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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