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.
I Don't Need Love I've Got My Band
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
In the first two lines of the lyrics, the singer expresses that they have reached a point where they are no longer waiting for a phone call from someone they had feelings for. The silence they receive from this person speaks volumes, suggesting that their relationship has come to an end.
The next line, "You've got your friends, I understand," reveals that the person they were involved with has moved on and found solace in their friendships. The singer accepts this fact and acknowledges that they too have found their own comfort in something else.
The phrase "I don't need love I've got my band" is the core message of the song. It suggests that the singer's band and music have become their source of emotional fulfillment and companionship. Rather than seeking love or someone else to fill the void, the band has taken that role, providing support, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
The following paragraph conveys the singer's detachment from the concept of love. They state that they cannot remember how love feels, indicating that perhaps they have lost faith in love or have been hurt in the past. The phrase "memory fails to remind me" implies that even when they try to remember or recall the feeling of love, it eludes them.
The line "And I don't care for one night stands" further emphasizes the singer's disinterest in casual or fleeting romantic encounters. It suggests that they are not looking for temporary relationships but are instead seeking a deeper and more meaningful connection, which they find in the form of their band.
In summary, these lyrics reveal that the singer has moved on from a past love and no longer waits for their call. They understand that the person they were involved with has found solace elsewhere, but they, too, have found their support system in their band. The lyrics also indicate the singer's detachment from the concept of love, recalling neither how it feels nor having an interest in one-night stands. Ultimately, the band has become their main source of emotional fulfillment and companionship, replacing the need for romantic love in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
No longer waiting for your call
I have stopped hoping that you will reach out to me.
Your silence really says it all
Your lack of communication conveys your true feelings.
You've got your friends
You have your own companionship.
I understand
I comprehend your need for social connections.
I don't need love I've got my band
Romantic love is unnecessary for me because I have my music group.
I can't recall how love feels
I am unable to remember the sensations associated with love.
Memory fails to remind me
My recollection does not assist in recalling those emotions.
And I don't care for one night stands
Casual, fleeting encounters hold no interest for me.
I don't need love I've got my band
I do not require romantic love as I find fulfillment in my music group.
Writer(s): Johan Duncanson
Contributed by Christian O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.