Charles Esten has a unique story when it comes to his journey as an artist. He stands out in the country music genre, and even in the music industry as a whole, due to the path he took in creating his first album.
"Can you believe it? It has been quite a journey," the singer humorously mentions in a discussion with Taste of Country, referring to his new album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, set to be released on Friday (Jan. 26), comes after more than thirty years since Esten began his career.
Starting in 1988 with his initial appearance on a game show named Sale of the Century, where he managed to secure over $32,000 worth of prizes, Esten has experienced various achievements throughout his career. One notable accomplishment includes his portrayal of the main character, Deacon Claybourne, in the immensely popular country-themed television series Nashville. Additionally, he holds a Guinness World Record for releasing 54 singles within a span of 54 weeks. All of these endeavors combined have resulted in Esten accumulating a significant amount of experience, roughly equivalent to 10,000 hours, which is approximately 30 times the recommended amount for
Naturally, there are certain 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 unique advantage of having a personal backstory and identity that no one else could possibly possess. Who else can integrate a character like Deacon Claybourne into their own musical persona? Who else has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and then accomplished it once again in their real life outside of the screen?
Esten states that he gained more knowledge from Deacon's fans than from Deacon himself. Throughout the duration of the show, viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace they found in the complex and resilient character of Deacon, who had a tumultuous life.
The individuals, perhaps due to the difficulties they have faced in their own lives or the hardships their parents experienced, wanted to express to me the therapeutic aspect of going through life's challenges alongside someone else. This realization made me understand the importance of infusing meaning, connection, and a purpose to assist and bring healing through my own music.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and there's a valid explanation for it: he dedicated significant effort to creating a unified artistic statement that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This process began by giving priority to emotionally impactful and relatable aspects, an approach he learned from Deacon and his fans. It also involved collaborating with others to write all 13 tracks on the project and combining a solid foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously describes as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the musicians Altman recruited for their exceptional ability to focus on his vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this. 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 the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work, and his vision for his debut album became even more defined.
When questioned about the purpose behind their music, the singer explains that COVID has emphasized the universal truth that life can be challenging and unforgiving, but it can also be incredibly beautiful. They believe that all the pain and hardships we endure, especially in matters of love, are a testament to the depth of our emotions. The intense hurt we feel from losing a relationship or a loved one is a direct result of the love we had for them, making it both excruciating and awe-inspiring.
The popularity of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released. These songs were crucial in developing the main theme of the album, according to Esten. However, even though he had an idea of what he wanted the overall message to convey, he struggled to find the perfect words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty. It wasn't until he wrote the title song, which was added to the tracklist last, that he finally found the words he was looking for.
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 with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, and it represented the album's theme – that love may not be perfect, but it is still something remarkable and captivating.
After he had finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the message accurately. This strong and self-assured belief, which comes from years of dedicated effort, is another significant factor in understanding the importance of Esten's journey towards his first album.
There is something else I want to mention about the experience of waiting for a long time. During my college years, I had the opportunity to work in the construction field as a carpenter's assistant. As part of my job, I had my own toolbox which I was extremely proud of. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be in pristine condition, giving me a great sense of accomplishment.
"And when I arrived there, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and old tools, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of envy," he continues, chuckling. "My own tools appeared impeccably new and unused in comparison. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The wonderful thing about my current age is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer appears brand new. I have used that hammer countless times, if you understand what I mean."
This gallery, credited to Billy Dukes, showcases 20 country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album
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