ERIN BOHEME

HOMETOWN: Oshkosh, Wisc.
INFLUENCES: Billie Holiday, Carly Simon, Dean Martin
ALBUM: What a Life, out Feb. 5
WEBSITE: erinbohememusic.com

Erin Boheme’s father introduced his daughter to the music of Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday, while her mom watched her sing to Al Green, Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind & Fire. Erin soon followed her own passion for many styles, and began singing at weddings and private parties before landing an appearance on TV’s Star Search. At 17, she signed to Concord Records and released a jazz tribute album to Frank Sinatra. After the project, her career trajectory changed when she met Michael Bublé, who saw her talent as a pop singer. “After hearing a few examples of songs I wrote, Bublé and [Concord Executive Vice President] John Burk encouraged me to keep writing.” Her new album, What a Life, is produced by Bublé and backed by his touring band. Composing the songs proved to be an emotional catharsis for Boheme. “The album developed into a more raw, very singer-songwriter type of project—a chronicle of my life so far,” she says.