Albert Ahlf Confronts Authoritarianism with Folk-Rock Anthem “The MAGA Song”

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Rockland County, NY – Virtuoso pianist, vocalist, and music teacher Albert Ahlf is stepping into the folk-rock arena with his latest release, “The MAGA Song.” The track channels the defiant spirit of 1960s protest music while calling out the dangers of authoritarianism in modern America. With harmony-driven vocals and a classic rock energy reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel, The Byrds, and Green Day, Ahlf uses his art as a rallying cry for democracy, human rights, and truth.

For Ahlf, the inspiration came from frustration and urgency. “As many of us with a brain and with common sense have felt since Trump took office again, there's just been this… It's literally every day there's another horrifying headline or thing that's being revealed to us that he did or said or had someone else do,” he explained. Citing warnings from ex-military generals about creeping fascism, he noted, “This is no joke.”

Beyond his deep love of jazz, Ahlf has always admired music that tells stories and sparks change. “Songs are usually about poetry and lyricism and nice harmonies that bring out this warm kind of feeling, like Americana. Also, rock and roll is American. It’s as American as it gets. Music needs to tell a story.”

Stylistically influenced by his uncle Alan Wauters, a folk rock musician affiliated with the Laurel Canyon folk scene, the accompanying music video interweaves performance with protest footage, capturing Ahlf at demonstrations holding signs on democracy, Medicaid cuts, climate change, and human rights. His activism is an extension of his core values. “When it comes to politics, the three most important things are education, healthcare, and climate change,” Ahlf said. “You need a well-funded education system that's equitable and fair. You need a good healthcare system, which we definitely don't have. And then climate change—almost all scientists say it's an existential threat.”

While the song has earned over 3,000 views, reaching that audience wasn’t simple. “Anytime you do a political song with Trump or anyone else in it, YouTube won’t let you do direct promotion. With Google and Meta, you need permits, red tape, notarized forms, and IDs. I had to get a disclaimer that said ‘Paid for by Albert Ahlf.’ But I finally got approved on Meta, which boosted my views with organic clicks,” Ahlf explained.

Despite backlash from some online commenters telling him to “crawl back under a rock” or calling the song “hollow,” Ahlf remains steadfast. “As someone who's dealt with a lot of depression, I’m at a point now where a lot of that stuff doesn’t faze me. You go through heartbreaks, you get tougher. I’m 32 now, and I feel wiser even if I’m not as happy. Hanging out with friends is the best medicine.”

Ahlf sees music as a force for unity and resistance. “Music has always been a healing force. Woody Guthrie once said, ‘This machine kills fascists’ about the guitar. Jazz, swing, rock, hip hop—all of it draws from traditions that brought rhythm and life. Artists like Louis Armstrong, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson—they used music to make statements. Music can spread freedom and challenge the status quo.”

Looking forward, Ahlf says fans can expect a range of styles from him: “My future work could be anything—jazz, rock, a ballad. I’ve released jazz piano albums, swing, even a 40s-style version of ‘Barbie Girl.’ But I plan on releasing more jazz soon, and hopefully another folk rock song.”

With “The MAGA Song,” Albert Ahlf reminds listeners that music is a call to action.

About Albert Ahlf

Albert Ahlf is a virtuoso pianist, vocalist, arranger, jazz historian, and music teacher based in Rockland County, NY. A graduate of SUNY Purchase and Hunter College, Ahlf has performed at renowned venues including Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, The Blue Note, and with the Purchase Jazz Orchestra alongside jazz legends. He is the bandleader of the Ahlfabet Swing Group, a frequent performer at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, and a versatile musician blending jazz, folk, rock, swing, gospel, and classical influences. In addition to his performance career, Ahlf is a dedicated K–5 music teacher, passionate about inspiring the next generation through music and history.

Watch “The MAGA Song” music video

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Shayan Italia Interview

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Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Shayan Italia has just unveiled his newest pop single “Armour of Love.” The track was recorded by John Hudson, known for his work with David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and a-ha, and mixed by Simon Hanhart, who has collaborated with legends like Elton John and Lou Reed. With its polished production and heartfelt delivery, the song showcases Shayan’s depth as both an artist and storyteller, marking another exciting step in his musical journey.

