Donna Beckham Ready To Shine

Beckham Makes Strong Statement With Second Album

I Got The T-Shirt

An Emotional Testimony

By Luke Gilliam

Donna Beckham hates to say, ‘I told you so.’ But, well…“It’s an I-told-you-so album,” Beckham said of I Got The T-Shirt, released in May 2008.

The Texas native’s second album is an emotionally-charged effort. Beckham drew from the death of a friend, the breakup of her longtime band, and all manner of human relationship as lyrical fodder. Her vivid storytelling and tightened sound make I Got The T-Shirt a solid springboard off her well-received self-titled 2006 debut.

This go-round, Beckham left no bullets in her pistol. “I put everything I have emotionally and physically into this album,” Beckham said. I love classic country music but realized that I have a little more soul and energy that I wanted to pour out. It sounds like a woman who’s a little pissed off.”

The album’s attitude is pointed at Beckham’s career hurdles and self-doubt. She decided to give up her passion - live performing - in the wake of her band breakup and focus solely on songwriting. She regained her mojo playing a wedding reception at a chili cook-off of all places… she laughs at this memory.

Her self-imposed hiatus lasted two weeks. “I needed some time away from the music scene, but people kept calling,” Beckham said. My gift is singing and songwriting. Every time I forget that, God puts something in my life that gives me that desire back. As long as I have something left in me, I’m going to keep doing it.”

The album was recorded in Nashville over two years as Beckham headed to the studio whenever the stockpile reached a boiling point. Despite the odd schedule, the album has a cohesive sound. Beckham said she benefited from A-list studio musicians and a newfound ability to articulate her vision for each song. Beckham’s diversity is typified by her influences. She said the album has a little Sheryl Crow, a touch a Janis Joplin and a cup of Waylon Jennings. That vibe adds up to an album with oomph.

The first track, Hell and Back Again incubated in the archives for years before the sound came together. The track is a catchy, cautionary tale about chasing dreams. The title track, I Got The T-Shirt is a funky, soulful number about the residue left in the life of someone who has “been there and done that.” Randy’s Song is an upbeat tribute to Beckham’s friend, Randy Leasley, who died in a house fire. Beckham wrote Girl With My Guitar in 30 minutes after her band of eight years dissolved.

“You won’t find a love song on the album,” Beckham said. Something she didn’t even realize until after the album was finished. “It’s a good album for people to sing along to in their car while beating their hand on the steering wheel.” The experience she gained from her first album, coupled with a fine-tuned radar for material led to a pleasantly unpredictable sophomore album.

“I’ve turned into a good listener. Everything is a song now,” Beckham said. “After the first album, I wondered, ‘Can I do this again?’ Now I feel like I can call myself a legitimate singer-songwriter.”

Not that it was easy. Beckham had her trials and tribulations - ones she hopes have made her a stronger artist. “We all know the music business is a cutthroat business. I didn’t believe it when “they” told me it was harder for a woman, but now I believe. I’ve seen the evidence.” But that obstacle isn’t slowing her down. If anything, it’s extra incentive. “It can be little things like looking at the Texas music chart and seeing a couple women, if any, on there,” Beckham said. “That lights a fire under my butt. I want to do this.”