Charles Esten describes how his experience as a star on the TV show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has their own unique path, Esten's journey stands out in the world of country music and beyond.
"Isn't it true? It has been quite a journey," the singer humorously remarks while speaking with Taste of Country, discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty. The album, set to be released on Friday (Jan. 26), comes more than thirty years after Esten first started his career.
Starting with his initial foray into the entertainment industry in 1988, which involved participating in a game show named Sale of the Century and earning over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten's career has been quite eventful. He then went on to play the main character, Deacon Claybourne, in the popular country-themed TV series Nashville. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable feat by releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, earning him a Guinness World Record. Overall, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to his craft, accumulating a total of 10,000 hours, which
There are certainly drawbacks to releasing a first album later 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 impact on radio as other debut albums. However, he recognizes the uniqueness and value of having a personal backstory and identity that no one else can replicate. Esten has the advantage of incorporating the character Deacon Claybourne into his own musical identity, which sets him apart from other artists. Additionally, he has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and then achieved it again in his real-life career, giving him a distinct perspective and advantage.
Esten shares that he gained even more valuable insights from the fans of Deacon than he did from the character himself. Throughout the show, numerous viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace they found in the complex persona of Deacon, who led a challenging life but remained strong and determined.
The individuals, who may have experienced difficulties in their own lives or in the lives of their parents, wanted to convey to me the therapeutic aspect of going through that journey. This realization made me understand 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 dedicated significant effort to ensure the project represents a unified artistic expression that truly reflects his identity. This process began by giving importance to the emotional depth and substance, as advised by Deacon and Deacon's fans. It also involved co-writing all 13 tracks on the project and blending a foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he amusingly describes as embracing the spirit of "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians brought in by Altman for their skillful focus on Esten's artistic vision. The unexpected COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping his album. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album, but it had to be put on hold. As soon as restrictions were lifted, Esten eagerly resumed his work, with a newfound clarity and determination regarding the direction he wanted his debut album to take.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses their belief that COVID has served as a reminder that life is challenging and can be harsh, but it also has moments of incredible beauty. They explain that love, in particular, is closely connected to this concept. The pain experienced from losing a relationship or a loved one is a result of the deep affection one had for them, which also highlights the profound beauty that love can bring.
The momentum of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were added, which Esten believes helped to develop the theme of the album. However, even though he had an idea of what he wanted the overall message to be, he struggled to find the right words to capture it until he wrote the title song, which was the final song added to the tracklist.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, I exclaimed, "This will be the title and the first track," recalls Esten, reflecting on the day he collaborated with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary. The song encapsulated the essence of the album, conveying the idea that love may not always be pleasant, but it possesses a unique beauty.
After penning down the words, he had a strong feeling that he had accurately conveyed the message. This unwavering self-assurance, developed over many years of dedication and effort, is another significant factor that adds value to Esten's journey towards releasing his first album.
I have another point to mention about the long wait. During my time in college, I took up a job in the construction industry as a carpenter's assistant. As part of my role, I acquired a toolbox which I felt really proud of. It was filled with various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared fresh and untouched, adding to my sense of accomplishment.
When he arrived, he noticed that all the carpenters had worn out and well-used tools, which made him feel envious. He found it amusing that his own tools looked brand new and unused. The carpenters 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 swung the hammer countless times, and that experience holds value to him.
These are 20 country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. The credit for this gallery goes to
Additional content from Taste of Country
Details
Keep in touch with us