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.
electrified
Protocol Afro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Metallic solids that prevent the fire
The music in my head sounds like a choir
So give me a chance and I'll show you some romance
Why do they only see in black and white?
Can't tell the difference between wrong or right
The music in my head sounds like a choir
Electrified!
DJ, let's put on some music
'cause nothing sounds better than music
The lyrics of Protocol Afro's song "Electrified" depict a central theme of electricity and the power of music. The opening line "Electric currents running through my wires" sets the tone for the idea that the artist is charged up and ready to go, almost like a machine. The mention of "metallic solids that prevent the fire" may allude to something that may stop the artist from exploding or unleashing their energy in any non-productive manner. It might be a reference to a grounding element that keeps the artist from going too far.
The second verse brings in deeper shades of philosophical inquiry, as the artist asks why people often see things in a binary way, such as black and white, rather than embracing the complexities of the world in between. This may be referring to a lack of artistic appreciation. The choir mentioned is perhaps symbolic of the beauty that results when we understand the grey shades.
Overall, "Electrified" is ultimately an anthem for the power of music, with the repeated line of "The music in my head sounds like a choir" reinforcing the idea of how music can inspire and uplift us. The artist expresses a desire to share this emotion with others, using the line "So give me a chance and I'll show you some romance" to call out for listeners to join in the experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Electric currents running through my wires
My body is filled with lively energy and passion.
Metallic solids that prevent the fire
My armor is impenetrable, shielding me from the outside world.
The music in my head sounds like a choir
My soul is bursting with inspiration and creativity.
So give me a chance and I'll show you some romance
If you take a chance on me, I promise to surprise you with my love.
Why do they only see in black and white?
Why do people limit themselves when there's so much color and vibrancy in the world?
Can't tell the difference between wrong or right
People are blinded by their own biases and prejudices, unable to see the truth.
Electrified!
I am alive, pulsing with energy and excitement!
DJ, let's put on some music
Music is the universal language that unites us all, so let's celebrate together!
'cause nothing sounds better than music
There's nothing more powerful than the raw emotional impact of music.
Writer(s): Ferdi, Mayo, Panji, Ditto, Kristian, Giano
Contributed by Connor P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.