Let’s get the obvious question out of the way. Yes, Brandon Estrada is related to that Estrada: His father is actor Erik Estrada of television’s “CHiPs” fame. Beyond the celebrity relative, however, Brandon Estrada has lived a fascinating life.

Estrada holds the indoor national pole-vaulting record in Puerto Rico and attended USC on an athletic scholarship, where he became a two-time All-American.

Fast forward a few decades. After going back to school for jazz vocal performance, the singer-songwriter – whose smooth voice calls to mind Sinatra but is distinctly his own – is embarking on a jazz career. He released his debut single, the American standard “Day by Day,” on July 18.

Estrada, 37, sat down for an interview over brunch at Tyra Bell’s The Stove in Henderson on July 31. Bell shared a childhood story about her crush on Erik Estrada and her prized autographed photo. Here are highlights from the conversation:

VegasPublicity.com: Congratulations, Brandon, you just released your first single.

Estrada: Yes, “Day by Day.” Thank you very much.

VegasPublicity.com: Tell me about the process. How did you choose that song? How did you get here?

Estrada: I became friends with Christian Wiggs at Bandstand Presents, the label. Up until then, I was gigging quietly, writing songs and taking work as it came. The more I studied the Great American Songbook, the more I fell in love with it, and “Day by Day” quickly became one of my favorites.

I grew up listening to many of these songs with my grandmother, and they make me feel close to her. With “Day by Day,” I also connected to the lyrics in a personal way.

To me, it’s not just a love song about someone else – it can also be about learning to love yourself. Lines like “There isn’t any end to my devotion” or “You’re making all my dreams come true” can be read as self-talk. I’m a big believer in therapy, journaling and self-work, and I’ve learned that what I tell myself has a strong impact on what I create and attract.

I also had the chance to collaborate with trumpeter Benny Benack on this track – he’s an incredible musician and entertainer. Working with him and the rest of the group was a dream come true. I’m so grateful to be making music with some of the best players in the world. The single’s only been out a week, and I’m still excited every day.

VegasPublicity.com: Why did you lean toward jazz in your musical career?

Estrada: I grew up in L.A. and always had music around me. I went to a performing arts elementary school, so I was in plays and musicals, and as a teenager I had a garage band and even sang R&B with some local hip-hop artists. I was all over the place musically.

In my 20s, I went back to school in Cincinnati to study jazz. Unlike sports, I knew jazz was something I could keep doing for the rest of my life. And I’ve always loved the atmosphere of jazz clubs – the suits, the low light, the wine, the energy of it all.

I’ve got a collection of suits and old wingtip shoes, and I train my voice every day because I love to sing. I also hope the songs I write resonate with someone.

VegasPublicity.com: You mentioned your grandmother as an inspiration.

Estrada: She was instrumental in my life. She showed me such unconditional love, and I remember riding in the back of her Cadillac while my grandpa played Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald. That music feels like home to me.

VegasPublicity.com: Please tell me more about this record.

Estrada: The record is seven standards from the Great American Songbook and two originals.

VegasPublicity.com: What are the titles of the two originals?

Estrada: One is in Spanish, called “La Luz.” It’s a love letter that’s also a goodbye – bittersweet, like a journal entry. I see my songs as extensions of my journal, and often they’re both good and bad at the same time. I think leaning into gratitude, even alongside pain, is a powerful way to live – not ignoring the bad but not letting it eclipse the good.

The second is called “I’ll Be a Nobody.” I wrote it about the time I left L.A. for the Midwest, hoping to live quietly – away from anyone who knew me or my family. I needed space to focus on my mental health. I wanted to strip things back, start at the bottom of whatever I pursued and work my way up.

I unplugged from social media, gave myself a steady diet of music and writing, and in that space I rediscovered myself. The biggest lesson was simple: Nothing is more important than relationships – starting with the one you have with yourself.

VegasPublicity.com: You were born and raised in L.A.? Where else have you lived before moving to Las Vegas in 2021?

Estrada: Just Los Angeles and Cincinnati. I wanted to leave everything I knew, even my name, and the Midwest was perfect for that. It was comfortable and relaxed, with a jazz scene where I could cut my teeth. I played a little spot called Café Vivace, worked with great musicians, and I learned a lot.

VegasPublicity.com: Where have you performed in Las Vegas?

Estrada: I met you at Myron’s at The Smith Center – that’s one of my favorite rooms. I’ve also done guest spots at Vic’s Las Vegas, and I’ve played corporate events and weddings, a couple other spots called Basilico and The Composers Room.

VegasPublicity.com: What’s your focus now after releasing your first single?

Estrada: The second record. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but I can’t help being excited to create. I’ve got two or three songs left to record and arrange. Writing and recording are some of the best parts of this process, and sharing the finished work means a lot to me.

VegasPublicity.com: What do you like to do for fun in Las Vegas?

Estrada: Pickleball – I’m obsessed with it. It’s so much fun. I also enjoy trying new restaurants, checking out spas and playing poker. But honestly I’m a homebody, I love just being in my robe (laughs).

Estrada released his second single, a cover of “Nature Boy,” on Aug. 29.

More: You can find Estrada’s music on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora and other digital platforms.