VNV Nation's inspiration was originally the clash of the modern and classical European cultures, where mythology and technology live in an uneasy fusion, but this has since broadened to encompass a world view. The music ranges from electronic dance music to ballads and classically inspired music. Inspirations are taken from a wide range of styles including contemporary underground club culture, industrial, trance and classical music. The lyrics draw on philosophy, religion, literature, art, politics and different forms of symbolism, although VNV Nation does not advocate any ideology. It is a metaphor for expression. The letters VNV stand for "Victory Not Vengeance". The meaning behind this stylised motto is that one should strive to achieve, not sit in bitter regret.
VNV Nation's first releases were in 1990 with two self produced vinyl releases, "Body Pulse" and "Strength of Youth" (which are now long deleted with Ronan Harris himself not having a copy). After working on some VNV Nation tracks and supporting Nitzer Ebb on tour whilst living in Toronto, Canada, Ronan returned to London and released some tracks on sampler CDs. This caught the interest of German label Discordia and in July 1995, "Advance and Follow" was released. At around about the same time, Mark Jackson joined the band.
In January 1998, VNV Nation signed with the German label, Off Beat Records, releasing their second album "Praise the Fallen" in June 1998 and the EP "Solitary EP" in September 1998. With VNV Nation increasing in popularity, they began their first headline tour in Germany in September 1998.
In 1999, the Off Beat label collapsed, leading to VNV Nation (along with other artists such as Covenant, Suicide Commando and Velvet Acid Christ) collaborating with Stefan Herwig (a former A&R manager with Off Beat) to create Dependent Records. In late 1999, the album "Empires" was released, staying at number 1 in the German Alternative Chart (DAC) for seven weeks, and winning the award for DAC Album of the Year.
From "Empires" two singles were released "Darkangel", which tops the DAC for 5 weeks in mid 1999 and "Standing", which stays at no.1 in the DAC for 8 weeks in early 2000 (the maximum a single can remain in the DAC) winning a German Alternative Music Award for most successful single of 2000 and sharing the place for most successful single in the DAC's history with the Chemical Brothers. A limited edition of the "Standing" single was also released entitled "Standing / Burning Empires" which contained alternate versions and remixes by VNV Nation of tracks from "Empires". This remains one of the most sought after VNV rarities, fetching large sums on auction sites, although it has recently been released on iTunes to allow casual listeners to purchase it.
In March 2001, "Advance and Follow v2" was released as a limited edition, which was a remastered and partially re-recorded version of the original 1995 album "Advance and Follow". The band were never particularly happy with the first album due to it being recorded in less than a week, so the release was seen by the band as a way to put that right.
In October 2001, VNV Nation embarked on their "Futureperfect" tour of Europe and North America, promoting the album "Futureperfect" which was released in January 2002. It reached number 25 in the full German Album Charts, with the single "Beloved" reaching number 60 in the full German Singles Chart. Following the release of "Beloved", VNV Nation part ways with Dependant and create their own label "Anachron Records".
In June 2003, the Honour 2003 EP is released, promoting the "Pastperfect" live DVD, which following many delays and problems was finally released in May 2004. Following this the rest of 2004 and beginning of 2005 was spent producing the album "Matter and Form", which was released in April 2005. Preceeding the album release, one of the tracks "Chrome" was sold in March 2005 as a download on the VNV Nation website, as well as iTunes.
In April 2007, the album "Judgement" was released, and an extensive world tour in support of the album followed. In January 2009, VNV Nation published their plans for 2009 on their website, indicating that the long delayed "Reformation" EP would be available, but now as a full "CD Pack". Also due for release in 2009 is the new album entitled "Of Faith, Power and Glory".
In November 2017 Mark Jackson left the band to "pursue other paths in life".
