Chayce Beckham, the burgeoning country music star and winner of season 19 of American Idol, has recently released his new EP titled “Old Fashioned.” This collection of songs captures Beckham’s reflections on nostalgia and the joy of life’s simple moments, as he embraces a new phase of his artistic evolution.
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Beckham, whose previous hit “23” reached the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart and who has toured with acclaimed artists like Cody Johnson and Luke Bryan, reveals that his recent marriage has significantly influenced his songwriting. Shifting from themes of heartbreak, he now finds himself exploring love songs that highlight the beauty of relationships and commitment.
The singer, who is now 30, expresses gratitude for his journey thus far, remarking, “To see where I started out and where we’re at now, so many different things have changed, but all for the better.” This positive outlook stems from both the challenges and triumphs he has encountered. “I’m just grateful for the journey and the hard times, the good times, you can’t have one without the other,” he adds.
In discussing his new EP, Beckham shares that the title “Old Fashioned” was inspired by the everyday pleasures that tend to fade with time. What began as a concept for a song about his favourite cocktail morphed into a celebration of life’s simple joys. In his words, it reflects a desire to embrace the past and reminisce about what has been lost in contemporary life.
Among the tracks on the EP, “Ain’t Lying to Myself” holds a special place for Beckham, as he considers it both the most enjoyable to write and the one he is most proud of. He describes it as a personal anthem about the self-affirmations needed during difficult times, encapsulating the fights one must endure when faced with adversity.
Moreover, Beckham reveals that the experience of falling in love and now being married has transformed his approach to songwriting. Previously, he had focused primarily on breakup songs, finding his emotional connection with the pain expressed in those lyrics. Now, marrying his girlfriend of many years has enabled him to delve into the joys of love through songs like “Dirt Floor” and “Take Me Home.”
Celebrating his recent one-year wedding anniversary, Beckham reflects on the solid foundation marriage has provided him. He calls it a long-overdue union built on unwavering support, stating, “the biggest thing about it is just the unification and the solidarity of having each other and knowing that we’re always going to have each other’s backs.”
Looking back at his roots on American Idol, Beckham admits that he has undergone substantial personal growth since his debut. “When I was doing American Idol, I was really just so young and like a deer in the headlights,” he recalls. This journey has allowed him to recognise the lessons learned along the way, further shaping his perspective on success.
Today, Beckham considers success in a different light. He states, “the more you have, the more problems you have,” highlighting his newfound inclination towards minimalism. He reflects on the happiest moments of his life, recalling times when he lived simply, sustaining himself on a meagre diet while pursuing his dreams. “I’m very much getting to the point in my life where less is more,” he explains, emphasising the significance of cherished moments with loved ones over material possessions.
Ultimately, Beckham believes that true success lies in the connections one has with family and friends. “If you have people that you love and they’re around you and they’re looking out for you, that’s success,” he asserts. His latest EP serves as a testament to his journey thus far, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart of an artist in touch with both his roots and his evolving aspirations.
As “Old Fashioned” continues to resonate with fans, Beckham aims to remain grounded in the values that define him. With a career that is still blossoming, he is committed to exploring all aspects of life and love through his music, setting the stage for what promises to be a promising future in the country genre.