Charles Esten discusses the unique influence that his role in the TV show 'Nashville' had on his first album. While every artist's path is distinct, Esten's journey in creating his debut album stands out in the world of country music and music in general.
"Isn't it true? It has been a long journey," the singer playfully remarks in an interview with Taste of Country. They are discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty, which is being released on Friday (Jan. 26). This album comes more than thirty years after the start of Esten's career.
Starting with his initial opportunity in the entertainment industry in 1988 by participating in a game show named Sale of the Century, where he managed to earn over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has achieved numerous milestones throughout his career. One of his notable accomplishments was his portrayal of the main character, Deacon Claybourne, in the popular country-themed TV series Nashville. Additionally, Esten holds a Guinness World Record for releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, which demonstrates his dedication and hard work, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours, an impressive feat repeated around 30 times.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like at the age of 58, does have its disadvantages, as Esten acknowledges. He doesn't anticipate Love Ain't Pretty to have a significant impact on radio, for instance. However, he recognizes the unique advantage he has in having a backstory and persona like Deacon Claybourne seamlessly integrated into his musical identity. No one else can claim this same advantage. Additionally, he has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and now gets to do it all over again in his real life outside of the screen.
Esten acknowledges that while he did learn valuable lessons from portraying the character of Deacon, the fans of the show taught him even more. Throughout the show, numerous viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace they found in Deacon's character, who had a tumultuous life but remained strong and persevered.
The speaker notes that people, who have experienced difficult lives themselves or have had parents who faced hardships, have expressed to him the therapeutic value of going through a journey with someone. This realization has influenced his own music, making him understand the importance of conveying meaning, establishing a connection, and having a purpose to assist and bring healing to others.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and with good reason: he put in a lot of effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic expression that truly represents himself from beginning to end. This process began by focusing on the emotional core of the songs, influenced by Deacon and his fans. It also involved co-writing all 13 tracks on the album and blending a foundation of authentic country music with the playful influence of rock and roll, which he jokingly describes as embracing a "full Springsteen" vibe.
Esten acknowledges the producer Marshall Altman and the musicians he brought together for their skill in understanding and refining his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping Esten's musical direction. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, he had begun working on an album, but the project had to be put on hold. When the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his purpose for creating his first album became even more focused and defined.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses that COVID has served as a reminder of the harsh and challenging nature of life. Despite its difficulties, life can still hold moments of immense beauty. The singer emphasizes that love plays a significant role in this concept, as it is intertwined with the most intense forms of suffering. Losing a relationship or a loved one can cause immense pain, precisely because of the deep love that was once shared. However, it is this same love that adds a profound beauty to these experiences.
The album gained more popularity with the release of songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now," which Esten believes added depth to the album's central theme. However, even though he had a general idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, he couldn't find the precise words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title song, which ended up being the final addition to the tracklist.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls that he declared, "This is the title and this is the first song." He wrote the song alongside Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, and it encapsulated the essence of the album. The song conveyed the message that love may not always be pleasant, but it possesses a unique beauty.
After he finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the message accurately. This unwavering confidence, developed through years of dedication and effort, is one of the significant reasons why Esten's journey towards his first album is incredibly meaningful.
I have another point to mention regarding the experience of waiting for a long time. During my college years, I decided to take up a job in the construction field. Specifically, I worked as an assistant to a carpenter. As a result, I obtained my own toolbox which I was incredibly proud of. This toolbox contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be in pristine condition. The fact that they looked brand new added to my sense of pride.
After arriving at the location, he noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and battered tools. He found himself admiring their tools, as his own appeared brand new and unused. The carpenters jokingly commented that he had never held a hammer before. The advantage of being older now is that when he looks at his toolbox, it no longer appears new. He has swung that hammer countless times, if you catch his drift.
These are 20 country artists who achieved their greatest success with their debut album. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes
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