Charles Esten discusses how his experience as a prominent figure on the television show "Nashville" influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist's path is unique, Esten's journey stands out in the realm of country music and the music industry as a whole.
"Isn't it true? It has been a long journey," the singer humorously remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty. The album is set to be released on Friday, January 26th, and marks the arrival of Esten's career after over thirty years.
Starting in 1988, Esten began his career in entertainment by appearing on a game show called Sale of the Century. During this appearance, he managed to win an impressive amount of over $32,000 worth of prizes. Following this, he took on the lead role of Deacon Claybourne in the popular country-themed series Nashville. Additionally, Esten achieved a notable accomplishment by releasing 54 singles in just as many weeks, which earned him a Guinness World Record. Overall, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time to honing his craft, accumulating approximately 10,000 hours of experience, which is equivalent to
Naturally, there are certain drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as is the case for Esten who is currently 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same impact on radio as it would if he were younger. However, he also recognizes the value of having a unique backstory and identity that nobody else could possibly possess. For instance, who else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into their own musical persona? Who else has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame and then achieved it again in their real life outside of the screen?
Esten expresses that while he learned valuable lessons from portraying Deacon, he gained even more insight from the fans of the character. Throughout the show, viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon.
People shared with the speaker that they found something therapeutic in experiencing the journey with someone who had lived a difficult life, either themselves or their parents. This realization made the speaker see the importance of infusing their own music with meaning, connection, and the intention to provide assistance and healing.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's justified as he put great effort into making the project a unified artistic expression that truly represents him from beginning to end. This process began by prioritizing the emotional core and substance, inspired by Deacon and his fans, who taught him the importance of it. It also involved co-writing all 13 songs on the album and blending traditional country roots with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll, often likened to the spirit of Springsteen.
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians Altman recruited for their skill in understanding and refining his musical vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping his debut album. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album, but had to put it on hold. When the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his vision for his debut album became even more defined.
When questioned about the purpose behind her mission, the singer expresses that COVID has strengthened the belief that life is filled with challenges and difficulties, but it also holds immense beauty. She believes that love is closely intertwined with these experiences, as the pain of losing a relationship or a loved one is a result of the deep affection we feel for them. This is why the hurt is so intense, yet it also highlights the profound beauty of love.
The momentum of the album increased with the popularity of songs such as "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now," which Esten believes exemplify the album's theme. However, even though he had a clear idea of the overall sentiment he wanted to convey, he struggled to find the precise words to summarize Love Ain't Pretty until he finally wrote the title song, which ended up being the final addition to the tracklist.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This will be the title and the first song of the album." He wrote this song alongside Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, and it conveyed the message that love may not always be attractive, but it is still remarkable.
Once he had finished writing the words, he was certain that he had conveyed the message accurately. This self-assuredness, stemming from years of dedication and effort, adds significance to Esten's unconventional journey towards releasing his first album.
I want to mention another aspect of waiting for a long time. During my college years, I took up a job in the construction industry as a carpenter's assistant. As a result, I acquired a toolbox that I was extremely proud of. It contained various tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared brand new and in excellent condition.
He explains how when he arrived at the place, he noticed that all the carpenters had worn-out tools. He found himself admiring their tools because his own looked brand new and unused. The carpenters even jokingly commented that he had never held a hammer before. However, now that he is older, he appreciates the fact that his toolbox is no longer new. He has used that hammer countless times, and it holds sentimental value to him.
Here is a collection of 20 country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. Credit for the gallery
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