Shayan’s career has already earned him widespread recognition, with features across the BBC Network, The Guardian, and The Times, as well as an exclusive interview with the late Sir David Frost. He’s also performed at the world-renowned Royal Albert Hall, solidifying his place as one of today’s most compelling and accomplished artists.

So, what's up Shayan? What's on your mind?
Hey thanks! At the moment I’m in the midst of moving home. I tend to try and upgrade my entire life every 5 years (part of my self-motivational progress list). It’s really exciting as there is much to be done and there is little time. I like to stay active on my feet and with my mind. I’m also super excited to see my family after 2 years and we’re all holidaying together abroad, much needed break after being stuck in our homes for so long!

Tell us everything about your new single ‘Armour Of Love’?
Forgetting that I wrote it for a second, I genuinely love the song. I love what it represents and the positive energetic vibe it has. For me the title “Armour Of Love” symbolises far more than romantic love – everyone has their “Armour Of Love” – someone who has stood by them through the hardest of times, protected them from harm; been that shield of support/growth when they needed it most. I’m sure you have yours too! This is an epic love song performed by some of the best musicians in the business and we were all together when we cut it live in the studio. Yes it was cut with all of us singing, playing and performing together which never happens and you can hear it in the performances! It’s also recorded on tape…no gimmicks, no technology cheats. I guess that’s why it’s so organic, so fluid, so dynamic and immediate to the ears.



When did you start writing music?
I started writing songs unexpectedly after losing my Mum at a young age. She bought me a piano before she died. She never lived to see me play it. I’ve been prolifically writing ever since. My private song catalogue stands at over 100 songs currently. I’m incredibly proud of it. It’s very personal to me.

Which animal would best suit your personality?
I love bunnies. They’re super cute…and super-quick on their feet too! I make quick decisions and am 24/7 on my feet active. So I relate to them!

Who are your musical icons?
I don’t have one per se but I do revere the greats only because they it was all about the performance. I was seeing an interview with Paul McCartney the other day and he said “We didn’t have computers then to write our music down, so if we wrote something, and we remembered it the next day, we considered that MEMORABLE”. Now how simple yet efficient a concept is that! Today music sounds just too “social media” “short-term” influenced. I don’t think there is even a handful of songs released in the last 5 years that is going to live for say the next 50 years. Now it’s all about that 15 second Tik-Tok hook after which the song fails to stand up for the rest of its runtime.

Artists I admire are: Michael Jackson, The Beegees, Pink Floyd, John Lennon, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and others…

I tend to listen to mainstream melodic pop the most.

What was the first album you purchased?
So as I was a minor/dependent when my parents passed on, my elder brother was doing most of the music purchases at the time but he loved to purchase music from the 60s, 70s and 80’s (the golden eras of music) and we have a proud “PAID” catalogue of hundreds of albums and thousands of songs. We were one of the first to subscribe to streaming platforms years ago.

One of the best albums, though a little old from a previous era, I’ve heard is “Joyride” by Roxette. Some great pop tunes on there!

Which artists are you listening to right now?
The new songs on my “explore” playlist are:

Goodbye – Ramsey (From Arcane – I love the show on Netflix!)
Can I Get It – Adele
Telepath – Conan Gray
Let’s Go To Hell – Tai Verdes
Ghost Town – Benson Boone
Love Me Like That – Bleeding Fingers
Fire For You - Cannons

What does the rest of 2021 hold for you?
In 2022, I launch my flagship wellness app that specialises in Intermittent Fasting. It’s called START and it’s in beta mode now getting lots of positive feedback. I’m very excited about it as I’ve been practicing I.F. for years now. It can help change people’s lives for the better and progress their health leaps and bounds. START is endorsed by some of the best doctors, nutritionists and fitness instructors within their fields of expertise. Let’s see how the new year works out for this. And as stated I’m moving home, so am excited to start a new chapter of my life with new adventures that hold for the near future!

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