Charles Esten discusses the unique way in which his rise to fame on the show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has their own path, Esten's journey stands out in the country music industry and beyond.
"Isn't it true? It has been a lengthy journey," the vocalist playfully remarks during an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, which is set to be released on Friday (Jan. 26), comes over thirty years after Esten first started his career.
Starting from his initial appearance on a television game show named Sale of the Century in 1988, where he managed to secure over $32,000 worth of prizes, to his notable role as Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed TV series Nashville, and even his remarkable achievement of releasing 54 singles in 54 weeks, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours or around 30 times over.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like at the age of 58, does come with some disadvantages. For instance, Esten doesn't anticipate Love Ain't Pretty to have a significant impact on radio. However, he also recognizes the unique advantage of having a backstory and identity that no other artist could possibly possess. No one else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into their musical persona. Additionally, very few have experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and then achieved it once again in their real-life endeavors.
Esten expresses that he gained more knowledge and understanding from the fans of Deacon than he did from Deacon himself. Throughout the duration of the show, viewers reached out to Esten to share how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon.
The speaker shares that many people, either due to their difficult life experiences or the hardships their parents went through, feel a strong desire to express how therapeutic it is to accompany someone on their journey. As a result, the speaker started recognizing this aspect in their own music, understanding that it is important for their music to have significance, establish connections, and carry the intention to offer assistance and healing.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and there's a valid reason for it: He dedicated significant effort to ensuring that the project is a unified artistic statement that truly represents who he is. This process began by placing emphasis on the emotional core of the music, following the guidance of Deacon and his fans. It also involved co-writing all 13 tracks on the album and combining a foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously refers to as embracing his inner "Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians brought in by Altman for their exceptional ability to understand and focus on Esten's artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this vision. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, Esten had begun working on an album, but had to put it on hold. When restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work and had a stronger sense than ever of what he wanted his first album to be.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer explains that COVID has emphasized the fundamental idea that life is difficult and can be harsh, but it also has the potential to be incredibly beautiful. They believe that love is intricately connected to all the hardships one may experience. When you lose a relationship or a loved one, it is because you cared deeply for them. This is why the pain is so intense, but it is also what makes love so extraordinary.
The album gained more popularity as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, which Esten considers as songs that enhanced the album's concept. However, even though he had an idea of the overall feeling he wanted to convey, he couldn't find the right words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title song, which was also the last song added to the tracklist.
Once we had completed the song, just before leaving the room, I exclaimed, "This will be the title and the first song!" Esten recalls, reflecting on the day when he co-wrote the track with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary. The song perfectly encapsulated the theme of the album, conveying the idea that love may not always be pleasant, but it possesses its own unique beauty.
After finishing writing the words, he was certain that he had effectively conveyed the intended message. This sense of self-assurance, developed through years of dedicated effort, is another factor that adds significance to Esten's unconventional journey towards releasing his first album.
One additional point I want to mention about waiting for a long time is a personal story from my college days. Back then, I took up a job in construction as a carpenter's assistant. As part of my role, I acquired a toolbox which I was incredibly proud of. It contained various tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared brand new and shiny.
"When I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out tools, and I couldn't help but feel envious," he explains with a laugh. "In contrast, my tools appeared brand new and unused. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The advantage of my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer looks new. I have used that hammer countless times, if you know what I mean."
20 country musicians who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. Photo credit goes to Billy Dukes.
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