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.
Tell You About My Job
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I live to tell about my job, about my job, about my job
The Radio Dept.'s song "Tell You About My Job" is a melancholic reflection on the mundanity and unfulfilling nature of modern-day labor. The repetition of the phrase "If I live to tell about my job" suggests a weariness and resignation towards the idea of having to work in order to survive. The lyrics communicate a sense of disconnect and disillusionment towards the traditional notions of success and the American dream.
At the same time, the lyrics can be interpreted as a form of protest against the capitalist system that necessitates such bleak realities. The repetition of the phrase "about my job" can be seen as a call to attention, a plea for society to acknowledge the hardships of the working class and to do something to change the way things are. The fact that the song ends with the same line that it begins with - "If I live to tell about my job" - implies that there is no easy solution to the problem, no way to escape the drudgery of work.
Overall, "Tell You About My Job" is an introspective and nuanced song that speaks to the struggles of the modern working class. Through its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, it manages to convey a sense of both despair and hope, reminding us of the power of music to inspire us towards change.
Line by Line Meaning
If I live to tell about my job, about my job, about my job
If I am fortunate enough to live long enough to talk about the work that I do, the job that I have, I will
It's time to start
It is now time for me to begin my job duties
A possible scenario
This is a potential situation that could occur in my line of work
Here comes a twist
An unexpected development has arisen
I'm not equipped to deal with this
I do not possess the necessary skills or tools to handle this situation
If I live to tell about my job, about my job, about my job
If I survive this experience and am able to recount it, I will share the details of my occupation
I can see the end
I have a clear vision of the conclusion of my task
So close yet far away
Although I am near the completion of my job, there are still obstacles preventing me from reaching the end
If I live to tell about my job, about my job, about my job
Once again, if I make it out of this experience alive, I will tell others about my job
Contributed by Christopher R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.