that’s loyal and appreciative of the depth they bring to the table.

Their work also resonates within the broader independent music community, where they are seen as champions of originality and boundary-pushing creativity. By taking an unconventional route and eschewing mainstream formulas, Public Service Broadcasting has cultivated a following that values artistic integrity and innovation, becoming a touchstone for musicians seeking to make music with substance and meaning.

Looking Forward

As Public Service Broadcasting continues to evolve, the future looks bright for this trailblazing band. With each album, they’ve expanded their thematic scope—from the skies of World War II in Inform – Educate – Entertain to the industrial heart of Britain in Every Valley, and most recently, the cultural and artistic history of Berlin in Bright Magic. Given their history of reinvention and exploration, it’s likely that they will continue to surprise audiences with future projects that delve into new historical eras, social issues, or technological innovations. Their ability to connect the dots between the past and the present suggests that the band will continue to create thought-provoking music that speaks to both contemporary concerns and timeless human stories.

Public Service Broadcasting’s potential legacy lies in their contribution to reimagining what modern music can achieve. They’ve proven that concept albums, far from being relics of the past, can thrive in a digital age if approached with creativity and a clear vision. Their influence may inspire future artists to experiment more boldly with historical themes, multimedia elements, and unconventional formats. Furthermore, their commitment to education and art might encourage a new generation of musicians to see themselves not just as entertainers but as storytellers, historians, and cultural commentators.

Closing Thoughts

Public Service Broadcasting is more than just a band—they are sonic historians, cultural curators, and pioneers of a wholly unique approach to music. Their ability to take archival materials, forgotten moments in history, and technological milestones and transform them into moving, cinematic soundscapes sets them apart from any other act in today’s music scene. By blending education with entertainment, they invite listeners to look at history not as something distant and static, but as alive, dynamic, and deeply resonant in today’s world. Their dedication to storytelling, innovation, and artistic integrity makes them deserving of far more attention and acclaim.