Charles Esten shares how his experience of becoming a star on the 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's been a long journey," the singer playfully remarks during a discussion 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 appearance on a game show called Sale of the Century in 1988, where he managed to secure over $32,000 worth of prizes, Esten has had a diverse career in entertainment. He later gained recognition for his role as Deacon Claybourne in the popular country-themed TV series Nashville. Additionally, Esten holds the impressive achievement of releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, which earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records. Altogether, Esten has dedicated an extensive amount of time and effort, equivalent to around 10,000 hours, to his various pursuits, surpassing this
Releasing a debut album later in life, like in the case of Esten who is 58, does come with some disadvantages. It's not expected that his album, Love Ain't Pretty, will have a significant impact on radio, for instance. However, there is also an understanding of the value that comes with having a unique backstory and identity that no one else could possibly have. Esten has the advantage of embodying a character like Deacon Claybourne in his own musical identity. Additionally, he has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame and then achieved it again in his real life outside of the screen.
Esten expresses that while he did learn valuable lessons from playing the character of Deacon, he learned even more from the devoted fans of the show. Throughout the series, Esten received messages from viewers who shared how much solace they found in the complex and resilient character of Deacon, who faced numerous challenges and hardships.
People would often tell me about the cathartic experience of going through difficult times in their lives, or the struggles their parents had faced. They simply wanted to express to me that there was something therapeutic about going through these journeys. As I gained this understanding, I began to realize the importance of infusing my own music with meaning, connection, and the intention to provide assistance and healing.
Esten frequently mentions the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's for a valid reason: he put in a lot of effort to ensure that the project is a coherent artistic expression that truly represents him from beginning to end. This process began by giving priority to the emotional depth and substance, following the guidance of Deacon and his fans. Additionally, Esten took part in co-writing all 13 tracks of the project and combined a solid foundation of traditional country music with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll, which he amusingly refers to as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians he brought in to collaborate on the recording sessions, for skillfully capturing his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping his album. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten had begun working on an album, but it had to be put on hold. As soon as restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his determination to create the exact debut album he had envisioned became even stronger.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer explains that COVID has emphasized the fundamental truth that life can be challenging and harsh, but it also has the potential to be incredibly beautiful. They believe that love is intricately intertwined with these experiences of hardship. Whether it's losing a relationship or losing a loved one, the pain is a result of the deep love we have for them. This is what makes the pain so intense, but it also highlights the immense beauty that love can bring.
The momentum of the album increased with the popularity of songs such as "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now," which Esten believes helped to develop the album's theme. However, even though he had an idea of the overall sentiment he wanted to convey, he didn't have the precise 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 the song. Just before leaving the room, Esten confidently declared, "This will be the title and the opening track of the album." He explains that the song encapsulated the overall theme of the album, emphasizing that love may not always be pretty, but it possesses a certain beauty.
After he finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the message accurately. The fact that Esten has developed a strong and unwavering belief in himself due to years of dedication and effort is precisely why his journey towards releasing his first album holds immense significance.
I want to mention another aspect of waiting for a long time. I have a memory from my college days when I took on a job in construction. Specifically, I worked as a carpenter's assistant. During that time, I acquired a toolbox that I was incredibly proud of. Inside, I had a variety of tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, among other things. The reason I felt so proud was because all of these tools looked brand new and in excellent condition.
Once I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and well-used tools. Surprisingly, I found myself envious of their tools because mine appeared brand new and untouched. They teasingly exclaimed, "This person has never even held a hammer before!" However, the advantage of my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer appears new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you understand what I'm saying.
Here is a list of 20 country artists who achieved great success with their debut albums. The credit for this gallery goes to
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