Casbah tattoo

Alfred Howard plays instruments you’ve never heard of and serves as house scribe for various Redwoods acts.

What’s your favorite local band?

“New Kinetics or Drive Like Jehu...”

What’s your favorite local venue?

“Casbah. Always and forever. I might even get a tattoo of their logo this week. [Editor’s note: he did], but I just had some gear stolen from my van, so as opposed to purchasing a tattoo, I should probably replace my essentials.”

What’s your all-time favorite album?

“Locally, New Kinetics' In Stereo does it for me. Globally, Ok Computer caught me at a key stage of my development when I decided to be depressed and have a great soundtrack.”

Do you have a favorite studio that you like to use?

“Audio Design. Jordan Andreen is a wizard. Give him your money.”

What is your favorite piece of gear?

“I own a lot of bullshit gear, but I have a circuit bent radio that speaks in tongues regularly to Jupiter, at least that’s what it sounds like.”

Where is your favorite place to buy gear?

“Kobey’s Swap Meet.”

Do you have a favorite local radio station?

“KPBS. I’m over 30.”

Do you have a favorite local DJ?

“DJ Claire. Warriors fan, plays soul, makes me laugh, can bench 250. DJ Claire all the way.”

What’s a cool place that you suggest out-of-town friends or bands hit while they’re in San Diego?

“Torrey Pines, the rock formations are beautiful, and the peregrine falcons put on a show if you look up.”

Where do you go for peace and quiet when you’re not working?

“Torrey Pines, Lake Cuyamaca, Corte Madera, Mount Laguna, Palomar.”

Digital beats or live kit?

“[Jake] Najor on kit, he’s got a deeper pocket than any digital kit.”