Charles Esten's path to creating his debut album is unlike any other artist in country music, or even in the music industry as a whole.
"Can you believe it? It has definitely been a long journey," the singer playfully remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. After over thirty years since the start of Esten's career, the album is set to be released on Friday, January 26th.
Since his initial foray into the entertainment industry in 1988, when he made an appearance on a game show named Sale of the Century and emerged victorious with over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has had an impressive career. He gained recognition for his portrayal of the main character Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed television series Nashville. Additionally, Esten holds the remarkable achievement of releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records. In total, Esten has dedicated an estimated 10,000 hours to his craft, which is equivalent to approximately
There are certainly some drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as is the case for Esten who is 58 years old. He doesn't anticipate Love Ain't Pretty to have a significant impact on the radio, for instance. However, he also recognizes the advantages of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else could possess. After all, 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 off-screen?
Esten expresses that he gained valuable insights not only from the character of Deacon, but also from the fans of Deacon. Throughout the show, Esten received messages from viewers who shared how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon, despite his turbulent and challenging life.
People wanted to tell me that going through difficult experiences or witnessing their parents' struggles had a cathartic effect on them. They emphasized that there was something therapeutic about going on a journey with someone. This realization made me see the importance of infusing meaning, connection, and a purpose of aiding and healing into my own music.
Esten frequently mentions the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's not without 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 giving priority to heartfelt and substantial emotions, influenced by Deacon and his loyal fans. Additionally, Esten co-wrote all 13 tracks on the project and combined a solid foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously refers to as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges that producer Marshall Altman, along with the talented musicians he brought on board, played a crucial role in refining Esten's artistic vision. The unexpected arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic also played a part in this process. Just before the initial lockdowns were enforced, Esten had begun working on an album, but it had to be put on hold. When restrictions were eventually lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his determination to create the perfect debut album was stronger than ever before.
When asked about the purpose behind his mission, the singer believes that the COVID pandemic has highlighted the fundamental truth that life is filled with challenges and can be incredibly harsh. However, amidst the difficulties, there is also great beauty to be found. The singer explains that love plays a significant role in this concept. When we experience loss, whether it's the end of a relationship or the passing of a loved one, the pain we feel is a testament to the love we had for them. This is why it hurts so deeply, but it also emphasizes the profound beauty that exists within love.
The momentum of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were added, according to Esten. He believes that these songs helped to develop the theme of the album. However, even though he had a general idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, he struggled to find the perfect words to encapsulate it until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, the title song was also 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 the song alongside Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, and it represented the overall theme of the album – that love may not always be attractive, but it is still beautiful.
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 effort, is an additional factor that makes Esten's unconventional journey towards his first album highly significant.
There is something else I want to mention about waiting for a long time. Back when I was in college, I took up a job in construction. Specifically, I worked as a carpenter's assistant. During that time, I acquired a toolbox that I was extremely proud of. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be brand new.
After arriving at the location, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and battered tools. I couldn't help but feel envious of them, as my own tools were in pristine condition and had never been used. The carpenters teased me, claiming that I had never even held a hammer before. However, one advantage of aging is that I now look at my toolbox and see that it is no longer brand new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift.
Here are 20 country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. Credit for this gallery goes to Billy
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