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.
Keen on Boys
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So kill my head
There's a sun in his eyes
It won't go away
I'm already dead
Why is it I can't kill my...?
He would never sleep
Made me feel quite cheap
Looking back on it all
Then there was this kiss
He said that he couldn't resist
And was I aware of what I missed?
That night I slept on his couch
With my back turned to the wall
Nothing assumed but you know
You know
In the morning we said nothing at all
All I could think of was this:
He said that he couldn't resist
And was I aware of what I missed?
The Radio Dept.'s song Keen on Boys is a melancholic and introspective piece that delves into the complexities of unrequited desire. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and resignation as the singer realizes that his affections will never be reciprocated. The opening lines "Already dead, So kill my head" suggest a deep sense of hopelessness, as if the singer has already given up on the possibility of love. The line "There's a sun in his eyes, It won't go away" suggests that the object of his desire may be oblivious to his feelings and is perhaps distracted by another love interest.
The second verse paints a picture of a fleeting romantic encounter that has left the singer feeling devalued and unfulfilled. The lyrics "He would never sleep, Said, I didn't mind it at all, Made me feel quite cheap, Looking back on it all" suggest that the singer has been used for physical gratification without any emotional connection. The mention of the kiss further emphasizes the physical nature of this brief encounter. However, the singer's thoughts linger on the kiss and the possibility of a deeper connection despite the lack of acknowledgement in the morning after.
Overall, the song Keen on Boys conveys a sense of emotional vulnerability and the disappointment that comes with unrequited desire. The lyrics are introspective and poetic, with a touch of ambiguity that allows for multiple interpretations. The use of minimalist instrumentation and dreamy soundscapes match the lyrical mood of the song perfectly.
Line by Line Meaning
Already dead
The singer feels as though they are emotionally numb, possibly due to past experiences.
So kill my head
The singer hopes to escape or numb their thoughts and emotions further by whatever means necessary.
There's a sun in his eyes
The singer is drawn to the brightness or warmth they see in the person they are describing.
It won't go away
Despite any doubts or potential issues, the artist's attraction to this person persists.
I'm already dead
Reiterating the feeling of emotional numbness and detachment from the world around them.
Why is it I can't kill my...?
The singer questions their inability to fully detach themselves and their feelings.
He would never sleep
The person of interest is described as being always awake or alert.
Said, I didn't mind it at all
The artist doesn't seem to take issue with the person's nocturnal habits or behavior.
Made me feel quite cheap
The artist begins to feel used and/or not valued by this person.
Looking back on it all
The artist hints at retrospection of past events and relationships.
Then there was this kiss
Describing a pivotal moment in the relationship, indicating that things advanced to a physical level.
He said that he couldn't resist
The other party takes responsibility for initiating physical intimacy, possibly absolving the artist of any guilt or shame felt.
And was I aware of what I missed?
The singer questions what they may have missed out on by engaging in this relationship and/or not pursuing it further.
That night, I slept on his couch
Describing a specific event in the relationship, possibly hinting at temporary intimacy or vulnerability.
With my back turned to the wall
The singer seems to have a lack of trust and/or fear associated with sleeping so close to the other person.
Nothing assumed but you know
Although nothing may have been directly said, there was still an unspoken understanding about what took place that night and the nature of their relationship.
In the morning, we said nothing at all
Both parties seem to be avoiding conversation despite the events that took place the night before.
All I could think of was this:
The singer's thoughts are still consumed by what took place the night before with their partner.
He said that he couldn't resist
Reiterating the other party's responsibility for taking action in the relationship.
And was I aware of what I missed?
The artist continues to question what they may have missed by not engaging further in this relationship.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHAN DUNCANSON, MARTIN LARSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@langfordjeremy100
Already dead
So kill my head
There's a sun in his eyes
It won't go away
I'm already dead
Why is it I can't kill my...?
He would never sleep
Said, I didn't mind it at all
Made me feel quite cheap
Looking back on it all
Then there was this kiss
He said that he couldn't resist
And was I aware of what I missed?
That night I slept on his couch
With my back turned to the wall
Nothing assumed but you know
You know
In the morning we said nothing at all
All I could think of was this:
He said that he couldn't resist
And was I aware of what I missed?
@FluXez00
I love this song. I wish I had this song at 14 and on. I love it for its pursuit on two males with one in question and how it is so soothing and its rhythmic beat. Like a renewed spirit comes about.
Already dead
So kill my head
There's a sun in his eyes
It won't go away
I'm already dead
Why is it I can't kill my...?
He would never sleep
Said, I didn't mind it at all
Made me feel quite cheap
Looking back on it all
Then there was this kiss
He said that he couldn't resist
And was I aware of what I missed?
That night I slept on his couch
With my back turned to the wall
Nothing assumed but you know
You know
In the morning we said nothing at all
All I could think of was this:
He said that he couldn't resist
And was I aware of what I missed?
@langfordjeremy100
Already dead
So kill my head
There's a sun in his eyes
It won't go away
I'm already dead
Why is it I can't kill my...?
He would never sleep
Said, I didn't mind it at all
Made me feel quite cheap
Looking back on it all
Then there was this kiss
He said that he couldn't resist
And was I aware of what I missed?
That night I slept on his couch
With my back turned to the wall
Nothing assumed but you know
You know
In the morning we said nothing at all
All I could think of was this:
He said that he couldn't resist
And was I aware of what I missed?
@luddeerikson2695
The guitars in this song sounds like the feeling of sun-rays continously hitting your skin, like taking a bath in sunlight
@MioHasMoe
That’s exactly how I feel haha 🥰
@alanjosh4335
I always play this song when I know I have a long drive ahead of me. It gets me in such a relaxed and blissful state of mind. It feels like I’m moving through space and time.
@sphher
I remember crying so much to this song and now it only represents innocence and confusion and weakness and... I might cry again
@kayladye59
This comment .....
@didsthecat1503
I feel the same. All their music gives me a sense of hopelessness, yet I still love it.
@2buscuits
Melodies and chord progressions transport me back in time and far into the future. Music is a time machine.
@Romes007
The one cheat code we are gifted in this life ❤ cherish it
@vgzlz
Thank you Ryan O'Connell for including this masterpiece in such a meaningful scene. I can't stop listening now. #SpecialNetflix
@ZimZum4ever
Yes