Soulsa
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Hometown New York, NY
Genres Latin, Tropical
Band Members Alberto Diaz: Lead vocals/guitars; Luis Batista: Backup... » more
Artist / Band Member
Alberto Diaz Soulsarock@aol.com 917-202-5090
# Live Perfomances Past Six-months: 4
Market Draw: Latin, Rock, Latin Alternative: 31-50
Venue History: Havana Film Festival - New York, NY
Gonzalez & Gonzalez - New York, NY
D' Antigua - New York, NY
Southpaw - Brooklyn, NY
CHINA CLUB - NEW YORK, NY
Similar Artists: Santana; Ruben Blades; Willie Colon; Hector Lavoe; FANIA; Juan Luis Guerra; Oscar D' Leon
Performing Rights Society: BMI
Discography: Tanta Pena Single—2010; SOULSA LP—2006
SOULSA is a Latin band that does a modern fusion of Caribbean rhythms and modern rock music.
The group was formed in Washington Heights, a New York City neighborhood known for embracing Latin music and its culture. The band combines elements of...
The group was formed in Washington Heights, a New York City neighborhood known for embracing Latin music and its culture. The band combines elements of Afro-Caribbean percussion with acoustic and electric guitars to create fresh and exciting sound.
Soulsa's essence comes from its original compositions. Songwriters Alberto Diaz and Luis Batista are known for creating sophisticated and humorous songs that reflect the daily lives, struggles and triumphs of Latinos.
Soulsa has played a variety of venues through out New York including Nuyorican Poets Café, China Club, Southpaw and Gonzalez & Gonzalez. The band received national recognition when they performed for Telemundo's "Hoy en la Mañanita" and in 2007 was invited to Finland as a headliner to perform at their 10th annual Latin Music Festival "Frutas Tropicales". Soulsa's music has also been played in the TV shows "Mind of Mencia" and The Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food". Their original song "Elena" was featured in the inde film "Entre Nos".
Se Te Va
Hoja De Papel
Hoy Desperte
Tanta Pena
La Pared
Cuidao
Mi Negra
See More of Soulsa's Photos
Artist Acces Mentor Session with Ozomatli
May 2010 World
Top 10 in Latin Music, October 2016
Top 10 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), October 2016
Top 10 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), September 2016
Top 10 in Latin Music, September 2016
Top 10 in Latin Music, August 2016
Top 10 in Latin Music, July 2016
Top 10 in World, March 2016
Top 10 in Metal, March 2015
Tr3s Latin Music Winner, January 2012
Tr3s Latin Music Winner, December 2011
Top 10 in Pop en español, March 2011
Top 10 in Latin, December 2010
February 2010 World
December 2009 World
December 2009 Latin
November 2009 World
February 2009 Latin
January 2009 Tropical
October 2008 Latin
August 2008 Tropical
June 2008 Tropical
May 2008 Latin
April 2008 Latin
March 2008 Latin
January 2008 Latin
August 2007 World
August 2013 Judging Excellence
Top 40 in Latin Music, June 2022
Top 40 in Latin Music, May 2022
Top 40 in Latin Music, April 2022
Top 40 in Latin Music, March 2022
Top 40 in Latin Music, February 2022
Top 40 in Latin Music, January 2022
Top 40 in Latin Music, December 2021
Top 40 in Latin Music, November 2021
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), May 2017
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), April 2017
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), March 2017
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), February 2017
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), January 2017
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), December 2016
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), November 2016
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), July 2016
Top 40 in Rock y Pop (Spanish), June 2016
Top 40 in World, September 2015
Top 40 in World, June 2015
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, June 2013
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, May 2013
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, April 2013
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, March 2013
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, February 2013
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, January 2013
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, October 2012
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, September 2012
Top 40 in Tr3s Latin Music, August 2012
Top 40 in Música Pop, December 2011
Talent in Motion Magazine by Tasha Harris
Sound off to SOULSA By Tasha Harris It is a few minutes before midnight on a wintry Friday as patrons line up outside of D'Antiqua in Jackson Heights, Queens. The club is jam-packed without a...
CD REVIEW: Soulsa by Edwin Roman
from: LATINKNOW.COM / MUSIC REVIEW Soulsa / SOULSA The music industry is currently in a semi-eclipse. Formula has become the order of the day while individuality has almost disappeared. No one...
