Charles Esten discusses 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 world of country music and beyond.
"Isn't it true?! It has been a very long journey," the singer humorously remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, set to be released on Friday, January 26, comes over thirty years after Esten first started his career.
Starting from his initial appearance on a game show called Sale of the Century in 1988, where he managed to win over $32,000 worth of prizes, to his successful portrayal of the main character Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed series Nashville, and even earning a Guinness World Record for releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours, which amounts to around 30 times over.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like Esten who is 58, does have its disadvantages. Esten doesn't anticipate Love Ain't Pretty to have a significant impact on radio, for instance. However, he recognizes the unique advantage of having a backstory and identity that no one else could possibly possess. He is the only one who has internalized a character like Deacon Claybourne and incorporated it into his own musical identity. Additionally, he has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and then accomplished it again in his real life, which sets him apart from others.
According to Esten, he gained more knowledge from fans of Deacon than from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, viewers reached out to Esten and expressed how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon, who lived a difficult life.
The people who had experienced difficult lives, or whose parents had experienced difficult lives, wanted to convey to me that there was something therapeutic about going on a journey with their music. As I understood this, I began to realize the importance of infusing my own music 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 it's for a valid reason: he dedicated himself to creating a unified artistic statement that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This began by placing a strong emphasis on heartfelt and relatable themes, as taught by Deacon and Deacon's fans. It also involved collaborating on the writing of all 13 tracks on the project and blending a base of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously compares to going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians he brought on board for their skilled efforts in refining his creative vision. The unexpected occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping Esten's album journey. Just as the initial lockdowns were about to take effect, he had begun working on an album that had to be put on hold. However, with the easing of restrictions, Esten was eager and well-prepared to resume his work, with a stronger sense of clarity regarding the direction he wanted his debut album to take.
When asked about the purpose of their mission, the singer explains that COVID has emphasized the fundamental idea that life can be challenging and cruel, but at the same time, it can also be incredibly beautiful. They believe that love is deeply intertwined with all the pain and suffering one may experience. Losing a relationship or a loved one is particularly painful because it is a result of the love one had for them. This is why the pain is so intense, yet it also highlights the immense beauty of love.
The album gained more popularity as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, and according to Esten, these songs helped to develop the theme of the album. However, even though he had an idea of what he wanted the overall message to be, 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 song added to the album's tracklist.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This will be the title of the album and the first song." He remembers the day when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary wrote the song. The essence of their work was captured in the lyrics, "This album revolves around the idea that love is not always pleasant, but it holds a beauty of its own."
After completing the writing, he immediately realized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. This self-assuredness, which comes from years of dedicated effort, is one of the significant factors that make Esten's journey towards releasing his first album so meaningful.
I have another point to mention regarding the long waiting period. During my college years, I had the opportunity to work in the construction field. Specifically, I was assisting a carpenter. As part of my role, I acquired a toolbox which brought me immense pride. It contained essential tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill. What made me particularly proud was the fact that all these tools appeared brand new and in excellent condition.
When I arrived at the place, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and heavily used tools. I couldn't help but feel envious of their tools because mine were brand new and barely used. They jokingly exclaimed 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 swung that hammer countless times, if you know what I mean.
These are twenty country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. The credits for the gallery go to Billy
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