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.
Occupied
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This was a warning
Onto kings now onto boys that's living downtown
I am kneeling let you???
Shackles on fires
On cigarettes and everything you went down, down
Down, down, down
Down, down, down
There′s a shame wasn't people clear to be
What's another, another
When the fact it′s more than a moral act of joy
You′re on
The sky is kind thinking through in 21
To try to love for sorrow
No need to talk???
Down, down, down
Down, down, down
You've taken lost to the truth on war inside
What if he′s on freedom
But when you sing???
Out there
Keep??? the lesser you could breathe
Always so unselfish
Onto this day so felt that way on time
Free ones
Get a hold
Just keep uphold
We are the shells and hell for some people
Some kind of retribution
You wanna free from his arms and eyes catching crime
And find
As you know that's not the way it goes
When was it ever? No
‘Cause working people thrive for???
Go down
Down, down, down
Down, down, down
The lyrics of The Radio Dept.'s song "Occupied" delve into themes of oppression, societal struggles, and the desire for freedom. The first paragraph sets the stage with imagery of an expansive sky, juxtaposed with the warning of something ominous to come. It introduces the idea of power dynamics, mentioning both kings and boys living downtown, hinting at the unequal distribution of privilege and the impact it has on individuals.
The second paragraph explores the concept of shame and the unclear accountability of the people involved. It questions the significance of moral acts of joy and hints at the disconnect between the lofty ideals of society and the harsh reality. The line "The sky is kind thinking through in 21" suggests that despite the passage of time, society is still grappling with the same issues, unable to fully progress.
The third paragraph delves into the internal struggle of an individual attempting to find truth and freedom within the chaos of war. It questions whether one can truly find freedom in such circumstances and alludes to the idea that singing or expressing oneself may offer some respite. However, it also acknowledges the difficulties faced by those trying to voice their dissent.
The final paragraph speaks to the plight of the working class, depicting them as shells or vessels for others' agendas. It explores the idea of retribution and the desire to break free from the grasp of oppression. It questions the notion that working people strive for a better life, perhaps implying that their efforts for change are often in vain. The repetition of the phrase "down, down, down" further emphasizes the sense of despair and feeling trapped.
Overall, "Occupied" is a complex and thought-provoking song that explores themes of power, inequality, and the struggle for liberation, highlighting the cyclical nature of societal issues and the difficulty of achieving true freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sky high as ever built on
There is a limitless potential for success and achievement
This was a warning
This is a cautionary message
Onto kings now onto boys that's living downtown
From powerful figures to ordinary individuals residing in the city
I am kneeling let you???
I am surrendering and allowing you to take control
Shackles on fires
Restrictions and limitations burning away
On cigarettes and everythin you went down, down
Indulging in vices that led to a downfall
There's a shame wasn't people clear to be
There is a societal shame of not living authentically
What's another, another
What is one more thing among many
When the fact it's more than a moral act of joy
When the reality is that it goes beyond mere happiness
You're on
You are part of it
The sky is kind thinking through in 21
The future holds optimism and hope
To try to love for sorrow
Attempting to find love amidst pain
No need to talk???
There is no necessity for words
You've taken lost to the truth on war inside
You have embraced the internal struggle and its truth
What if he's on freedom
What if he is seeking liberation
But when you sing???
When you express yourself through music
Out there
In the world beyond
Keep??? the lesser you could breathe
Preserving the little freedom you have
Always so unselfish
Always putting others before oneself
Onto this day so felt that way on time
Until this day, it still feels significant and timely
Free ones
Those who are liberated
Get a hold
Seize the opportunity
Just keep uphold
Continue to maintain and preserve
We are the shells and hell for some people
We represent both protection and torment for certain individuals
Some kind of retribution
A form of punishment or payback
You wanna free from his arms and eyes catching crime
You desire to escape the control and scrutiny
And find
And discover
As you know that's not the way it goes
Contrary to what you may believe
When was it ever? No
It has never been that way
‘Cause working people thrive for???
Because hardworking individuals strive for something better
Go down
Experience a decline or setback
Down, down, down
Continued descent or decline
Writer(s): Jens Carlberg, Karl Duncanson
Contributed by Dominic I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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