Alma Encendia is a musically gifted group of two tremendously talented young men who have found the true essence of bachata. Steven Cruz's and Rhandy Acosta's dedication for the culturally based music of bachata that they create has helped them become known internationally, such as in the Dominican Republic, Spain, Italy, and even Panama. Their music is appealing to people of all ages and races because of the rich infusion of different genres of music such as pop, R&B, jazz and rock. They have been successful at breaking the mold of bachata and evolving it into contemporary music while also managing to keep the traditionalism of bachata that many people have grown to love; the release of their first album, "Mas Que Palabras", proves just that. The songs which Steven Cruz, lead singer, composed for the album are created from real life situations – love, heartbreak – which makes it appealing and relatable to everyone who hears it. Each member, with their own perspectives and interests, are able to collaborate and effortlessly create lyrics and melodies which are sure to please and warm even the coldest of hearts.
Rhandy Acosta, bassist for the vibrant youth group, contributes a vast amount of liveliness and enthusiasm with his talent for playing his bass guitar and his ability to love and live the music that he creates. He was born in Elmhurst, Queens of New York City on August 14, 1987. His passion for music and sounds began to brew at a very young age. Being the child of Dominican parents, he grew up listening to traditional bachata and boleros. Outside of the home, he was fascinated with the various musical styles of hip hop, rap, jazz, house and techno. The age of 14 was a milestone, being it the year in which he first encountered a bass guitar. He was fascinated by its sound and unique contribution to a musical piece. On Christmas day of that same year, he received his first bass guitar and mastered the instrument through practice and small gigs. He has been an official member of Alma Encendia for about four years. With musical influences like, Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Wisin y Yandel, Rhandy hopes to able to integrate many sounds other than the traditional into the bachata which he has grown to love. As a performer his charm is evident and his spontaneity makes him interesting and alluring to observe.
Steven Cruz not only provides his amazing vocal abilities to Alma Encendia as lead singer but he is also a talented songwriter and producer. Aside from his many attribute, Steven is also proficient in playing various instruments which includes and piano and the bass. He was born on August 24, 1983 in Queens, New York to Dominican parents. In his search for a musical outlet he chose to create a bachata ensemble which would aid in evolving the music that he grew up listening to. The goal which he has set for himself is to break the stereotypical image of bachata being a solely Dominican interest and to mold it into a source of music which can be accepted and enjoyed worldwide by all ages. One of the ways he does this is by continuously infusing the American sounds of pop, R&B, jazz, and rock with bachata when composing his songs. His grandeur is evident through the work that he has done with multiple artists in the music industry, including Toby Love (in which he won 2 Billboard awards), Julio Voltio, Andy Andy, Hector Acosta "El Torito", Adasa, Optimo, Alexis y Fido, Hector "El Father", Tito "El Bambino", Don Omar, Jim Jones and Rakim y Ken-Y.
Alma Encendia has clearly outshone their competition with their many successes and the many fans which they have gained through their musical journey worldwide and within the United States. They will continue to spread their influence internationally in the assurance of captivating the hearts of all through their music. They are the music and the music is them; fuel for the soul…encendia.