To read more about Ronan Harris and his motivations behind the band and 2009's "Of Faith, Power and Glory," please visit http://www.dieselpunks.org/profiles/blogs/interview-ronan-harris-of-vnv
Radio
VNV Nation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They are just born of hope that someone will even listen
In this solitude of hearts
In the traces that echo through the ether
Tied to meanings, bound to fate
Reassured by sounds that echo across the airwaves
Tuning through the waves
Oh have we tried too much
Traded innocence for promises of greatness
Left to search, left seeking out
For a part of us that is no longer there
With all the prowess we possess
Exchanged the greatest of ourselves for isolation
Gladly we smile and carry on
Unaware of the solitude we hide inside
Broadcasting live around the world
On the air in every land, on every frequency
Across the surface of the earth
To the furthest reach, this is our live transmission
To all the people of the world
Unrelenting, for all who are receiving us
From every station on the earth
Loud and clear, this is our live transmission
The lyrics of VNV Nation's song "Radio" convey a reflection on the limitations of language to truly express the fullness of the human experience, and the resulting loneliness that can ensue. The opening lines suggest that words are inadequate to truly convey the depth of one's inner world, yet we continue to hope that someone will listen. The references to "solitude of hearts" and "traces that echo through the ether" evoke a sense of longing and a desire for connection beyond what language can provide.
The second verse speaks to the role of technology in our attempts to bridge this gap. The concept of being "tied to meanings" and "reassured by sounds that echo across the airwaves" suggests that we seek solace in the technological communication that has become such a ubiquitous part of our lives. However, the final lines of the verse suggest a sense of uncertainty and doubt - "hoping someone's there" speaks to the fragile and tenuous nature of these connections. The theme of technology is further emphasized in the final verse as the song references the "broadcasting live" that is occurring "around the world."
Overall, "Radio" speaks to the limitations of human connection, and the difficult balancing act between seeking solace through technology and maintaining a true sense of self and human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Words will never say enough
There are times when words can never truly express how we feel.
They are just born of hope that someone will even listen
We use words with the hope that someone will take the time to hear us out.
In this solitude of hearts
When we are alone, we often feel disconnected from others and seek a way to connect.
In the traces that echo through the ether
When we speak, our words can echo through the airwaves, hoping to reach those who listen.
Tied to meanings, bound to fate
We become attached to the meanings behind words, and our destinies become intertwined with that which we hope to say.
Reassured by sounds that echo across the airwaves
The sounds we hear over the radio can provide us with a sense of security and connectedness.
Tuning through the waves
As we scan through stations on the radio dial, we try to find a connection to something or someone far away.
Of faint and distant signals, hoping someone's there
Despite the distance and faintness of the signals we receive, we hold onto hope that someone is listening and has heard our message.
Oh have we tried too much
As humans, we often put forth a great deal of effort to achieve something, to the point where we may wonder if it was all worth the trouble.
Traded innocence for promises of greatness
We sometimes give up our purity or naivety in exchange for the promise of something greater.
Left to search, left seeking out
We find ourselves searching for something that we may have lost along the way.
For a part of us that is no longer there
We yearn for a part of ourselves that we have lost due to our own choices or circumstances.
With all the prowess we possess
Despite our abilities and skills, we may still feel unfulfilled or disconnected from others.
Exchanged the greatest of ourselves for isolation
We may give up our best selves in order to feel isolated rather than connected to others.
Gladly we smile and carry on
We may put on a happy face and go through the motions of life, even if we are feeling disconnected and isolated.
Unaware of the solitude we hide inside
Despite our outward appearance, we may be masking a deep sense of loneliness or solitude within ourselves.
Broadcasting live around the world
We can use the power of the radio to reach people all over the world in real time.
On the air in every land, on every frequency
No matter where we are, we can tune in to the radio and hear broadcasts from all over the world.
Across the surface of the earth
Radio signals can travel great distances and reach people in remote corners of the world.
To the furthest reach, this is our live transmission
Radio signals can travel to the farthest reaches of the earth, and this is our way of communicating with people who may be far away.
To all the people of the world
Regardless of where you are in the world, this message is for you.
Unrelenting, for all who are receiving us
Our message is meant for anyone who is willing to listen and receive it, and we will continue to communicate it relentlessly.
From every station on the earth
Our message can be heard from any radio station in the world.
