Alma Encendia
Interviewed By: Angela

Who is in your group, their ages and what do they play?
o Steven Cruz, 21, lead singer
o Rhandy Acosta,18, bass player
o Ariel Tineo, 22, guitarist

Where are you from?
o All three of us were born and raised in Queens, New York.

Do you think that being so young in the industry is an advantage or a disadvantage?
o We find that being young has been an advantage for us. We’ve been listening to bachata since we were toddlers and have seen it evolve over time. As such, we see where it is going and are proud to be part of the movement. Bachata is definitely an example of cultural diffusion with expressions of melting pot experiences and themes that appeal to the many, and our music reflects just that.

Do you classify the type of music that you play as Bachata?
o Yes.

You obviously have your own personal styles, what does each of you bring to the group?
o Steven: Voice.
o Ariel: I incorporate the jazz and pop styles to our music.
o Rhandy: I contribute to the vibrant rhythms and rock tunes.
Together we attempt to fuse different genres with bachata, in order to keep our songs contemporary. At the same time, we preserve the traditional bachata by composing story-line songs.

How long have you been in the music industry?
o Steven: I’ve had a passion for music since I was a little boy. I was singing at home by the age of three. By the age of seventeen, I was already in a church choir. Ariel taught me to play the strings, during my mid-teens.
o Ariel: With the help of my father, I’ve been playing guitars since I was about thirteen.
o Rhandy: I received my first bass guitar as a Christmas gift, at the age of thirteen. Thanks to Steven and Ariel, I’ve learned to play very well.

Where is your main fan base?
o Dominican Republic and parts of the United States.

How often do you record?
o We finished recording the first album.

Do you feel that all of your hard work is paying off?
o Yes. The reaction we are getting from the audience is amazing. People like our music, and because of that we will continue to entertain them. Earlier this year, we were awarded with the Premio Quisqueya.

Do you perform anywhere on a regular basis?
o No. We perform at clubs and festivals which are booked by our manager, Manuel Franco Jr.

Are there any new albums, demos, videos or anything else scheduled to be released in 2005?
o We will be on tour in the Dominican Republic from July 21 to September 1. We are scheduled to be in Europe in October. We are doing a lot of television and radio promotion. We also have promotional cds and music videos out for the public. The tentative release date for the album is this September.

What is your official website?
www.almaencendia.com

Shout outs?
o Fans, family, friends, and even those who dislike us…you are the fuel that keeps us going. Thank you for your support, God bless!