Charles Esten discusses how his experience of becoming a star on the TV show "Nashville" influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has their unique path, Esten's journey stands out in the world of country music and music in general.
"Isn't it true?! It has been quite a journey," the singer playfully remarks while speaking with Taste of Country. He is referring to his new album Love Ain't Pretty, which is set to be released on Friday, January 26th. This album marks a significant milestone as it arrives over thirty years after the start of Esten's career.
Starting in 1988 with his initial opportunity in the entertainment industry on a television game show called Sale of the Century, he managed to secure over $32,000 worth of prizes. This was just the beginning of his journey which eventually led him to star as the main character Deacon Claybourne on the highly successful country-themed TV series Nashville. Alongside this, he also achieved the impressive feat of releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, earning himself a Guinness World Record. All of these accomplishments combined indicate that he has dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours, which he
There are certainly 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 impact on the radio as other debut albums. However, he sees the value in having a unique backstory and identity that sets him apart from others. No one else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into their own musical persona. Additionally, no one else has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame and then achieved it again in their real life outside of the screen.
Esten states that he gained more knowledge from the fans of Deacon rather than from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace they found in the character of Deacon, who lived a challenging life yet remained strong and determined.
The speaker explains that some people, perhaps due to the difficulties they have faced in their own lives or the hardships their parents have experienced, feel the need to express to him the therapeutic nature of embarking on a journey with someone. This realization has influenced the speaker's own music, leading him to understand the importance of creating meaningful and connected music that aims to assist and heal others.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's no surprise why: he put in a lot of effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic expression that truly represents who he is. This began by placing importance on the emotional core of the songs, a lesson he learned from Deacon and his fans. It also involved collaborating with others to write all 13 tracks on the project and combining a traditional country foundation with his own playful rock 'n' roll influences, which he humorously refers to as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians Altman brought on board for their skillful focus on his musical vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping Esten's direction. Just before the initial lockdowns were enforced, he began working on an album, but it was put on hold. When the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work, and his determination to create his debut album was stronger than ever.
When asked about the purpose behind their music, the singer believes that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the universal truth that life is challenging and sometimes cruel, but it also has moments of great beauty. They explain that love, in particular, is closely connected to this concept. When we experience the pain of losing a relationship or a loved one, it is because we cared deeply for them. This is why the pain is so intense, but it also emphasizes the profound beauty of love.
The momentum of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were added, which Esten believes helped to develop the overall theme. However, even though he had an idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, he struggled to find the right words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title song, which was the final addition to the list of tracks.
Esten recalls the moment when they had completed their work on it and were about to leave the room. He confidently expressed, "This will be the title and the opening track." He was referring to the song he had co-written with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary. The song encapsulated the central theme of the album, conveying the idea that love may not always be attractive, but it possesses its own unique beauty.
After completing the writing, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the message perfectly. This sense of self-assurance, gained through years of dedication and effort, is another significant factor that makes Esten's unconventional journey towards releasing his first album so precious.
When reminiscing about the past, the singer shares an anecdote about their college years. They recall taking up a job in construction and specifically being a carpenter's assistant. During this time, they obtained a toolbox that they were extremely proud of. The toolbox contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be in pristine condition, giving the singer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
"And when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and battered tools, and I couldn't help but feel envious," he explains with a laugh. "In contrast, my own tools appeared impeccably new and unused. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' However, as I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the fact that my toolbox no longer has that shiny newness. I've 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. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy
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