Charles Esten shares his unique experience of how his stardom in the TV show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has their own path, Esten's journey stands out in the country music industry, and even in the broader music industry as a whole.
"Isn't it true? It has been a lengthy journey," the vocalist playfully remarks during a discussion with Taste of Country, referring to his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, set to be released on Friday, January 26th, comes more than thirty years after the start of Esten's career.
Since his initial foray into the entertainment industry in 1988, which involved participating in a game show called Sale of the Century and securing over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has had a remarkable journey. He gained popularity through his portrayal of the main character Deacon Claybourne on the highly successful country-themed television series Nashville. Additionally, Esten accomplished a remarkable feat by releasing 54 singles in as many weeks, earning him recognition in the Guinness World Records. Through these various endeavors, Esten has dedicated an extensive amount of time, estimated to be around 10,000 hours, which is equivalent to
Releasing a debut album later in life does have its drawbacks, 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 radio like younger artists might. However, he recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else could possibly possess. He is fortunate to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into his own musical identity. Additionally, he has the advantage of experiencing fictional country music stardom and then achieving it again in his real life outside of the screen.
Esten expresses that he gained a greater understanding from the fans of Deacon rather than from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, Esten received messages from viewers who reached out to him, expressing how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon.
The speaker explains that many people, either due to the difficulties they themselves have faced or the hardships their parents went through, feel a deep need to express the cathartic experience of going through life's challenges. This realization has influenced the speaker's own music, as they now understand the importance of creating meaningful and connecting songs that have the intention to offer assistance and healing to others.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty because he wanted to ensure that the project was a unified artistic statement that truly represents himself. To achieve this, he focused on incorporating emotional depth and substance, inspired by Deacon and his fans. Additionally, he co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album and merged traditional country elements with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll, which he humorously refers to as embracing the spirit of "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians he brought on board for their skill in refining Esten's artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping Esten's debut album. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album, but it had to be put on hold. However, once the restrictions were lifted, Esten eagerly resumed his work, with a renewed determination to create the album he had always envisioned.
When asked about the message behind his music, the singer expresses that COVID has emphasized the universal understanding that life is challenging and can be unforgiving, but it also has moments of extraordinary beauty. He believes that love is intricately connected to the hardships we face. The pain experienced from losing a relationship or a loved one is a direct result of the love we had for them, making it both agonizing and incredibly beautiful.
The album gained more popularity as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, and these songs were particularly significant in conveying the album's theme, according to Esten. However, even though he had a general idea of what he wanted the overall emotion of the album to be, he struggled to find the precise words to capture it until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, this song was also the final addition to the list of tracks on the album.
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 album's theme of love being both challenging and captivating.
Once he finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had accurately conveyed the intended message. This level of self-assurance, which comes from years of dedication and effort, adds further significance to Esten's unconventional journey towards releasing his first album.
I would like to mention one more thing about the experience of waiting for a long time. During my college years, I took up a job in the construction industry where I worked as a helper for a carpenter. As a part of my job, I acquired a toolbox which I was extremely proud of. It was filled with various tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which were in pristine condition and appeared brand new to me.
"And when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and battered tools. Surprisingly, I felt a sense of envy towards them," he adds with a laugh. "My tools appeared so untouched and perfectly new. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The wonderful aspect of my current age is that I glance at my toolbox and realize it's no longer brand new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you know what I mean."
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