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.
Against the Tide
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Falling against the tide
Oh what you want
Is it what you want?
Is this what you want?
Because we are young
And things are wrong
We'll make things right
Before the sun goes down on
And out of sight
We'll lose the chains
Cause you and I
We move against the tide
The lyrics of The Radio Dept's "Against the Tide" present ideas of going against the status quo, challenging societal norms, and pursuing what one really wants despite the opposition around. The opening line "Falling against what you know, falling against the tide", suggests a sense of resisting the expected flow, straying off the path that is commonly treaded, a striking declaration of the singer's courage to take risks and follow their own beliefs. The lines "Oh what you want, is it what you want? Is this what you want?" are rhetorical, hinting at the uncertainty of their own desires while simultaneously being idealistic and rebellious.
The chorus "Because we are young and things are wrong, we'll lose the chains we'll make things right before the sun goes down and out of sight, we’ll lose the chains, cause you and I we move against the tide" is the rebellion anthem of the song. The sense of urgency in the words “because we are young and things are wrong,” implies that there’s a lot that they want to change and they are willing to start from scratch to pave their own way. They want to break free from the shackles that society has put on them, and there's a sense of collaboration between the singer and their audience, an invitation to join them in their efforts to move against the tide. Overall, the lyrics are a powerful commentary on challenging the norm, defying the status quo, and being brave enough to pursue what one truly desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Falling against what you know
Challenging your own beliefs and going against your comfort zone
Falling against the tide
Going against the norm and not following the crowd
Oh what you want
Questioning your own desires
Is it what you want?
Asking yourself if what you thought you wanted is still what you want
Is this what you want?
Asking yourself again to confirm what you truly want
Because we are young
Acknowledging the boldness and energy of youth
And things are wrong
Recognizing that things are not perfect
We'll lose the chains
Breaking free from old habits and restrictions
We'll make things right
Correcting past mistakes and making positive changes
Before the sun goes down on
Acting quickly before it's too late
And out of sight
Making changes before they become hidden or forgotten
Cause you and I
Working together towards a common goal
We move against the tide
Going against the flow to make a difference and stand out
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHAN DUNCANSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind