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.
Where Damage Isn't Already Done
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't escape that feeling
You're dripping into the buckets I have placed
Where damage isn't already done
I saw you on bus fifteen
Heading north to take the train
Everyone looks the same
The Radio Dept.'s song Where Damage Isn't Already Done is a melancholic tune that delves into the theme of heartbreak and regret. The opening lines, "You are raining in, I can't escape that feeling" immediately sets the tone of the song, conveying a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. The singer cannot escape the feeling of his ex-lover's presence in his life, no matter how hard he tries. The second line, "You're dripping into the buckets I have placed," metaphorically suggests that he has set up defenses against this person, but she still manages to seep through. However, he believes that he can still prevent further damage, hence the line "Where damage isn't already done."
The latter half of the song is more introspective, as the singer reflects on the fleeting nature of relationships. The line "I saw you on bus fifteen, heading north to take the train" locates the narrative in a specific moment. The reference to "everyone looks the same, still we have different names" suggests that in the grand scheme of things, people are merely interchangeable, and the significance of a relationship ultimately boils down to a fleeting moment. This sentiment is echoed in the repeated chorus, “Nothing lasts forever, but I’m sure glad we got together."
Line by Line Meaning
You are raining in
You are surrounding me and overshadowing my thoughts
I can't escape that feeling
I cannot resist this emotion which is taking control of me
You're dripping into the buckets I have placed
You are filling the empty spaces in my life that I have made for someone else
Where damage isn't already done
In the areas of my life where my emotions have not yet caused harm
I saw you on bus fifteen
I noticed you while riding on public transportation
Heading north to take the train
Traveling towards a new journey and leaving the old behind
Everyone looks the same
People in the crowd appear identical to me
Still we have different names
Despite being similar in appearance, we each have our own unique identity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHAN DUNCANSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@_hector_hidalgo
dont let this song be forgotten
@aegisfate117
never forget to remember
@gabrielbarbeau4713
I won’t
@Ethan-fb3yb
Long live The Radio Dept.
@marnero5841
2023 ❤ dont let this song be forgotten
@frederibanon8166
A fantastic song by a fantastic band, masters of the killer, melancholy-drenched melody.
@LiliInSomnia
I want to be 20 years old again
@slimbo3774
Dont we all 😔
@ahappyimago
Nah I’m good
@kwokkahmun
i just want to remain 20