Charles Esten has a unique story when it comes to his journey towards creating his debut album. He stands out in the world of country music, and even in the broader music industry as a whole.
"Isn't it true? It has been a long journey," the singer humorously remarks during a conversation with Taste of Country, discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, which is set to be released on Friday, January 26th, comes over thirty years after Esten first started his 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, Esten has achieved significant milestones in his career. This includes his notable portrayal of the lead character Deacon Claybourne in the popular country-themed television series Nashville, as well as setting a Guinness World Record by releasing 54 singles within a span of 54 weeks. Throughout his journey, Esten has dedicated an extensive amount of time and effort, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours, which amounts to roughly 30 times the recommended amount for
There are certain drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as is the case for Esten who is 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have as much success on the radio compared to younger artists. However, he recognizes the importance of having a unique background and identity that no one else can possess. For instance, no one else can incorporate a character like Deacon Claybourne into their own musical persona. Additionally, no one else has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame and then achieved it again in their real life outside of the screen.
Esten reflects on the impact of Deacon's character, stating that he gained a deeper understanding from the show's fans. Throughout the series, Esten received messages from viewers expressing how much solace they found in the complex and resilient character of Deacon.
The speaker explains that people, who had experienced difficult lives or had parents who faced hardship, wanted to express to him the therapeutic value of going through those struggles. This understanding led him to realize the importance of incorporating meaning, connection, and the intention to assist and heal in his own music.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it is significant because he put in a lot of effort to create a unified artistic statement that truly represents him from beginning to end. This process began with focusing on the emotional depth and substance, which he learned from Deacon and his fans. It also involved collaborating on all 13 tracks of the project and combining a genuine country foundation with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll, which he humorously compares to embracing the spirit of Springsteen completely.
Esten gives recognition to producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians that Altman brought in to play on the recordings for their skillful focus on his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this vision. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, Esten began working on an album, but the project was put on hold. As soon as the restrictions were lifted, Esten eagerly resumed his work, and his determination to create the debut album he had envisioned became even more evident.
When questioned about the purpose of their mission, the singer expresses their belief that the COVID pandemic has highlighted a fundamental truth about life: it can be challenging and harsh, but it also holds immense beauty. They explain that love is deeply intertwined with this concept, as the pain of losing a relationship or a loved one is a result of the love that was once shared. This is what makes such experiences hurtful, yet also incredibly beautiful.
The momentum of the album increased as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" gained popularity. Esten believes that these songs helped capture the theme of the album. However, even though he had a general idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, he struggled to find the right words to encapsulate it until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, the title song was added as the final track to the album.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls stating, "This will be the title and the first song of the album." He wrote this song alongside Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, and it encapsulated the album's theme: Love may not always be pleasant, but it is still exquisite.
Once he had finished writing the words, he immediately recognized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. The unwavering self-assurance he possessed, which was developed through years of dedicated effort, further emphasizes the significance of Esten's unconventional journey towards releasing his first album.
There is another aspect to waiting for a long time that I would like to mention. Back when I was in college, I took up a job in the construction industry. Specifically, I worked as a carpenter's assistant. During that time, I acquired a toolbox that 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. It brought me a great sense of satisfaction to own these brand new tools.
"When I arrived, I noticed that all the carpenters had worn-out tools, which made me feel envious," he says, laughing. "In contrast, my own tools looked pristine and unused. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The advantage of being as old as I am now is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer appears brand new. I have used that hammer countless times, if you know what I mean?"
Here are 20 country artists who reached their highest level of success with their debut album. This gallery is credited to Billy D
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