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.
Pet Grief
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never put up a fight
You think you know someone, right?
Maybe you never did, and how that scares you
I'll shut my mouth for you
Just like your friend would do
And this pet grief
I've never seen you this sad
And if you need someone who doesn't talk back
I'll shut my mouth for you
Anything you want me to
What can I say?
What can I do?
Don't mean to analyze you
It is a double bind
I can't win this one
I'll shut my mouth for you
Anything you want me to
The lyrics to The Radio Dept.'s song Pet Grief suggest the pain of losing someone unexpectedly, without warning. The singer starts by expressing his disbelief that this person has left without a fight, indicating that they may have suffered from some sort of illness that was not evident to those around them. This realization is frightening to the singer, who believed he knew this person well. The lack of control in this situation is palpable, as the singer expresses a willingness to "shut his mouth" and help in any way that he can.
The chorus of "pet grief" refers to the small, everyday occurrences that create a sense of sadness or loss, but that go unnoticed by those around us. These types of grief are often internal and private, as opposed to the more public mourning associated with a traditional loss. It is clear that the singer is trying to be supportive, but feels helpless in the face of his friend's pain. He understands that there is no easy solution and tries to offer comfort without analysis.
Overall, Pet Grief is a reflection on the difficulty of navigating complex emotional landscapes and the struggle to support loved ones when we are powerless to change their circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
And then he's gone
The person that the singer is referring to has left, without any notice or without saying goodbye.
Never put up a fight
The person who has left did so without any argument, disagreement or fuss.
You think you know someone, right?
The singer is addressing the idea that people can never fully know someone and the potential fear that comes with this realization.
Maybe you never did, and how that scares you
The singer is expressing how unsettling it can be to realize that you never really knew someone who has suddenly left you without explanation.
I'll shut my mouth for you
The singer is offering to be there for the listener and to support them emotionally by staying silent if that's what they need.
Just like your friend would do
The singer is emphasizing that they want to be there for the listener in the way a close friend would be, by being a source of comfort and support.
And this pet grief
The phrase 'pet grief' is used to describe a sadness that may seem insignificant or not worth mentioning to others, but the singer acknowledges the importance of this feeling to the person experiencing it.
It's just too bad
The singer empathizes with the listener and acknowledges that their sadness is unfortunate.
I've never seen you this sad
The singer acknowledges that the listener is experiencing some level of emotional pain and perceives it to be greater than what they have observed before.
And if you need someone who doesn't talk back
The singer is highlighting that the listener may want someone to listen to them without interrupting or providing advice, and is offering to be that person.
Anything you want me to
The singer is willing to do anything they can to help the listener feel better and supported.
What can I say?
The singer accepts that words may not be adequate in this situation and expresses their desire to still be a source of comfort to the listener.
What can I do?
The singer recognizes that they may not have the power to fix everything, but wants to do what they can to offer support.
Don't mean to analyze you
The singer wants to avoid hurting the listener or saying anything that may come across as judgmental or critical.
It is a double bind
The singer acknowledges that this situation can be complex and difficult for the listener to navigate.
I can't win this one
The singer recognizes that they may not be the solution or the way to fix what the listener is experiencing, but wants to provide support in whatever way they can.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHAN DUNCANSON, MARTIN LARSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Roberto Reyes
It's Personal - 0:00
Pet Grief - 3:38
A Window - 6:48
I Wanted You to Feel the Same - 10:15
South Side - 12:46
The Worst Taste in Music - 14:02
Every Time - 17:23
What Will Give? - 21:07
Gibraltar - 25:38
Sleeping In - 27:13
Tell - 30:44
Always a Relief - 33:53
Roberto Reyes
It's Personal - 0:00
Pet Grief - 3:38
A Window - 6:48
I Wanted You to Feel the Same - 10:15
South Side - 12:46
The Worst Taste in Music - 14:02
Every Time - 17:23
What Will Give? - 21:07
Gibraltar - 25:38
Sleeping In - 27:13
Tell - 30:44
Always a Relief - 33:53
Elina g
this is my favorite radio dept album. I want to meet someone who likes the music I like. I always feel alien.
Fabio Altomano
i like the music you like.
N C
The internet loves this band
Erik Latshaw
The song "Pet Grief" will probably always be my favorite song of theirs
Matt Breakz
I feel that 💯
Hafsah
There are many of us like you but we only meet online 😅
SummerOfGeorge
I like how most songs on this album don't build up to a big dramatic climax or something like that. They are just floating and sometimes it seems like they don't even try to get your attention(not in a negative way), just like a sunny, melancholic spring day. Beautiful and sad album :(
Isabella Cantillo
SummerOfGeorge agreed! ♡
Lonk NY
Probably the best dreampop album ever written. Pure bliss.