Charles Esten shares the unique story of how his rise to fame on the show "Nashville" influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has their own unique path, Esten's journey stands out among others in country music and the music industry as a whole.
The singer jokes during a conversation with Taste of Country, acknowledging that it has been a lengthy journey. He talks about his new album Love Ain't Pretty, which is set to release on Friday, January 26th, more than thirty years after he first started his career.
Starting in 1988 with his debut on a game show named Sale of the Century, Esten began his journey in the entertainment industry. He managed to secure over $32,000 worth of prizes from this appearance. Later, he gained recognition for his role as Deacon Claybourne, the main character in the popular country-themed show Nashville. Additionally, Esten achieved a remarkable feat by releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, earning him a Guinness World Record. Through his dedication and hard work, Esten has accumulated approximately 10,000 hours of experience, which is equivalent to around 30 times the standard requirement
Naturally, there are certain drawbacks to releasing your 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 might not have a significant impact on radio, for instance. However, he also recognizes the value of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can possess. Who else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into their own musical identity? Who else has experienced the fictional journey of achieving country music stardom and then replicated it in their real life?
Esten reveals that he gained a greater understanding from the fans of Deacon rather than from the character himself. Throughout the show, Esten received messages from viewers expressing how much solace they found in the complex and resilient character of Deacon, who had a turbulent lifestyle.
The speaker explains that some people, due to the difficulties they have faced in their life or the struggles their parents have experienced, feel a strong desire to share with him the cathartic experience of going through a journey. This realization has had a profound impact on the speaker's own music, making him understand the importance of creating music that carries meaning, fosters connections, and has a purpose to aid and heal.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and for a valid reason: he put in a lot of effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic statement that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This process began by giving utmost importance to the emotional core of the songs, influenced by Deacon and his fans. It also involved co-writing all 13 tracks on the album and combining a solid foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll, which he humorously describes as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians he brought on board for their exceptional ability to understand and refine his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this vision. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten had begun working on an album, but unfortunately, it had to be put on hold. However, once restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his determination to create his ideal debut album was stronger than ever.
When asked about the purpose behind their music, the singer expresses that COVID-19 has reminded them of the fundamental reality that life can be challenging and even cruel, but it can also hold immense beauty. They believe that love is a significant factor in this concept, as the pain one experiences when losing a relationship or a loved one is a result of the deep affection they had for them. This intense love is what makes the pain so profound, yet it also highlights the incredible beauty that love can bring into our lives.
The momentum of the album increased with the popularity of songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now," according to Esten. He considers these songs to be key in developing the overall theme of the album. However, even though he had a general idea of what he wanted the album to convey, Esten struggled to find the exact words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty. It was only when he wrote the title track, which was the final addition to the tracklist, that he finally found the perfect expression for the album's sentiment.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recollects saying, "This will be the title and the first song." He remembers the day when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary wrote the song together. The song captured the essence of the album, conveying the message that love may not always be perfect, but it is still something beautiful.
After writing the words, he immediately realized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. This unwavering self-assurance, developed through years of dedication and effort, is one of the factors that make Esten's journey towards his first album so significant.
There is another aspect I would like to mention about the experience of waiting for a long time. During my college years, I had the opportunity to work in the construction industry as a carpenter's assistant. I vividly recall receiving a toolbox for this job, which made me immensely proud. Inside the toolbox, I had acquired essential tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared extremely new and in pristine condition, further enhancing my sense of pride.
"And when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and heavily used tools. I couldn't help but feel envious," he says with a laugh. "My own tools looked so perfectly new and untouched. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The wonderful thing about being my age is that when I look at my toolbox now, it no longer appears new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift?"
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