Haunted by Sound: PROTOKOLL 19’s Travis Hines and Jayson Smith Unpack the Emotional Storm Behind “When Will It End”

PROTOKOLL 19 Promo Pic (2) - COVER PHOTO

Dark electro duo PROTOKOLL 19 is back with a haunting new single, “When Will It End,” the first track from their highly anticipated second EP, Somewhere Between Purgatory and Hell. Released through Danse Macabre, this single sets the stage for an emotionally charged journey, where harsh yet melodic synths meet aggressive vocals to explore themes of darkness, isolation, and internal struggle. With each single being released over the coming months, fans can expect the full EP to be unveiled as a complete package, featuring additional remixes upon its final release.

“When Will It End” delivers a raw, emotional narrative that captures the feeling of being trapped in an endless cycle of despair. As the weight of negative thoughts grows heavier, the song reflects the torment of those haunted by their own minds, searching for an escape that seems perpetually out of reach. This release is a powerful statement that highlights PROTOKOLL 19‘s growth and continued mastery of blending dark electro with deeply personal storytelling.

We caught up with TRAVIS HINES and JAYSON SMITH of PROTOKOLL 19 to discuss the inspiration behind “When Will It End,” the creative process for their upcoming EP, and what fans can expect as they venture deeper into the shadows.

INFRARED MAG: Travis and Jayson, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. “When Will It End” is a powerful and emotional track. What inspired the concept behind this single?

PROTOKOLL 19: Seasonal depression is the most simplified concept behind it, but when you dig deeper into the song, just depression itself, it’s never simple. You feel isolated, alone, and oftentimes hopeless. At some point, it may feel like it’s getting better, and then another wave hits, and you’re back in it.

INFRARED MAG: The song explores themes of isolation and mental struggle. How do you approach translating such intense emotions into your music?

PROTOKOLL 19: We generally have at least one or two songs composed and ready for vocal recording. So, from a lyrical standpoint, when it’s been a rough day or something really resonates, writing usually starts happening as a constructive way to express it and have things in their most raw and true form.

INFRARED MAG: “When Will It End” sets the tone for your upcoming EP, Somewhere Between Purgatory and Hell. Can you give us an overview of the narrative and themes that tie the songs together?

PROTOKOLL 19: The overarching theme of the album is mental health struggles. “When Will It End” is meant to set the tone of the cycle happening over and over. Without giving too much away, the next release goes in the opposite direction, conveying feelings of hope and can be seen as a positive song, but the third single, once again, returns to an even darker place. We’re in this vicious cycle of being trapped “Somewhere Between Purgatory and Hell.”

INFRARED MAG: Each track from the new EP is being released individually before the full package drops. What led to this decision, and how do you feel it benefits the overall experience for listeners?

PROTOKOLL 19: These days, we live in a world where a steady stream of content to keep people actively engaged is essential to staying relevant. This decision not only plays into that but also allows people to hold onto the anticipation and excitement for a lot longer.

INFRARED MAG: Your sound balances harsh, aggressive synths with hauntingly melodic undertones. How did you craft this particular sonic landscape for the new single?

PROTOKOLL 19: As Jayson explained how they come up with their lyrics, I do the same with our music. As for the end result of the overall sound, I grew up listening to Nu Metal and Industrial Metal, but I always found myself drawn to Dark Electro sounds. I feel those passions for those genres tend to blend into our music. For this track in particular, I just wanted to produce something that had more energy and aggression behind it.

INFRARED MAG: The EP title, “Somewhere Between Purgatory and Hell,” suggests a journey through emotional extremes. How did you go about capturing these feelings in your songwriting and production?

PROTOKOLL 19: When the emotional extremes hit, the thoughts naturally come out. The writing for this album as a whole happened very quickly. There was a point lyrically where all the songs that were composed had been used, and thoughts and ideas were just written in a notebook to be utilized for the next one.

INFRARED MAG: What was the creative and recording process like for “When Will It End”? Did you encounter any challenges while bringing this song to life?

PROTOKOLL 19: Funny enough, in the middle of vocal tracking, I got the flu and had to take a month-long break before I had my voice back fully. I attempted to record one song during this, and we did keep a couple of pieces, but if you listen closely to the recording, my voice sounds off. I was never able to recreate the emotional aspect of that recording once I felt well, so it stayed.

INFRARED MAG: Since this is your second EP, how does your sound and artistic vision differ now compared to your debut release?

PROTOKOLL 19: Just like any other art form, the more you do it, the more you hone your skills. We experimented a little more with different sounds and leaned more into the natural vocal sound as opposed to the harsh distortions and pitch modulation to make them clearer.

INFRARED MAG: You mentioned that remixes will be included with the full release of the EP. Can you give us a sneak peek of what we can expect from these remixes and the artists involved?

PROTOKOLL 19: We’ll give you a couple: Absynth of Faith and our friends Oberer Totpunkt.

INFRARED MAG: The visuals and atmosphere of your music often enhance the emotional depth of your tracks. Do you have any plans for a music video or visual component to accompany “When Will It End” or future singles?

PROTOKOLL 19: Pre-production for a music video for “When Will It End” is nearly complete, and filming will begin soon.

INFRARED MAG: Dark electro has a devoted and passionate following. How do you connect with your audience and build that connection through your music?

PROTOKOLL 19: We try to play shows in as many places as we can to bring the energy to you. We love to talk with the people who enjoy what we do and encourage you to reach out. Behind the spooky imagery, we’re still just people like everyone else.

INFRARED MAG: How do you balance creating music that is deeply personal while also resonating with a wide audience?

PROTOKOLL 19: We all have our own personal struggles. While the content of the music may be personal, it’s therapeutic to get it out there to share with others, and it’s also written in a way to serve multiple meanings. There is a surface-level meaning that most people can relate to, and usually one or two deeper ideas that requires you to read between the lines.

INFRARED MAG: Your lyrics often explore the darker aspects of human existence. Do you find this exploration to be cathartic, and how do you hope listeners connect with these themes?

PROTOKOLL 19: Writing is a constructive way to avoid being self-destructive. While the content may address darker themes, it serves as a way to connect and serves as a reminder that we’re not all alone.

INFRARED MAG: With the upcoming EP on the horizon, are there any collaborations or special surprises that fans should look forward to?

PROTOKOLL 19: We do have something a little special in store for one song, but it’s going to have to remain a secret until the release.

INFRARED MAG: As artists who push the boundaries of dark electro, how do you stay inspired and continue to evolve your sound?

PROTOKOLL 19: Looking outside the box is very helpful. Listening to other genres can spark something. Going to live shows or even just listening to the sound design of a movie or TV show can be inspiring. There are so many wonderful art forms in the world, and the more you surround yourself with them, the more inspiration you receive.

INFRARED MAG: Finally, what message do you hope listeners take away from “When Will It End” and the upcoming EP?

PROTOKOLL 19: We hope you enjoy the new single and are looking forward to what’s to come. Remember, no one has to be alone when times get tough.

With “When Will It End,” PROTOKOLL 19 has delivered a harrowing glimpse into the emotional depths that define their upcoming EP, Somewhere Between Purgatory and Hell. Their ability to merge intense emotions with captivating soundscapes ensures that this release will resonate deeply with fans of dark electro. As each single unfolds and the narrative continues to expand, listeners can expect a raw and immersive journey that leaves a lasting impact.

As PROTOKOLL 19 continues to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories, Somewhere Between Purgatory and Hell promises to be a defining chapter in their evolving sound. With remixes, captivating visuals, and a cohesive narrative tying the project together, fans can anticipate a release that transcends expectations and solidifies their place in the realm of dark electro.