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 music as a whole.
"Isn't it true? It has been quite a journey," the singer humorously mentions during a conversation with Taste of Country. They are discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty, which is set to be released on Friday, January 26th. This album marks a significant milestone in Esten's career as it comes more than thirty years after he first started.
Starting with his initial performance in 1988 on a game show called Sale of the Century, where he managed to win an impressive sum of over $32,000 in prizes, Esten has been actively involved in the entertainment industry. He later gained recognition for his portrayal of the main character Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed television series Nashville. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable feat by releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records. In total, Esten has dedicated an extensive amount of time, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours, which is a remarkable accomplishment
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 is not anticipating Love Ain't Pretty to have a significant impact on radio, for instance. However, he recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and personal identity that no one else could possibly possess. Who else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into their own musical identity? Who else has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame and then achieved it again in their real life, off-screen?
Esten expresses that while he learned valuable lessons from portraying the character Deacon, he gained even more insights from the fans of the show who reached out to him. Throughout the series, viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace they found in the character of Deacon, who faced various challenges and showed resilience in his life.
The narrator explains that some individuals, possibly due to the difficulties they have faced in their own lives or the hardships their parents have experienced, feel a strong desire to express to him the therapeutic nature of embarking on a journey together. As a result, the narrator began to understand the importance of incorporating meaning, connection, and the intention to provide assistance and healing into his own music.
Esten frequently refers to the phrase "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's for a valid reason: he dedicated considerable effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic expression that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This process began by placing emotional depth and substance as a top priority, following the guidance of Deacon and his fans. Additionally, it involved collaborating in the writing of all 13 tracks on the album and combining a solid foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll influences, which he humorously describes as embracing the spirit of "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians he brought on board for their ability to skillfully focus on Esten's artistic vision. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping Esten's debut album. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, Esten had begun working on the album, but the project had to be put on hold. When the restrictions were eventually lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his vision for his debut album had become even more defined.
When asked about the mission behind their music, the singer expresses that the COVID pandemic has emphasized the idea that life is challenging and sometimes cruel, but it can also be incredibly wonderful. They believe that love, in particular, plays a significant role in this concept. The pain experienced from losing a relationship or a loved one is a testament to the depth of love felt for them, which is why it hurts so intensely. However, it is also what makes love so incredibly beautiful.
The momentum of the album increased as more songs, such as "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now," were added. These songs helped to develop the overall theme of the album, according to Esten. However, he struggled to find the exact words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title song, which was the final addition to the tracklist.
Esten recalls the moment when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary completed their work on the song. Just before leaving the room, Esten confidently declared, "I have determined the title of this song and the first track of the album." He explained that the song encapsulated the album's theme, emphasizing that love may not always appear attractive, yet it possesses a unique beauty.
After finishing writing the words, he immediately realized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. This sense of self-assurance, which comes from years of dedication and perseverance, is another significant factor that adds value to Esten's journey towards releasing his first album.
One additional aspect I want to mention regarding the long wait is a personal experience from my college days. During that time, I took up a job in the construction field as a helper to a carpenter. As part of my role, I acquired a toolbox which I cherished greatly. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which were in pristine condition, giving me a sense of pride.
After arriving at the location, the speaker noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out tools, which he found admirable. In contrast, his own tools appeared to be brand new and untouched. The carpenters even exclaimed that he had never wielded a hammer before. However, now that he is older, he takes pleasure in looking at his toolbox, which no longer appears new. He has used that hammer countless times, if you catch his drift.
Here are 20 country music artists who experienced the height of their career success with their debut album. This list is credited to
Additional Content from Taste of Country
Details
Connect with Us