Charles Esten shares how his experience as a star on the TV show "Nashville" influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist's path is unique, Esten's journey stands out in the country music industry and beyond.
"Isn't it true? It's been quite a journey," the singer humorously remarks during a conversation with Taste of Country, discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty. This album is being released on Friday, January 26th, marking over thirty years since Esten first started his career.
Starting in 1988 with his initial appearance on a TV game show called Sale of the Century, where he managed to win over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has had a successful career in entertainment. He gained popularity for his role as Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed series Nashville. Additionally, Esten holds a Guinness World Record for releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks. Throughout his career, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort, accumulating around 10,000 hours of experience, which is equivalent to approximately 30 times the average amount required for mastery in a
Naturally, there are certain drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as in the case of Esten who is 58 years old. He doesn't have high expectations for Love Ain't Pretty to receive significant airplay on the radio. However, he also recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else could possibly possess. Who else has the advantage of incorporating a character like Deacon Claybourne into their own musical persona? Who else has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame and then achieved it once again in their real life outside of the screen?
Esten states that he gained more knowledge from Deacon's fans 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 difficult life but remained strong and resilient.
People expressed to him that their difficult experiences in life, or their parents' difficult experiences, made them appreciate the cathartic nature of going through life's challenges together. This realization made him understand the importance of infusing his own music with meaning, connection, and the intention to assist and heal.
Esten frequently mentions the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's justified because he put in significant effort to ensure that the project represents who he truly is from beginning to end. This involved focusing on the emotional core, taking inspiration from Deacon and his fans. Additionally, Esten co-wrote all 13 songs on the project and combined a solid country foundation with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously refers to as going "full Springsteen."
Esten recognizes producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians he brought on board as instrumental in refining his artistic vision. The unexpected occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this process. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album, which unfortunately had to be put on hold. However, once restrictions were lifted, Esten enthusiastically resumed his work, with a newfound clarity regarding his vision for his first album.
When questioned about the purpose of her mission, the singer expresses her belief that the COVID pandemic has emphasized the universal truth that life is challenging and can be harsh, but it can also be incredibly wonderful. She explains that the deepest pain one can experience, such as the loss of a relationship or a loved one, is a result of the love that was once present. This is why the pain is so intense, but it also highlights the extraordinary beauty of love.
The momentum of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, according to Esten. These songs played a significant role in developing the theme of the album. However, even though he had a general idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, Esten struggled to find the perfect words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty. It wasn't until he wrote the title song, which was added as the final track, that he finally found the exact words he had been searching for.
After completing the song, Esten recalls the moment when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary finished writing it. Before leaving the room, he confidently declared, "This is the title and this is the first song." The song encapsulated the theme of the album, which is that love may not always be pleasant, but it is undeniably magnificent.
After he finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had captured the message perfectly. This unwavering self-assurance, developed over many years of dedication and effort, is another significant factor that makes Esten's journey towards his first album incredibly meaningful.
An additional point I would like to mention about the long wait is a personal experience I had during my college years. I decided to work in construction and specifically took on the role of a carpenter's assistant. During this time, I acquired a toolbox that I was extremely proud of. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be in pristine condition. The newness of these tools made me even more proud of my toolbox.
When I arrived at the place, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and old tools. I couldn't help but feel envious of them, as my own tools looked brand new and unused. They jokingly shouted that I had never held a hammer before. However, now that I am older, I appreciate the fact that my toolbox is no longer shiny and new. I have used that hammer countless times, if you know what I mean.
Here are 20 country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. Image credit goes to Billy Dukes
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