Loud and clear, this is our live transmission
Our message is being broadcasted in high quality and can be received without interference.
Contributed by Bailey F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jayboi Fxd
Radio lyrics:
.
Words will never say enough
They are just born of hope that someone will even listen
In this solitude of hearts
In the traces that echo through the ether
Tied to meanings, bound to fate
Reassured by sounds that echo across the airwaves
Tuning through the waves
Of faint and distant signals, hoping someone's there
Oh have we tried too much
Traded innocence for promises of greatness
Left to search, left seeking out
For a part of us that is no longer there
With all the prowess we possess
Exchanged the greatest of ourselves for isolation
Gladly we smile and carry on
Unaware of the solitude we hide inside
Broadcasting live around the world
On the air in every land, on every frequency
Across the surface of the earth
To the furthest reach, this is our live transmission
To all the people of the world
Unrelenting, for all who are receiving us
From every station on the earth
Loud and clear, this is our live transmission
Fabiën Klaassen
Words will never say enough
They are just born of hope that someone will even listen
In this solitude of hearts
In the traces that echo through the ether
Tied to meanings, bound to fate
Reassured by sounds that echo across the airwaves
Tuning through the waves
Of faint and distant signals, hoping someone's there
Oh have we tried too much
Traded innocence for promises of greatness
Left to search, left seeking out
For a part of us that is no longer there
With all the prowess we possess
Exchanged the greatest of ourselves for isolation
Gladly we smile and carry on
Unaware of the solitude we hide inside
Broadcasting live around the world
On the air in every land, on every frequency
Across the surface of the earth
To the furthest reach, this is our live transmission
To all the people of the world
Unrelenting, for all who are receiving us
From every station on the earth
Loud and clear, this is our live transmission
Jayboi Fxd
Radio lyrics:
.
Words will never say enough
They are just born of hope that someone will even listen
In this solitude of hearts
In the traces that echo through the ether
Tied to meanings, bound to fate
Reassured by sounds that echo across the airwaves
Tuning through the waves
Of faint and distant signals, hoping someone's there
Oh have we tried too much
Traded innocence for promises of greatness
Left to search, left seeking out
For a part of us that is no longer there
With all the prowess we possess
Exchanged the greatest of ourselves for isolation
Gladly we smile and carry on
Unaware of the solitude we hide inside
Broadcasting live around the world
On the air in every land, on every frequency
Across the surface of the earth
To the furthest reach, this is our live transmission
To all the people of the world
Unrelenting, for all who are receiving us
From every station on the earth
Loud and clear, this is our live transmission
Fabiën Klaassen
Words will never say enough
They are just born of hope that someone will even listen
In this solitude of hearts
In the traces that echo through the ether
Tied to meanings, bound to fate
Reassured by sounds that echo across the airwaves
Tuning through the waves
Of faint and distant signals, hoping someone's there
Oh have we tried too much
Traded innocence for promises of greatness
Left to search, left seeking out
For a part of us that is no longer there
With all the prowess we possess
Exchanged the greatest of ourselves for isolation
Gladly we smile and carry on
Unaware of the solitude we hide inside
Broadcasting live around the world
On the air in every land, on every frequency
Across the surface of the earth
To the furthest reach, this is our live transmission
To all the people of the world
Unrelenting, for all who are receiving us
From every station on the earth
Loud and clear, this is our live transmission
Jude's Adventures
Out of all of vnv nations' songs, this to me is the greatest. From 2.45 on, I transcend into a higher being and unfortunately forget speed limits !! awesome driving song !
Ismaily Paiva
I too understand you
Frankie
transcend into light speeeeeed, with you.
HassZorn
i know what you mean, literally.
Gabrielle Tollerson
or like looking beyond,if you get what I mean ^.^ seeing beyond a great distance o: right? n.n
Charlie Courtney
Love love this song. Always wonderful in concert. Gracious fellas and you can tell they love what they are doing.
Andrew Hicks
This track is perfect for opening the heart center and broadcasting light and love to all beings on the planet.
Mike Matt
Good tune, great album, live shows will blow your mind. VNV ftw...