The band has been active in the South East Asian music scene since 2011 (and counting), where they performed at festivals in the likes of Baybeats Festival 2011 (Singapore) and Hello ASEAN Music Festival (Bali). In 2012, Protocol Afro were featured in NYLON Magazine Indonesia as one of their 10 Local Music Heroes of 2012. Also, the song "Music (Dance With Me)" was featured in the October 2012 edition of P+M Magazine, a unique photo & music magazine from Japan. The same song was nominated as Best Pop Song at VIMA Awards 2013, an annual independent music award based in Malaysia.
In May 2013, Protocol Afro introduced their new single, “Electrified”, taken from the band’s debut album, “The Youth”, scheduled to be released in early 2014 by local label Indische Partij Records. The song is chosen as the first single off the debut album as it serves as an introduction to the band’s "Inconsistent Pop" philosophy; mixing anthemic rock & pop music with dancey beats that will ensure an electrifying experience for the listeners. The song was also nominated as Best Pop Song at VIMA Awards 2014 and also included as one of 33 songs highlighted in January 2014, by music bloggers around the world (Argentina, Australia, UK, Indonesia, Korea, etc), or more known as the Music Alliance Pact program.
In January 2014, the band was given the opportunity to open for one of their favourite bands, Phoenix, at the Love Garage 2014 event (featuring other international acts like Zero 7, Fenech-Soler, etc), promoted by one of the prominent music promoters in Indonesia, Ismaya Live.
Currently, Protocol Afro is preparing to launch their debut album in May 2014 and also to perform at the ASEAN Pride Festival, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Streetside
Protocol Afro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The rest could stay in but we're definitely heading out tonight
Running around, having fun, not afraid if we lose some sleep
Escape and let the music take the lead
Step outside!
Don't worry, we won't be home too late, just jump through the gate
The song "Streetside" by Protocol Afro is a nostalgic ode to the timeless ritual of going out and making memories in the city streets. The lyrics invite the listeners to join in on the fun and take advantage of the moment. The first lines suggest that the city is bustling with life and energy, and that the night is young. It also conveys the sense of adventure that comes with exploring new places and creating memories. The song stresses on breaking free and letting loose, having a good time, and not worrying about the consequences. The lines "Escape and let the music take the lead" signify how music serves as a catalyst for these experiences that are etched forever in one's memories. The chorus is an infectious invitation to the dance floor, and a rallying cry to live life with reckless abandon. The song celebrates the simple joys of connecting with people and music, and enjoying the present to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's go down to crowded streets tonight
We should venture out to the busy streets tonight.
The rest could stay in but we're definitely heading out tonight
Others may choose to stay home, but we're determined to go out tonight.
Running around, having fun, not afraid if we lose some sleep
We'll run, laugh and enjoy ourselves, even if it means losing some sleep.
Escape and let the music take the lead
Let's forget about everything else and let the music guide our actions.
Step outside!
Let's leave our current situation and explore the outside world.
Don't worry, we won't be home too late, just jump through the gate
Don't fret about the time, we'll be home at a reasonable hour. Just come along with us.
Let's go dancing! Let's go dancing!
Our main objective is to dance and have a good time.
Writer(s): Giano, Kristian, Ditto, Panji, Mayo, Ferdi
Contributed by Josiah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.