Charles Esten discusses how his experience as a star on the TV show "Nashville" influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has their own unique path, Esten's journey in the country music industry is truly one-of-a-kind.
"Isn't it true? It has been quite a journey," the singer playfully remarks while chatting with Taste of Country. He is discussing his latest album, Love Ain't Pretty, which is set to be released on Friday, January 26th. This album comes more than 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 in prizes, to his successful stint as the main character Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed TV show Nashville, and even his impressive accomplishment of releasing 54 singles in 54 weeks, which earned him a Guinness World Record, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to his entertainment career. In fact, he has accumulated approximately 10,000 hours of experience, which is equivalent to around 30 times the recommended amount for mastering a skill.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like Esten at the age of 58, does have some drawbacks. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same impact on radio as it would have if he were younger. However, he also recognizes the advantage of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can replicate. Only he can incorporate the character of Deacon Claybourne into his own musical identity. And only he has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and then achieved it again in his real life outside of the screen.
According to Esten, 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 complex and resilient character of Deacon, who had a difficult life.
The speaker explains that some people, perhaps due to the challenges they faced in their own lives or the difficult experiences of their parents, felt a strong need to communicate with him about the therapeutic nature of going through a journey together. This realization prompted him to recognize the importance of incorporating meaning, connection, and a purpose to assist and bring healing through his own music.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and this is justified because he put in significant effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic expression that truly represents his identity. This involved giving priority to emotionally impactful elements, just like Deacon and his fans had taught him. It also meant collaborating with others to write all 13 tracks on the album, and combining a foundation of authentic country music with his own playful, rock 'n' roll influences, which he humorously refers to as embracing a "full Springsteen" sound.
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians brought in by Altman for their exceptional ability to focus on his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this process. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten had begun working on an album, but it was put on hold. When the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work and his vision for his first album was even more defined.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses that COVID has served as a reminder of life's challenges and brutality, while also highlighting its inherent beauty. They believe that love is intricately involved in the pain and suffering one may experience. Losing a relationship or a loved one hurts deeply because it reflects the love that was once shared, and this is what makes it both painful and beautiful.
The album gained popularity as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, and these songs were particularly significant in developing the album's central idea. However, even though he had a general understanding of the sentiment he wanted to convey, Esten struggled to find the precise words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title track, which was also the final addition to the list of songs.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This will be the title and the first song." He remembers writing this song with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, and it encapsulated the essence of the entire album. The message conveyed was that love may not always be pretty, but it is undeniably beautiful.
Upon completing the writing, he immediately realized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. The unwavering assurance he possessed was a result of years of diligent effort, making Esten's unconventional journey to his first album even more significant.
During a discussion about waiting for something for a long time, the singer reminisces about their college days when they took up a job in construction. Specifically, they worked as a carpenter's helper and obtained a toolbox. The singer expresses their immense pride in this toolbox, which contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill. The singer's joy stemmed from the fact that all these tools appeared to be in pristine condition and were seemingly brand new.
When I arrived, I noticed that all the carpenters had old and worn-out tools. I couldn't help but feel envious because my tools looked brand new and unused. They even joked, saying that I had never held a hammer before. However, now that I am older, I appreciate the fact that my toolbox is no longer new. I have used that hammer countless times, if you know what I mean.
Here is a collection of 20 country artists who achieved great success with their debut albums. The credit for this gallery goes to
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