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.
Heaven's Of Fire
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wish I didn't know you better, but it's pointless
One look at you, and heaven's on fire
When I look at you, I reach for a piano wire
Fighting to keep it together, but it's pointless
One look at you and heaven's on fire,
Heaven's on fire
It seems like everyone is on your side
We're outnumbered by those who take no pride
In constantly moving against the tide
Charlatans just out of reach and out of time
I'm a little like you,
Ugly on the inside
But while I dive into the gritty
You just stand by
When I look at you
Heaven's on fire
Heaven's on fire
It seems like everyone is on your side
We're outnumbered by those who take no pride
In constantly moving against the tide
Charlatans just out of reach and out of time"
The lyrics to The Radio Dept.'s song Heaven's On Fire delve into the intense emotions one experiences when looking at someone they adore, even though they know that the relationship is doomed to fail. The opening line, "when I look at you, heaven's on fire," is an expression of intense attraction, and even though the singer knows that their attachment to the person is futile or "pointless," they cannot resist their attraction.
The next line, "when I look at you, I reach for a piano wire, fighting to keep it together," can be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle to keep one's composure in the face of such intense emotions. The following lines explore the singer's internal struggles, admitting that they feel "ugly on the inside" but they are willing to confront these realities. The song's refrain, "heaven's on fire," expresses the intensity of the emotional charge surrounding the relationship, and its all-consuming nature.
The final verse describes a sense of isolation and betrayal, with the singer feeling outnumbered by those who take no pride in life's struggles. They feel as if they are fighting against a sea of "charlatans" and have been left isolated despite their best efforts.
Line by Line Meaning
When I look at you, heaven's on fire
To me, you are the embodiment of perfection and beauty, and just looking at you makes me feel like I am in heaven.
I wish I didn't know you better, but it's pointless
As much as I wish I could distance myself from you, the intense attraction and admiration I feel for you makes it impossible to ignore or forget you.
One look at you, and heaven's on fire
Simply seeing you is enough to ignite a passion and longing in me that is almost too much to handle.
When I look at you, I reach for a piano wire
I feel like I'm walking on a tightrope when I'm around you, struggling to maintain my composure and not succumb to my intense emotions.
Fighting to keep it together, but it's pointless
No matter how much I try to control myself, my feelings towards you continue to overpower me and leave me vulnerable.
Heaven's on fire
The intensity of my desire for you is like a burning flame that consumes my heart and soul.
It seems like everyone is on your side
You have a powerful charisma and charm that draws people to you, making it seem like everyone is rooting for you and wants to be on your team.
We're outnumbered by those who take no pride
Despite your popularity and support, there are still some people who don't see the appeal in you and refuse to stand with you or support your cause.
In constantly moving against the tide
It takes a lot of determination and strength to go against the norm and stand up for what you believe in, but you have never shied away from that challenge.
Charlatans just out of reach and out of time
There are people who try to imitate your success and replicate your charm, but they will never be able to truly capture the essence of who you are and what you stand for.
I'm a little like you, ugly on the inside
Despite our similarities and shared feelings towards each other, I know that there are parts of me that are not as attractive or admirable as they should be.
But while I dive into the gritty
I am willing to confront and acknowledge my flaws and imperfections, even if it means facing discomfort and vulnerability.
You just stand by
You are content with maintaining your image and reputation, even if it means ignoring the darker parts of yourself or the world around you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Desmond Child, Paul Stanley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gbrs6280
When I look at you, heaven's on fire
I wish I didn't know you better, but it's pointless
One look at you, and heaven's on fire
When I look at you, I reach for a piano wire
Fighting to keep it together, but it's pointless
One look at you and heaven's on fire,
Heaven's on fire
It seems like everyone is on your side
We're outnumbered by those who take no pride
In constantly moving against the tide
Charlatans just out of reach and out of time
I'm a little like you,
Ugly on the inside
But while I dive into the gritty
You just stand by
When I look at you
Heaven's on fire
Heaven's on fire
It seems like everyone is on your side
We're outnumbered by those who take no pride
In constantly moving against the tide
Charlatans just out of reach and out of time"
@chegeny
One of those songs that violently throw you back to some mythic past when everything was possible.
@DAISYDAYZz
My friend, anything is still possible. Just gotta look
@CollinsHD
Randomly remembered this gem. Timeless.
@vermaledeit1799
Calum Collins same😊🤗
@rrod999
I just discovered it👍
@razorio007
Haha same. It's been years
@dangdroideka3185
@@razorio007 same
@sarahl9398
Radio Dept makes me feel like I'm in my early twenties again (in my thirties now) so dreamy. I miss this time in music as it was happening :)
@CityofTheAncients
I miss the excitement of being in my early 20s. This song really takes me back. I remember exactly who I was when I used to listen to this band a lot. Fucking aging sucks
@stephendemetro4620
amen