In 1995, The Radio Dept. was formed by Elin Almered and Johan Duncanson (who were old school friends). The name was taken from a gas station/radio repair shop in Lund, Sweden, which had a large sign with the name Radioavdelningen, ("The Radio Department" in Swedish) hanging outside their shop.
Since 1995 members have been coming and going and at some points there has never really been a Radio Department at all.
Martin Carlberg and Johan Duncanson started playing together in 1998 and decided to use the name The Radio Dept. Since then the band has done lots of gigs and lots of recordings. The Radio Dept. recorded 4-tracks in friends' living rooms or at home, in smelly warehouse, in demo studios with blinking fluorescent lightning and at schools.
In the autumn of 2001 Lisa Carlberg and Per Blomgren (Bass & drums respectively), joined the band and they started rehearsing in the way bands so often do. Soon afterwards they were all joined by Daniel Tjader on the keyboards. Their recordings were sent to the music magazine Sonic and got a nice review. They were also on the free CD sampler that comes with the magazine. That's where Labrador Records discovered and learned to love the band. Now they're a part of Swedish indie label, Comings and goings
Original band member, Elin Almered, left the band before the recording of The Radio Dept.'s debut (lesser matters), but still made an appearance singing vocals for "Strange Things Will Happen".
Per Blomgren, Drummer, left the band before the release of Lesser Matters. The band opted instead for digital assistance with regards to drums & percussions for their songs.
Lisa Carlberg, bassist, departed from the Radio Dept soon after the release of "This past week EP". The band no longer felt the need for a member that solely specialized in bass. The band was taking a new direction and preparing for their second album, "Pet Grief", which wouldn't require a member that played bass guitar.
The current line up of the band is:
Johan Duncanson (Guitar & Vocals), Martin Carlberg(Guitar) and Daniel Tjäder (Keyboards & Synth) (2006).
More details can be found on the radio dept. website: theradiodept.com.
Record Labels.
Slottet:
Created in 2001, this is the Radio Dept's original label. Created & managed by the band themselves. They published and distributed their own recordings in order to spread their music to the world.
The "Against The Tide EP" & coveted "Annie Laurie EP" were both released on this label in 2002.
At sporadic moments over the years, whenever the band have wanted to release something quickly or for free, they'd do so through the Slottet label (e.g. bachelor Kisses in 2008).
Labrador :
After the success of the self released records and some glittering reviews in local publications, several major labels came calling. The Radio Dept. rejected most of these offers and instead signed with Labrador records. Although the band don't consider themselves connected ideologically or musically with Labrador and the other bands on the label, they have much respect for the label which has officially become the home of The Radio Dept.
Shelflife records:
Shelflife are an american indie label that operate on a similar philosophy to that of Sarah Records. They select highly innovative, creative & melodic bands and offer them transatlantic distribution. Several labrador bands had achieved success through shelflife, so it seemed an obvious choice to use them again for the distribution of 'Lesser Matters'. No futher Radio Dept records were released through shelflife.
Rex records:
Rex records was an London based experimental indie label started by an ex-XL employee. The aim was to release demos and promote leftfield indie music. Only two Radio Dept. records were released on Rex, Why Won't You Talk About It and the rare Liebling 7".
XL Recordings:
During 2004/05, XL funded, distributed and promoted The Radio Dept.
During this short partnership 4 records were released. Lesser Matters, Where Damage Isn't Already Done, Why Won't You Talk About It? and Ewan. A short european tour was organised for the band as well as lots of press and an appearance on an XL compilation with the likes of Ratatat & MIA.
Track & Field Records:
Track & Field are another London based record label that took a chance on The Radio Dept.
In 2006 Track & Field were employed to distribute Pet Grief in the UK. They also promoted the band and planned for an extensive UK tour. This plan was abandoned and a series of special one-off London shows were organised to supplant the tour.
Pony Canyon:
After years as an experienced distributor of DVD's & kids toys, Pony Canyon, tried their hand at promoting & distributing indie records. So far they've only distributed a special edition of Pet Grief in Japan.
Soundtrack
Three tracks by the Radio Dept. have been featured on the Sophia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette (2006). They are: Pulling our Weight, Keen on Boys, I Don't Like It Like This.
03
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your silence really says it all
You’ve got your friends
I understand
I don’t need love I’ve got my band
I can’t recall how love feels
Memory fails to remind me
I don’t need love I’ve got my band
The lyrics of The Radio Dept.'s song 03 speaks to the idea of finding joy and fulfillment in things other than romantic love. The opening lines suggest a sense of independence and self-reliance, as the singer declares that they are "no longer waiting" for someone's call. This sense of agency is further emphasized by the realization that "silence really says it all" when it comes to the relationship. Despite this, there is no bitterness or resentment in the tone - the singer acknowledges that the other person has their own life and social circle, perfectly valid reasons for not being in touch.
Explicitly mentioned is the role that music plays in the singer's life - "I don't need love I've got my band". This line in particular speaks to the idea that music, and artistic expression in general, can give a sense of purpose and fulfillment that might otherwise be lacking. The last two lines repeat this sentiment, with the added implication that the singer is no longer interested in pursuing love or even physical intimacy. The line "I can't recall how love feels" suggests a sense of detachment or even disillusionment, while "I don't care for one night stands" could be interpreted as a rejection of casual sex.
Overall, The Radio Dept.'s song 03 can be seen as a celebration of alternative ways of finding fulfillment and happiness in life - whether it be through music, friendships, or simply being comfortable with oneself. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, and the understated instrumentation emphasizes the introspective tone.
Line by Line Meaning
No longer waiting for your call
I am not waiting for you to call me anymore.
Your silence really says it all
I can understand from your silence that you no longer want to be in touch with me.
You’ve got your friends
You have other people you would rather spend your time with.
I understand
I get it-- you don't want to be in a relationship with me anymore.
I don’t need love I’ve got my band
I don't need love because I have my music and my band to keep me company.
I can’t recall how love feels
I can't remember what it feels like to be in love.
Memory fails to remind me
My memory is not good enough to remind me of how love felt.
And I don’t care for one night stands
I am not interested in meaningless one night stands.
I don’t need love I’ve got my band
Again, I don't feel like I need romantic love because I have the love of music and my band.
Contributed by Sebastian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Save the Earth
Too Soon - 0:00
Where Damage Isn't Already Done - 1:18
Keen on Boys - 4:04
Why Won't You Talk About It? - 8:54
It's Been Eight Years - 12:05
Bus - 14:38
Slottet #2 - 17:36
1995 - 20:44
Against the Tide - 23:56
Strange Things Will Happen - 28:20
Your Father - 32:47
Ewan - 36:50
Lost and Found - 39:14
Eric Brown
That lick in track 2 is life changing.
Save the Earth
Love this album
honcho emoji
perfect album
S Ryburn
I love these cats.
+*:ꔫ:*♥♡xX_kordelia_Xx♡♥*:ꔫ:*+ﾟ
Adorbs