Charles Esten discusses how his experience of gaining fame from the TV show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist's path is unique, Esten's journey stands out in the country music industry and even in the wider music scene.
"Isn't it true? It has been a long journey," the singer playfully remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. The album, which is set to be released on Friday, January 26th, comes more than thirty years after the beginning of Esten's career.
Since his initial experience in the entertainment industry in 1988, when he appeared on a game show named Sale of the Century and emerged victorious with over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has achieved considerable success. Notably, he played the lead character, Deacon Claybourne, on the popular country-themed television series Nashville. Additionally, Esten has set a Guinness World Record by releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks. This extraordinary accomplishment indicates that he has dedicated a significant amount of time, approximately 10,000 hours, to honing his craft, surpassing this milestone around 30 times.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like at the age of 58, does have its drawbacks. Esten understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same impact on radio as it would if he were younger. However, he recognizes the value of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can replicate. After all, who else has the advantage of embodying a character like Deacon Claybourne in their own musical journey? 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 more knowledge and insight from the fans of Deacon rather than directly from Deacon himself. Throughout the duration of the show, Esten received messages from viewers, who shared with him how much solace they found in the character of Deacon, who was known for his challenging lifestyle, personal struggles, and unwavering strength.
The speaker reflects on how people who have experienced difficult lives, or have parents who have, want to express that going through those challenges together can be therapeutic. This realization has impacted the speaker's own music, as they now understand the importance of creating meaningful and connected songs that have the intention of offering help and healing.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's not without reason: He dedicated significant effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic expression that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This process began by placing a strong emphasis on genuine emotional substance, inspired by Deacon and his fans. It also involved co-writing all 13 tracks on the album and blending a solid foundation of traditional country music with his own playful interpretation of rock 'n' roll, which he humorously describes as channeling the spirit of "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians chosen by Altman for their skill in capturing Esten's artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this process. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album which had to be put on hold. However, once the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work and his vision for his first album became even more defined.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses that COVID has emphasized the fundamental idea that life is challenging and can be harsh, but it also holds immense beauty. They believe that love is intricately intertwined with the most profound sufferings one may experience. Whether it is the loss of a relationship or the passing of a loved one, the pain is so intense because it is a reflection of the deep love one had for them. This duality is what makes the experience both incredibly painful and undeniably beautiful.
Esten saw an increase in popularity with songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now," which he considers as songs that expanded on the album's concept. However, even though he had a general idea of the desired sentiment, he struggled to find the precise words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title track, which was also the final addition to the list of songs.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This will be the title and the first song." He is referring to the day when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary wrote the song. The song encapsulated the theme of the album, conveying the idea that love may not always be pleasant, but it is still something beautiful.
Once he had finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. This unwavering self-assurance, which stems from years of dedication and effort, adds further significance to Esten's unique 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 construction where I worked as a helper to a carpenter. As part of my job, I acquired a toolbox which I was extremely proud of. Inside the toolbox, I had a hammer, screwdrivers, a drill, and various other tools that were all in pristine condition, making me even more proud of my collection.
"I arrived at the location and noticed all the carpenters with their worn-out tools, and I couldn't help but feel envious," he shares with a laugh. "My tools, on the other hand, were impeccably new and unused. They joked, saying, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The advantage of being my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer appears brand new. I've swung that hammer countless times, if you know what I mean."
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