Charles Esten discusses how his rise to stardom on the show "Nashville" influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has a unique journey, Esten's path to releasing his debut album is truly one-of-a-kind in the world of country music and beyond.
"Isn't it true? It has been a long journey," the singer says jokingly in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, which is set to be released on Friday, January 26th, comes more than thirty years after the start of Esten's career.
Since starting his career in 1988 with an appearance on a game show called Sale of the Century, where he ended up winning over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has had a successful journey in the entertainment industry. From his notable role as Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed TV series Nashville to his remarkable achievement of releasing 54 singles in 54 weeks, which earned him a Guinness World Record, Esten has dedicated countless hours to honing his craft and has surpassed the 10,000-hour mark, doing so approximately 30 times.
Naturally, there are a few drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as is the case for Esten who is 58 years old. He doesn't anticipate Love Ain't Pretty to have a significant impact on the radio, for instance. However, he recognizes the value of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else could possess. Who else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne embedded within their own musical identity? Who else has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and then replicated it in their real-life career?
Esten expresses that while he learned valuable lessons from portraying the character of Deacon, he gained even more insight from the fans of the show. Throughout the series, Esten received messages from viewers who shared how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon.
The individuals who shared their stories with the speaker had experienced difficult lives themselves or had parents who had difficult lives. They simply wanted to convey to the speaker that there was something therapeutic about going on a journey with someone, specifically their father or mother. The speaker further explains that upon understanding this, they began to recognize the importance of incorporating meaning, connection, and a purpose to assist and bring healing through their own music.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it is justified because he made significant efforts to ensure that the project is a unified artistic expression that truly represents his identity. This process began by giving priority to emotional depth and substance, following the guidance of Deacon and Deacon's fans. It also involved collaborating on all 13 tracks of the project and combining a genuine country foundation with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll, which he humorously describes as embracing the spirit of "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians Altman brought on board for their skillful focus on Esten's musical vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this vision. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, Esten had begun working on an album, but had to put it on hold. Once the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work and had a clearer understanding of what he wanted his first album to encompass.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses that COVID has further emphasized the fundamental idea that life is challenging and can be incredibly difficult, yet it also has the potential to be remarkably beautiful. They believe that love is closely intertwined with all the hardships one may face in life. Whether it is the loss of a relationship or the passing of a loved one, the pain experienced stems from the deep love that was once shared. This is also what makes love so incredibly moving and captivating.
The momentum of the album increased as popular songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released. These songs were important in developing the overall theme of the album, according to Esten. However, even though he had a general idea of what he wanted the album's sentiment to convey, he struggled to find the precise words until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, the title song was also the final addition to the album's tracklist.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten expressed, "This is the title and this is the first song," as he recalls the day he co-wrote the track with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary. The song represented the theme of the album, conveying that love may not always be pleasant, but it possesses its own unique beauty.
After completing the writing, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the message accurately. This self-assuredness, which comes from years of dedication and effort, is another significant factor that makes Esten's journey towards his first album so meaningful.
One additional point I want to mention about the extended waiting period is a personal experience from my college days. During that time, I decided to take up a job in the construction field and worked as a carpenter's assistant. As part of my new role, I acquired a toolbox that became a source of great pride for me. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared impeccably new and shiny to me.
"After arriving at the location, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and battered tools. Surprisingly, I found myself admiring their equipment despite its condition. In contrast, my tools appeared brand new and untouched. The carpenters jokingly commented, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' However, one advantage of growing older is that when I look at my toolbox now, it no longer looks so new. I have used that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift."
Here are 20 country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. The credit for this gallery goes to
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