Ernestine Romero sings the soul of Northern New Mexico on her new CD, Sin Ti, which was unveiled at a CD release party May 1 at Anthony's at the Delta in Española.

All songs on the CD are sung in Spanish, Romero's language of preference for vocalizing her Tejano-influenced cumbias and rancheras.

When she sings in English, she said she's feels out of her comfort zone. "I've been singing in Spanish since I was a little girl. Spanish seems to be more poetic, more soulful."

"Selena is my idol," said Romero, 21, a native of Pojoaque Valley. "I love the way she sang and related to the audience. My dad, Willie, is also my idol. He was a drummer for over 23 years."

Sin Ti, her sixth album, although not a concept album, focuses on life's changes and what it's like to break up with your lover, she said.

On track No. 4, "Ya No Existes en Mi," she tragically sings that her ex-lover no longer exists for her.

The album, recorded in San Antonio, Texas, took two years to complete, she said, because she likes to listen to a variety of songs before deciding which ones to record.

All the songs on the new CD are covers, except for the signature piece, "Sin Ti," which she co-wrote with Pablo Urbina.

"I've been writing lyrics all my life," she said. "Someday soon, I hope, I'll do an album with original pieces. But right now, I've got a lot of work to do this summer, singing and promoting Sin Ti."

Her work ethic is commendable. On May 1, before her CD release party, she did four radio interviews. "I was exhausted," she said.

In the last 12 months, she said, she has had more gigs than she can remember, performing throughout the Southwest. "I've performed at fiestas, bazaars, conventions and clubs. Anywhere, I can perform, I can perform. I'm ready to go."

She's searching for an agent and major record label. With her swelling catalog of albums and awards, she has one foot in indie obscurity and the other in national recognition.

In 2007, the New Mexico Hispano Entertainment Association selected Romero has the female vocalist of the year. Two months ago, she presented awards at the prestigious Tejano Music Awards in Eagle Pass, Texas, and performed at the after party.

Sin Ti is obviously connecting with people. Since the May 1 release date, almost all of the 1,000 CDs have sold.

Her father, Willie Romero, is indefatigable in his passion to promote Ernestine's music. He goes door to door to stores, distributing the CDs, and has sent the CD to 50 radio stations.

Excited by the CD sales, Romero, in a Friday telephone conversation, said KSLV in Monte Vista, Colo., has just informed her that "Sin Ti" is their No. 1-requested song.

How close does she feel to signing with a major label? "Close, very close," she said.

But, she quickly added, "I'm not doing what I do for the money or fame. If I get people up to dance, that's my payment.

"I've been given a gift by God and it's my responsibility to share it."