Sound off to SOULSA By Tasha Harris It is a few minutes before midnight on a wintry Friday as patrons line up outside of D'Antiqua in Jackson Heights, Queens. The club is jam-packed without a single vacant seat as fans stand wall-to-wall and sit through the opening act and intermission for almost two hours, eagerly awaiting the main event. At around 1:40am, Latin sensation, SOULSA takes the stage. The sound of a familiar rock guitar riff ignites the spirits of the restless crowd who jumps to their feet to dance, sing-shouting the hook to the catchy single, "Mi Negra." The handsome quintet is comprised of five New York musicians from Washington Heights: Alberto Diaz (vocals & guitar), Luis Batista (bass), Anibal Collazo (conga & percussion), Tony Rodriguez (bongo) and Juan Gerena (drums). Their distinctive sound is a delectable blend of rock, salsa, jazz and R&B. The band from uptown Manhattan plays a fusion of rock and Afro-Cuban rhythms that's raw, passionate and energetic. SOULSA has played private performances for Oscar de la Renta, VOGUE Magazine and Time Warner Inc. SOULSA's edgy sound stands out due to the absence of piano and brass and has a widespread appeal. To fans old and new, SOULSA's six-song set in the wee hours were worth the wait. The band's energy and Diaz's fiery vocals kept my attention for over an hour, despite the voice in my head that was nagging me to go home and hit the sack. My only complaint: I wish the band had a CD available and were booked more often. Copyright Talent in Motion
from: LATINKNOW.COM / MUSIC REVIEW Soulsa / SOULSA The music industry is currently in a semi-eclipse. Formula has become the order of the day while individuality has almost disappeared. No one seems to want to take a risk and break the various bland molds that have been plaguing music the last several years. Luckily, there is a break happening in the mold. Soulsa, like Moses parting the Red Sea, is breaking through the sea of boring, pedestrian music. I was first introduced to the music and sound of Soulsa at an event at the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center. As a live band, their performances are outstanding. I have not seen or heard playing like this for a long time.Interestingly enough, the best track on this CD was recorded during a live performance. "Mi Negra" literally captures the experience of hearing this band live-they don't pull any punches with their infectious and spontaneous musical arrangements. The energy and enthusiasm of this song makes you want to get up and dance. But Soulsa is not just about making you want to get up and dance-there is something for everyone on this CD. "Quisieras tu volver" is an interesting blend of Santana inspired guitar riffs and tropical salsa. Titulo" is a brutally honest song about gossip and labeling people. "Sudor infiel" is a perfect song-the music and lyrics perfectly complement each. The song, which is candid about a one-night stand, beautifully blends Latin, jazz and Miles Davis into the musical arrangement. Equally stunning are the vocal arrangements. This song really made me smile. Soulsa is clearly emerging from a vast range of music. Influences are apparent, but they don't define the music. Soulsa has its own sound, which is what makes them so refreshing. At press time, the band is still unsigned. This is surprising because of the high quality of the CD-not just the sound quality, but the packaging too (check out the excellent photography by Amy Ponce). If you are tired of the teen scene and the salsa wannabe's, pick up Soulsa's self-titled CD and hear some real musicians move you into the new century. Edwin Roman Latiknow E-Magazine
El Correo Newspaper by Olga Acosta
Soulsa, the adventure of leaving the streets by Olga Acosta Soulsa sings to the soul of the streets in a fresh style without the aggression of one who wants to escape the ghetto. We mix Afro-Cuban rhythms with rock. Our guitar obeys the clave and not the other way around", explains Alberto Diaz, lead vocalist, guitarist and one of the founding members of the group. Listening to Soulsa, it is no surprise that Latin blood runs through the veins of its members. Luis Batista, bassist and backup vocalist, was born in New York of Dominican parents; Alberto, was born in Puerto Rico and his parents are Dominican; Antonio Rodriguez, bongo player, is Cuban-Dominican; Juan Gerena, timale and Anibal Collazo, percussionist are both Nuyorican. The surprise comes when you listen to them play and the chord raise the tone of those who wear long hair and wear leather jackets. Luis Batista and Alberto Diaz grew up together in Washington Heights. There they created Xperience, a rock band in which they discovered in the 80's that they were destined for music. 10 years later these guys had a rediscovery with their roots and it is when they decided to launch a new adventure of creating something new with old soul. Alberto says, "We've had a lot of luck with the discoveries we've made. I feel lucky to share the stage with such talented musicians". For Soulsa, it's definitely been the presence of Anibal Collazo who is the one that nurtures the group with musical history and that's why they nickname him "Old Soul"; while Juan is the musical encyclopedia that the rest of the band would like to posess as well as being the person who exercises discipline and professionalism at the rehearsals. Lillian Pons, their manager, is also part of the group. Alberto says, "Without her we would be lost. It's difficult managing one's self, write songs, make music, find musicians and book shows". It's very difficult to manage a group with so much talent" replies Lillian. Soulsa is more than a band. It's a collection of talents. Lillian is a professional photographer, Alberto is a graphic designer, Luis' expertise lies in publishing rights. Andy has worked in the fashion industry and has a good eye for style. Lillian says, "We are a family that has understood that without cooperation there is no success. That's why we have all put our talents into the band." That's not all. Antonio has performed with such Latin artists as la India and Frankie Negron. Soulsa overflows with energy and the need to explore new musical frontiers, and the truth is that it's about time that someone took that bland radio-friendly salsa that's out now and gave it a new spin. To keep up with the band you would simply have to log on to their website at: www.soulsaband.com. You won't regret it.
SOULSAuses a standard 5 piece rock band setup.
Our set up consists of:1. Electric guitar / guitar am
2. Electric bass guitar / bass guitar am
3. Full rock drum set
4. Conga drum
5. Percussion.
We usually bring all our instruments unless a venue can provide guitar amps and drum sets. We DO NOT have our own PA system so a venue must provide a PA system (minum of 8 channel mixer), stage monitors and a sound man.
If a full PA system is not available, we can do an "unplugged" show where instead of electric guitars, we bring lower volume acoustic guitars and less percussion for a more mellow show.
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