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.

Strange Things Will Happen
The Radio Dept. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Today was a pretty day
No disappointments
No expectations on your whereabouts
And oh, did I let you go?
Did it finally show
That strange things will happen if you let them?

Today I didn't even try to hide

I'll stay here and never push things to the side
You can't reach me 'cause I'm way beyond you today

Today was a pretty day
Autumn comes with
These slight surprises where your life might twist and turn
Hope to unlearn
Strange things will happen
If you let them come around and stick around

Today I didn't even try to hide
I'll stay here and never push things to the side
You can't reach me 'cause I'm way beyond you today

Today I didn't even try to hide
I'll stay here and never push things to the side
Today I didn't even look to find

Something to put me in that peace of mind
You can't touch me 'cause I'm way beyond you today

Overall Meaning

The song "Strange Things Will Happen" by The Radio Dept. speaks on themes of letting go and moving on. The opening lines of the song set a peaceful and positive tone for the day. The lyrics explain that there were no disappointments or expectations in regards to the person the lyrics are directed towards. It appears that he has let go of this person, despite previously holding onto hope for something more. The lyrics "Did it finally show that strange things will happen if you let them?" imply that finally letting go has resulted in elusive and unexpected things.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea of moving forward and letting go. He explains that he's reached a point where he's beyond what the other person can do to him. These lines act as an anthem for anyone who has let go of someone and found peace on the other side. The feeling of detachment is strong, and it's clear that he does not want to entertain feelings that would bring him pain.

As the song continues, it expresses a sense of introspection and hope for the future. While he acknowledges that strange things will happen, there's optimism in the acknowledgment that they can be unlearned. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of personal growth and strength in the face of uncertainty.

Line by Line Meaning

Today was a pretty day
The day was beautiful and peaceful

No disappointments
Nothing caused sadness or dissatisfaction

No expectations on your whereabouts
There was no waiting or anticipation for someone's location

And oh, did I let you go?
Did I release you or break up with you?

Did it finally show
Did it become apparent or visible?

That strange things will happen if you let them?
Unpredictable or unusual events occur when you allow them to happen

Today I didn't even try to hide
I was not attempting to conceal anything

I'll stay here and never push things to the side
I will remain present and focused, not ignoring anything important

You can't reach me 'cause I'm way beyond you today
You cannot communicate with me because I am emotionally distant or unavailable

Autumn comes with
The season of fall brings with it

These slight surprises where your life might twist and turn
Unexpected events may alter the direction of one's life