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.
Always A Relief
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's as if you don't change and you always complain
We hate different things
And different tastes
How people sing
What they create
Want to feel the illusion
Some nerve to go against me now that we're ahead
You want to know how hard you'd fall if you did?
It feels like our time has gone to waste
Want to feel strong and not like a waste
Want to feel the illusion
The confusion
The lyrics to The Radio Dept.'s song "Always A Relief" are full of complex emotions and ideas. The singer is expressing a sense of comfort in seeing someone again, but at the same time, the person never changes and constantly complains. The singer acknowledges that they and this person hate different things and have different tastes in music and art. They want to feel a sense of illusion or confusion, but they are also feeling a sense of waste and wanting to be strong.
The first line of the song, "It's always a relief to see you again," suggests that the singer feels a certain level of comfort in the presence of this person. However, the following line, "It's as if you don't change and you always complain," implies that the singer is not entirely pleased with this person's character or behavior. This could suggest a history of frustrating interactions between the two, which is further supported by the line "We hate different things and different tastes."
The next two lines, "How people sing, what they create," suggest that the singer and this person are also creatively incompatible, which adds a new layer to their differences. The line "Some nerve to go against me now that we're ahead" seems to imply that there has been some competition between the two in the past, potentially leading to a sense of betrayal or disbelief from the singer. Finally, the line "Want to feel the illusion, the confusion" suggests a desire for a sense of mystery or uncertainty, perhaps in the hopes of escaping some of these complex emotions.
Overall, "Always A Relief" is a complex song that speaks to the complicated emotions and relationships that people experience throughout their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
It's always a relief to see you again
Meeting you again always gives me solace.
It's as if you don't change and you always complain
You seem to be the same person every time we meet, and you are always dissatisfied with something.
We hate different things
Our dislikes are dissimilar.
And different tastes
We have varying preferences when it comes to food, music, and other things.
How people sing
We have different views about how singers should perform.
What they create
We have different perceptions of what is considered art.
Want to feel the illusion
We crave for things that may not be real or achievable.
The confusion
The chaos that comes with uncertainty and lack of clarity.
Some nerve to go against me now that we're ahead
You are brave to oppose me now that we have made progress.
You want to know how hard you'd fall if you did?
Do you know what the consequences of your actions would be?
It feels like our time has gone to waste
It seems like we have lost valuable time that can never be regained.
Want to feel strong and not like a waste
We desire to feel empowered, and not like we are wasted potential.
Want to feel the illusion
We still yearn for things that may not be real or achievable.
The confusion
The chaos that comes with uncertainty and lack of clarity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHAN DUNCANSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rafael Tassio
It's always a relief to see you again
It's as if you don't change and you always complain
We hate different things
And different tastes
How people sing
What they create
Want to feel the illusion
The confusion
Some nerve to go against me now that we're ahead
You want to know how hard you'd fall if you did?
It feels like our time has gone to waste
Want to feel strong and not like a waste
Want to feel the illusion
The confusion
mrlagx
It's always a relief to see you again
It's as if you don't change and you always complain
We hate different things
And different tastes
How people sing
What they create
Want to feel the illusion
The confusion
Some nerve to go against me now that we're ahead
You want to know how hard you'd fall if you did?
It feels like our time has gone to waste
Want to feel strong and not like a waste
Want to feel the illusion
The confusion
Alexander Leonard
This song and this band really changed the way I enjoy music and life. I wish I could meet these artists and really thank them for helping me in tough times with beautiful music, and also making great times that much more meaningful.
Dale Macarena
I don't know her . But wish I can play acoustic like she does.
https://youtu.be/7gVpKuhC9YY
Thomas Rainbow
They toured a year ago or so.. Maybe they'll tour again
Rodrigo Puentes
Same feeling
Chandler Lorenzo
+Alex Wolf same day the new American football album comes out??? shooooweee
Lonk NY
Yes super excited but sounds like an album created as a result of venting some deep frustrations.. regardless they haven't disappointed me yet so have high hopes: http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/200308/9
Charley Soto
its always a relief to listen The Radio Dept again
a.m. remorse
I just love their mixes. Very analogue and nostalgia laced.
Rafael Tassio
It's always a relief to see you again
It's as if you don't change and you always complain
We hate different things
And different tastes
How people sing
What they create
Want to feel the illusion
The confusion
Some nerve to go against me now that we're ahead
You want to know how hard you'd fall if you did?
It feels like our time has gone to waste
Want to feel strong and not like a waste
Want to feel the illusion
The confusion
darkblis07
8 años de este tremendo album... nostalgia