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.
A Window
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just won't get loud about it
I'm proud of both my hands
I just won't get loud about it
Don't want to shout about it
Can't brag about it, no
I'm proud of both my hands
I just won't get loud about it
Or a window
Still proud of it
I couldn't live without it
No doubt about it, no
Can't get into the swing
Of things
Entanglements
Embarrassments
It always ends like this
The Radio Dept.'s song "A Window" appears to be quite introspective and thoughtful. The opening lines, "I'm proud of both my hands, I just won't get loud about it" indicate that the singer is confident in their abilities or accomplishments, but chooses not to boast or show off unnecessarily. This hints at an understated or modest personality, perhaps someone who prefers to let their actions speak for themselves rather than draw attention with words or flashy behavior.
The repeated chorus, "I don't consider this a chance or a window, still proud of it, I couldn't live without it, no doubt about it, no," suggests that the singer may have been presented with an opportunity or a crossroads and chose a path that they are content with, even if it isn't the most glamorous or impressive option. This could relate to a personal or professional decision, perhaps even a creative endeavor or lifestyle choice.
The final verse, "Can't get into the swing of things, entanglements, embarrassments, it always ends like this," hints at some frustration or difficulty in adapting to or fitting in with the crowd. It could even suggest a sense of rebellion or nonconformity, as the singer struggles to conform to societal norms and may even choose to go against the grain in pursuit of their goals or desires.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm proud of both my hands
I have great appreciation for all that I've accomplished
I just won't get loud about it
But I'm not the type of person to brag about my accomplishments
Don't want to shout about it
I prefer to remain humble and modest
Can't brag about it, no
I don't find the need to boast about myself
I don't consider this a chance
To me, this isn't just luck or coincidence
Or a window
It's not an opportunity that I have been given
Still proud of it
Nonetheless, I am still proud of my accomplishments
I couldn't live without it
It's something that has a major impact on my life
No doubt about it, no
I have complete faith in myself and my abilities
Can't get into the swing
Though, sometimes I find it difficult to get 'in the zone'
Of things
To be productive and on top of my game
Entanglements
Challenges that hold me back
Embarrassments
Mistakes that I wish I hadn't made
It always ends like this
Unfortunately, I keep finding myself in the same situation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHAN DUNCANSON, MARTIN LARSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind