[SOULSA BIO] "An urban voice that grows with every performance". Those are the words that El Diario, the largest Spanish language newspaper in New York City, used to describe Soulsa. ..Soulsa is an established Latin band that provides an exciting mix of Caribbean rhythms and modern rock music. The group was formed in 2002 in Washington Heights, a New York City neighborhood known for embracing Latin music and culture. With a sound that is both classic and modern, Soulsa's music contains the groove of classic salsa with the raw energy of a nyc rock band. To create a fresh sound, Soulsa replaces traditional salsa instruments like horns and piano with the modern sounds of the electric guitar resulting in a more “stripped-down” sound without ever loosing their Caribbean roots. The intense percussion from Juan Gerena, Antonio Rodriguez and Anibal Collazo compmliments the electric guitar resulting in a sound that is both primal and energetic - without ever losing the roots of Caribbean music and classic rock. Its essentially Rock with Clave y Sentimiento! But most importantly, Soulsa's essence comes from its original compositions. Songwriters Alberto Diaz and Luis Batista create sophisticated and humorous songs that reflect the daily lives, struggles and triumphs of Latinos. Soulsa has played in a variety of venues through out New York City including Nuyorican Poets Café, China Club, Southpaw, D’Antigua and Gonzalez & Gonzalez. They have also headlined at private events for Oscar de la Renta, VOGUE magazine, Havana Film Festival and Time Inc. Soulsa's music has been featured in the TV shows "Mind of Mencia" and most recently Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food".