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.

You're looking at my guy
The Radio Dept. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Little girl, just move on by
Don't even try to catch his eye
You'd better stop your messing girl
You're lookin' at my guy
You're lookin' at my guy

Say girl, let me put you straight
You're scheming on my steady date

Don't wanna see you hangin' 'round
You're lookin' at my guy

I don't want to start no trouble
Little girl, you'd better move out
You'd better move and on the double

Little girl, just step aside
'Cause I'm gonna be his bride
This is where I draw the line
You're lookin' at my guy
You're lookin' at my guy

You're lookin' at my guy

Little girl, just step aside
'Cause I'm gonna be his bride
This is where I draw the line
You're lookin' at my guy
You're lookin' at my guy
You're lookin' at my guy
You're lookin' at my guy

You're lookin' at my guy
You're lookin' at my guy

Overall Meaning

These lyrics depict a confrontational situation where the singer is warning another woman to stay away from her man. It seems that the singer perceives the other woman as a potential threat to her relationship. In the first verse, the singer tells the girl to move on and not to even attempt to catch her man's attention. The phrase "You'd better stop your messing, girl" suggests that the singer believes the other woman is intentionally trying to interfere with her relationship.

In the second verse, the singer asserts her position as the one in a committed relationship with the man. She tells the other woman that she is trying to scheme or plot against the singer by pursuing her partner. The line "Don't wanna see you hanging 'round" indicates that the singer wants the other woman to stay away from her man.

In the third verse, the singer emphasizes her seriousness by stating, "I don't want to start no trouble." This suggests that the singer is hoping to resolve the situation peacefully but also wants the other woman to understand the gravity of her actions. The repetition of "You'd better move out, You'd better move on the double" reinforces the urgency of the situation.

In the final verse, the singer reiterates her intention to marry her man by declaring, "I'm gonna be his bride." This reinforces her commitment and determination to protect their relationship. The refrain "You're looking at my guy" is repeated several times, emphasizing the possessiveness and protective nature of the singer's perspective. Overall, the lyrics express the singer's firm territorial stance and her determination to secure her relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

Little girl, just move on by
Young woman, it is best for you to continue on your way

Don't even try to catch his eye
Do not attempt to attract his attention

You'd better stop your messing girl
It would be wise for you to cease your flirtatious behavior

You're lookin' at my guy
You are showing interest in the person who is mine

Say girl, let me put you straight
Listen closely, young woman, allow me to clarify the situation

You're scheming on my steady date
You are devising a plan to win over my committed partner

Don't wanna see you hangin' 'round
I do not wish to witness your presence nearby

You're lookin' at my guy
You are expressing interest in the person who is mine

I don't want to start no trouble
I have no desire to initiate any conflict

Little girl, you'd better move out
Young woman, it would be wise to leave this place

You'd better move and on the double
It is recommended that you depart promptly