Charles Esten discusses how his experience as a star on the television show "Nashville" influenced the creation of his first album. While each artist's path is unique, Esten's journey stands out in the country music industry, as well as in the broader music scene.
"Can you believe it? It has been quite a journey," the artist humorously remarks when speaking with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. After more than thirty years since the start of Esten's career, the album is set to be released on Friday, January 26th.
Starting with his initial appearance on a game show called Sale of the Century in 1988, where he managed to win an impressive amount of over $32,000 worth of prizes, Esten has come a long way in his entertainment career. From portraying the main character Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed TV series Nashville, to achieving a remarkable feat of releasing 54 singles in just as many weeks, earning him a Guinness World Record. Esten has undoubtedly dedicated a significant amount of time, approximately 10,000 hours, which is equivalent to about 30 times over.
Naturally, there are certain drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as is the case for Esten who is 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same level of impact on radio as it would have if he were younger. However, he recognizes the value of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can possess. He is privileged to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into his own musical persona. Additionally, he has experienced the advantage of achieving fictional country music stardom and then replicating that success in his real life.
According to Esten, he gained more knowledge and insight from Deacon's fans than he did from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, Esten received messages from viewers expressing how much solace they found in Deacon's character, who faced numerous challenges and displayed resilience.
The speaker shares that many people, whether due to their difficult life experiences or the challenges their parents faced, feel a strong desire to express the cathartic nature of their journey through music. This realization has influenced the speaker's own music, as they now understand the importance of infusing their songs with meaning, connection, and the intention to provide assistance and healing.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and with good reason. He dedicated himself to creating a unified artistic expression that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This process began by emphasizing the raw emotional aspects, following the guidance of Deacon and his fans. It also involved collaborating on all 13 tracks of the project and blending a foundation of authentic country music with his own playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously refers to as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians Altman brought on board for their exceptional ability to focus on his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this clarity. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, Esten had begun working on an album, but unfortunately, it had to be put on hold. As soon as the restrictions were lifted, Esten eagerly resumed work, with a newfound determination and a crystal-clear idea of what he wanted his first album to represent.
When asked about the purpose of their mission, the singer expressed that they believe the COVID pandemic has highlighted the fundamental truth that life can be challenging and harsh, but it can also be incredibly beautiful. They explained that love plays a significant role in this concept, as the pain and intensity of losing a relationship or someone we care about is a reflection of the love we have for them. This is why it hurts deeply but also why it holds immense beauty.
The momentum of the album increased as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" gained popularity. These songs were particularly 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 perfect words to summarize it until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, this song was also the final addition to the album's tracklist.
After completing their work in the room, Esten recalls the moment when he and Altman, along with songwriter Jimmy Yeary, finalized the title and first song of the album. He vividly remembers stating, "This is what the album is centered around. Love may not always be pretty, but it is undeniably beautiful."
After he finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had captured the message perfectly. This clear and confident attitude, which comes from years of dedicated effort, is another important aspect that makes Esten's journey to his first album so significant.
Another point I want to mention regarding the long wait is a personal anecdote from my college days. During that time, I decided to take up a job in construction and specifically worked as a carpenter's assistant. As part of my role, I acquired a toolbox which brought me immense pride. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, a drill, and many others. What made me particularly proud was the fact that all these tools appeared brand new.
"And when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and aged tools, and I couldn't help but feel envious," he remarks with a laugh. "In contrast, my tools appeared immaculately new and unused. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' However, the advantage of being my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer appears brand new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift."
These are 20 country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. The gallery credit goes to Billy D
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