Charles Esten discusses how his experience as a star on the television show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. Although every artist's path is unique, Esten's journey stands out in the country music and overall music industry.
"Isn't it true?! It's been a really long journey," the singer playfully remarks during a conversation with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, set to be released on Friday, January 26th, marks over thirty years since Esten first started his career.
Starting with his initial job in the entertainment industry in 1988, which involved participating in a game show called Sale of the Century, the actor managed to accumulate over $32,000 worth of prizes. He then went on to achieve success in the popular country-themed TV series Nashville, where he played the main character Deacon Claybourne. Additionally, he holds a Guinness World Record for releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks. Overall, Esten has dedicated an extensive amount of time and effort, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours or around 30 repetitions.
There are certain drawbacks to releasing a debut album at a later stage in life, as Esten, who is 58 years old, acknowledges. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same level of impact on the radio as other albums. However, he also recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can possess. He is fortunate to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into his own musical persona. Additionally, he has the advantage of experiencing fictional success as a country music star and then achieving it again in his real life, off-screen.
Esten expresses that he gained a greater understanding from Deacon's fans rather than directly from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, Esten received messages from viewers who shared how much solace they found in the character of Deacon, who faced challenges and adversity but remained strong.
The speaker explains that many people, perhaps due to the difficulties they have faced in their own lives or the challenges their parents have experienced, feel the need to communicate to him the therapeutic nature of embarking on a journey with someone. This realization has influenced the speaker's own music, as they now understand the importance of creating meaningful and connected songs that aim to help and heal.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's justified as he put in a lot of effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic statement that truly represents him. This process began by giving priority to the raw emotional aspects, inspired by Deacon and his fans' teachings. Additionally, he co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album and combined a foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll, which he humorously refers to as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians he brought in to contribute to the recording sessions for their adept ability to understand and enhance Esten's artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this vision. Just before the initial lockdown measures were implemented, Esten had begun working on an album, but had to halt the project. Once restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work and had a stronger sense of what they wanted their first album to represent than ever before.
When asked about the purpose of her mission, the singer expresses that COVID has reminded her of the fundamental truth that life can be challenging and cruel, but it also has moments of tremendous beauty. She believes that love is a significant aspect of this concept, as it is often intertwined with the most painful experiences. When we experience the loss of a relationship or a loved one, it is because we cared deeply for them. This is why the pain is so intense, but it also highlights the profound beauty of love.
The album gained more popularity as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, which Esten believes helped to further develop the album's central theme. However, even though he had an idea of what he wanted the overall message to convey, he struggled to find the precise words to summarize Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title track, which ultimately became the final addition to the list of songs.
After completing the song, just before leaving the room, Esten recalls how he confidently proclaimed, "This will be the title and the first song." He wrote this particular song alongside Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary. The song encapsulated the essence of the entire album, conveying the message that love may not always be pleasant, but it possesses a unique beauty.
After he had finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the message accurately. The strong belief and self-assurance he displayed, which were acquired through years of dedicated effort, add significant worth to Esten's journey towards his first album.
I want to mention another aspect of waiting for a long time. During my college years, I decided to work in the construction field as a carpenter's assistant. As part of my job, I acquired a toolbox filled with essential tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill. I took great pride in my toolbox as all the tools appeared fresh and unused.
As he explains, when he arrived at the location, he noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and weathered tools, and he couldn't help but feel envious. His own tools appeared perfectly new and unused in comparison. The carpenters exclaimed, "This guy has never even held a hammer before!" However, the advantage of his current age is that he can observe his toolbox, which is no longer brand new. He has swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift.
Here are 20 country artists who achieved their highest level of success with their debut album. Credits for the gallery go to Billy
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