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.
It's Been Eight Ears
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd like to travel through time
But I can't do that
I never knew that good experiences
Could cause a pain like this
I want something that I can't have
I close my eyes and someone is calling my name
And in the distance I can just about catch a glimpse of us
We had a ball
We had it all
The Radio Dept.'s "It's Been Eight Years" is a melancholy track that reflects the feeling of nostalgia, longing, and regret. The opening lines showcase the singer's desire to travel back in time, as they lament the passing of eight long years. However, they quickly realize that it's an impossible feat, leading to a sense of desperation and yearning for something they can't have. The lyrics highlight the paradoxical nature of good experiences that can both provide comfort and cause profound pain.
The chorus is poignant, with the singer shutting their eyes and hearing someone calling their name. It's an attempt to capture an elusive memory, and the singer leans over the window pane to get a glimpse of a time that's now gone. Despite the bittersweet feelings, the words also echo the joy that we experience through life, reminiscing about the times when "we had a ball" and "we had it all." It's an introspective track that speaks to the human condition of longing for the past while acknowledging that life moves on.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been eight years
It's been eight years since that moment and time feels like it's gone so quickly.
I'd like to travel through time
I want to go back to that moment when we were happy and everything was good.
But I can't do that
Unfortunately, I can't actually go back in time.
I never knew that good experiences
I never thought that good memories could make me feel this sad and alone.
Could cause a pain like this
But for some reason, thinking about those good times now hurts my heart.
I want something that I can't have
I long for things to be like they were, but I know that's impossible.
I close my eyes and someone is calling my name
Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I hear that familiar voice calling out to me.
I lean over the window pane
And I find myself standing at that same window, looking out into the distance.
And in the distance I can just about catch a glimpse of us
And even though it's been so long, I can still see us in the distance, happy and carefree.
We had a ball
We were so happy then, we had a great time and enjoyed life to its fullest.
We had it all
Back then, things were perfect and we felt like we had everything we could ever want.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHAN DUNCANSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kosong
Ringkasan
Lirik
Dengarkan
Orang lain juga menelusuri
Lirik
There's a drum beat and a verse
Flooding my street
And the girls they seem ecstatic
This time, it's not on them
To take the blame for the commotion
In the front seat of the car you left out here
I've spent far too many hours, still can't drive
Just playing through these tapes 'til it gets light outside
These are things I shouldn't do
Just wish I was close to you
Instead a block party with neighbours
These amplified words
And the absence of birds
Roll down the windows
Not a choice, find the endo
I bet these boys will keep on dancing all night
For once they're not the ones being blamed for the commotion
It's like the drum beat, like the noise
Loves the concrete
I hope this voice while it still lingers this song
Escapes the tape to reach your distant ears where it belongs
These are things I shouldn't say
These are things I shouldn't do
These are things I shouldn't say
Just wish I was close to you
Instead this block party with neighbours
These amplified words
And the absence of birds
Thotiana the Slamless
No one can do atmosphere like these guys. the feeeeeels...
felipe spencer
acho que conheci a banda em meados de 2008. hoje acompanho pouco. estou mais velho. tenho pouco tempo... mas poucas bandas tem essa perfeição matemática da melodia. incrível
busterabcat
My best ever [belated] discovery of 2019 - the gorgeous dreamy music of The Radio Dept. By binge-watching and listening to everything I could find on YouTube has literally saved my life after all the awful traumas that befell me last year. Quickly sought as many of their records and albums as I could get my hands on.....And now, we're being spoiled with more wonderful new music from these beautiful Swedes..... so happy to hear this.
AMSRMX16
lucky you!
Carlo Quaranta
Quando una canzone riporta la gioia nel tuo cuore. 💓
Daydream of You
Such a perfect song. Radio Dept. 4 ever.
D V
You guys have been my favorite band for over a decade. Love u with all my heart. Hope to see you again one day. xo from Portland Oregon happy holidays hope u and yours are safe and cozy tonight
Vlad Stoian
You adding the official lyrics is the best thing of Internet 2020.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A CONSTANT NEVER-ENDING REGAL!!!
ButterflyTsunami
One of the greatest bands. <3
Baud to Tears
hell yes, classic radio dept