Peace Through Music logo

Peace Through Music

Learn More
Peace Through Music logo

Peace Through Music

A Global Event for Social Justice | Special Release!

Learn More
Playing for change logo
  • Videos
  • Musicians
  • Band
  • Music
  • About
  • Shop
Português
Become a Member

Back to All Musicians

Mel Semé

Alfred Howard

San Diego, CA, USA

Biography

Alfred Howard knows what it’s like to perform in front of a rough crowd. The lyricist, percussionist and independent record label guru got his start performing spoken word in venue parking lots around San Diego, hoping to catch the attention of random patrons searching for their cars. But while most performers would struggle to find an audience in a dingy parking lot, Al thrived. His skillful wordplay quickly attracted musicians, poets, and fans alike, and Al became a sought-after lyricist and percussionist for bands around San Diego.

In 2015, he decided to take his passion for poetry and music to the next level, forming an independent record label collective called The Redwoods. The idea behind the label is simple: To bring together a core group of the best performers in San Diego and make amazing, vintage-inspired tunes. If The Redwoods are a body, then Alfred Howard is the brain — for the seven different bands on the label’s roster, he contributes lyrics or beats, playing to each performer’s strength and encouraging constant experimentation. The Redwoods’ music ranges from soul to psychedelic to spectral folk, and every musician brings a fresh perspective to these records. The result is an eclectic collective of bands that aren’t afraid to evolve and blend together unusual genres. Alfred has inspired a group of heavy hitting artists and in doing so, has lead The Redwoods to become San Diego’s musical lifeblood.

 


How we met:

Playing For Change was first introduced to Al Howard through our great fiends and founders of Guyaki and Come to Life, David Carr and Alex Pryor. They turned us on to his original version of “I Love America” and we knew he was the poet we had been searching for to contribute to our UN 75 Peace Through Music Event! 

Hometown

Follow Alfred Howard

PFC Videos Featuring Alfred Howard
I Love America | Alfred Howard | Peace Through Music

Feb 05, 2021

Alfred Howard Videos
Discover Musicians
  • Grandpa Elliott

    location_onNew Orleans, LA, United States
  • Genevieve Chadwick

    location_onUlladulla, New South Wales, Australia
  • Keith Richards

    location_onDartford, UK
Explore Videos
Jah Guide | Live in Australia

Jul 15, 2015

Stand By Me | PFC Band live in Brazil

Dec 23, 2014

Our Music Students in Ghana Unite to Record an Original Song

Jul 23, 2014

Recently From Our Blog
Playing For Change Releases Remake of Peter Gabriel’s “Biko” in honor of Black History Month and Gabriel’s birthday

Posted on February 12, 2021


FEATURING PETER GABRIEL, ANGELIQUE KIDJO, SILKROAD’S YO-YO MA, MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO AND MORE VIDEO TO STREAM ON ROLLINGSTONE.COM   Los Angeles, CA — February 12, 2021 — Playing For Change is proud to announce the release of its latest Song Around The World, “Biko,” a remake of the 1980 classic by English rock and roll hall […]

Continue reading
76 years strong…Happy Birthday Bob Marley

Posted on February 6, 2021


Today marks the 76th birthday of a musical legend and one of our heroes, Bob Marley. Through his music, with songs such as “One Love,” “Three Little Birds,” and “Get Up Stand Up,” he gave millions of people around the world hope and inspired them to believe in a better tomorrow. Marley’s lyrics shed light […]

Continue reading
Want to see behind the scenes of PFC?
Become a Member
    • About
    • Contact
    • Team
    • Events
    • PFC Foundation
    • Blog
  • Become a Member
Playing for Change

Copyright © 2021 Playing for Change | Terms | Privacy

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.I Accept