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Indie-rocker Aní Cordero takes 'Cordero' to her heritage

By DANIEL CÁSAREZ / Vida En El Valle

Aní Cordero has combined a new list of lyrics in Cordero's latest release entitled 'De Dónde Eres,' Cordero's first all Spanish-language album on Bloodshot Records.

Atlanta-based Indie-rock musican Aní Cordero grew up in the states, but draws from her Puerto Rican heritage on the small tropical island.

Aní, 34, formed the group Cordero in 1999 with a mixture of members from Calexico and Giant Sand. And while she concentrates on 'Cordero,' she's also the current drummer for 'Pistolero,' who just completed a tour of San Francisco, Los Ángeles and Canadá.

In 'Cordero,' her husband, Chris Verene, is the drummer.

Aní -- which is short for Marieli, is named after two of her aunts; María and Elisa -- brings Cordero to a new level of music combining lyrics that have always been close to heart.

"I haven't met a person that's perfect," Cordero said regarding one of her latest songs, 'Guardasecretos.' "We all keep secrets, and sometimes they're not so noble ... occassionally it's about things I wish I didn't know, then there are the beautiful and magical moments that will never leave me."

'de donde eres' is the fourth release for the group, behind 'Somos Cordero,' 'Lamb Lost in the City' and 'En Este Momento.' The group's first release entitled 'Deserter' was available online.

Regarding those "beautiful and magical moments," Aní shared one of her most recent.

"I had one this morning coming home from the tour: Four planes, 15 hours, then one and a half hours of driving home. It was very, very long and tiring. My son ran to the edge of the sidewalk yelling 'Ma!, Ma!'"

In 'La Yegua,' Aní talks of the plight of a woman in an abusive relationship.It's a harsh reality for many and for some the pain last for years.

"I've have had friendships, even a family member killed by an ex boyfriend. People misunderstand that just leaving is not that simple," she said.

Check out the bands' Web page at corderomusic.com; you got to love that dress.

Send e-mail to: dcasarez@vidaenelvalle.com