The Radio Dept. is a Swedish dream pop band signed originally signed to Lab… Read Full Bio ↴The Radio Dept. is a Swedish dream pop band signed originally signed to Labrador Records and now release under their own label, Just So!. They have released four full length albums, and a series of singles and EPs. The band originated in Malmö, Sweden.

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.

Sloboda narodu
The Radio Dept. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There′s nothing gracious about our kind
They've got it wrong
No stars aligned

When out of patience
Is your constant state of mind
Crashing down
Like rain on steel

Listen to me
They′ve no idea

Anticipation is not a friend
Cause at this end
We can't pretend
You be the friend
Help me now

But don't ask for patience
Cause we just don′t have the time

Freedom now
Freedom now

Overall Meaning

The Radio Dept.'s song Sloboda narodu delves into the theme of freedom and the constant struggle for it. The opening line "There's nothing gracious about our kind" suggests a level of dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. The lines "No stars aligned/When out of patience/Is your constant state of mind/Crashing down/Like rain on steel" creates a vivid image of frustration, disappointment, and helplessness that comes with fighting for freedom in a hostile environment.

The lyrics "Anticipation is not a friend/Cause at this end/We can't pretend" suggest that the journey towards freedom can be a long and torturous one, and the hope of achieving it only adds to the frustration. The lines "You be the friend/Help me now" could be interpreted as a plea to a fellow comrade, asking for help in the struggle. The chorus "Freedom now/Freedom now" is a reminder that the ultimate goal is the attainment of freedom, and there is no time left for procrastination or delay.

Overall, the song conveys a sense of urgency and despair, highlighting the difficulties of fighting oppressive regimes, war, and injustice, and the tremendous strength and resilience required to achieve freedom.

Line by Line Meaning

There's nothing gracious about our kind
We, as a group of people, do not possess any inherent kindness or generosity.

They've got it wrong
Others have misunderstood or misjudged us.

No stars aligned
There is no sense of destiny or fate guiding us.

When out of patience
In moments of frustration and irritability.

Is your constant state of mind
This feeling is consistently present in your thoughts and actions.

Crashing down
This state of impatience becomes overwhelming and all-consuming.

Like rain on steel
It is relentless and unforgiving, like the harshness of metal being pelted by a storm.

Listen to me
Pay attention to my words and thoughts.

They've no idea
Others do not understand the extent of our frustrations and challenges.

Anticipation is not a friend
Looking forward to something only adds to our impatience and frustration.

Cause at this end
In this moment or situation.