Charles Esten discusses how his experience of stardom on the television show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist's path is unique, Esten's journey towards releasing his debut album is truly one-of-a-kind within the country music industry, and even in the broader music landscape.
"Isn't it true?! It has been a very long journey," the singer playfully remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, set to be released on Friday, January 26th, marks over thirty years since Esten first started his career.
Starting in 1988 with his initial job in the entertainment industry on a game show called Sale of the Century, where he managed to win over $32,000 worth of prizes, Esten has had a remarkable career. He went on to play the main character Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed show Nashville and even achieved a Guinness World Record by releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks. With his dedication and hard work, Esten has accumulated around 10,000 hours of experience, which is equivalent to approximately 30 times the recommended amount.
There are certainly drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as in the case of Esten who is 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same level of impact on radio as it would for a younger artist. However, he also recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else could possess. For instance, he has the advantage of incorporating the character of Deacon Claybourne into his own musical persona. Additionally, he has experienced the fictional rise to stardom in country music and now has the opportunity to achieve it again in his real life beyond the screen.
Esten expresses that he gained a greater understanding from the fans of Deacon rather than from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, viewers reached out to Esten to share how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon, who faced numerous challenges and lived a turbulent life.
The speaker reflects on the difficult lives that some people have had, whether it's their own or their parents'. They express that these individuals simply wanted to convey the therapeutic nature of going through life's struggles together. This realization prompted the speaker to recognize the importance of infusing their own music with purpose, significance, and the intention to provide assistance and healing.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and there's a valid reason for that: he dedicated a lot of 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 the raw emotions and substance, as taught by Deacon and appreciated by Deacon's 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 & roll, which he humorously describes as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians Altman recruited for the recording sessions for their exceptional focus on his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping Esten's direction. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, he had begun working on an album, only for the project to be put on hold. As soon as restrictions were lifted, Esten eagerly resumed work, with a newfound clarity on the exact vision he wanted to achieve with his debut album.
When asked about the purpose, the singer believes that COVID has strengthened the understanding that life is challenging and can be harsh, but it can also be incredibly beautiful. The singer emphasizes that love is a significant part of this concept and that the pain experienced from losing a relationship or a loved one is a result of the strong love that was present. This is what makes the pain so intense, but it also highlights the beauty of love.
The momentum of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were added, which helped to further develop the album's theme according to Esten. However, even though he had a general idea of what he wanted the overall message to be, he struggled to find the perfect words to encapsulate Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title song, which ended up being the last addition to the tracklist.
After completing the song, Esten recalls the moment before leaving the room when he declared, "This will be the title and the first song." He wrote this song alongside Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, and it encapsulated the essence of the entire album. Esten explains, "The message was clear: Love may not always be pretty, but it is undeniably beautiful."
After completing the writing, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the message accurately. And the self-assuredness he displayed, which was a result of years of dedicated effort, is another significant factor that highlights the significance of Esten's unique journey towards his first-ever album.
In regards to waiting for a long time, there is another aspect that I would like to mention. During my time in college, I decided to work in the construction field. Specifically, I took on the role of a carpenter's assistant. As part of my job, I acquired a toolbox that I felt immensely proud of. Inside the toolbox, I had various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be in pristine condition, giving me a sense of accomplishment.
"And when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and battered tools, and I couldn't help but feel jealous," he adds with a laugh. "My tools, on the other hand, appeared brand new and untouched. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even picked up a hammer before.' The wonderful thing about reaching my current age is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer appears so new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift."
Here are 20 country artists who reached the pinnacle of their success with their debut album. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy
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