Charles Esten discusses how his experience as a star on the TV show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has their own unique path, Esten's journey stands out in the country music industry and even in the broader music world.
"Can you believe it? It has been quite a journey," the singer playfully remarks while speaking with Taste of Country. They are discussing his latest album, Love Ain't Pretty, which will be released on Friday, January 26th. It is remarkable how this album comes more than thirty years after the start of Esten's career.
Since his initial appearance on a game show called Sale of the Century in 1988, where he managed to win over $32,000 in prizes, Esten has had a successful career. He gained recognition for his role as Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed series Nashville, and also holds a Guinness World Record for releasing 54 singles in 54 weeks. Throughout his career, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort, accumulating approximately 10,000 hours of experience, which is equivalent to around 30 times the standard requirement.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like at the age of 58, has its drawbacks. For instance, Esten does not anticipate Love Ain't Pretty to have the same impact on radio as it would have if he was younger. However, he recognizes the advantage of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can replicate. After all, who else can embody a character like Deacon Claybourne and integrate it into their own musical identity? Furthermore, who else has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and then achieved it in their real life?
Esten shares that he gained a greater understanding from the fans of Deacon, rather than from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, Esten received messages from viewers expressing how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon, who faced numerous challenges in life.
The speaker reflects on how people who have experienced difficult lives, or who have parents who have experienced difficult lives, often find solace in sharing their journey with others. This realization has influenced the speaker's own music, as they now understand the importance of creating music that holds meaning, connection, and the intention to provide help and healing.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and there's a valid reason for it: he put a lot of effort into creating a unified artistic statement that truly represents him from beginning to end. This process began by giving priority to the emotional depth and substance, inspired by Deacon and Deacon's fans. Additionally, Esten co-wrote all 13 songs on the project and combined a solid foundation of traditional country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously describes as going "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians recruited by Altman for their skill in refining Esten's musical vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this process. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten had begun working on an album, but it had to be put on hold. When the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his determination to create the perfect debut album was even stronger than before.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses that COVID has emphasized the fundamental idea that life can be challenging and harsh, but it can also be remarkably beautiful. They believe that love plays a significant role in this concept, as the most intense sufferings arise from love. Whether it's the loss of a relationship or the passing of a loved one, the pain is so profound because of the deep love felt, which also highlights the incredible beauty of love.
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 to develop 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 exact words to capture it until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, the title song was the final addition to the tracklist.
Esten recalls the moment when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary completed a song. Just before leaving the room, Esten confidently declared, "This will be the title of the album, and this song will be the first one." The song encapsulated the essence of the entire album, conveying the message that love may not always appear glamorous, but it possesses a unique beauty.
After he finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had captured the message perfectly. This clear and confident expression comes from years of dedicated effort, making Esten's journey to his first album even more significant.
One additional point I want to mention about waiting for a long time is a personal memory from my college days. During that time, I decided to work in the construction industry as a helper to a carpenter. As part of my job, I acquired a toolbox which became a source of great pride for me. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which were in pristine condition, giving me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
When I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out tools. I couldn't help but envy them as my own tools looked pristine and unused. They jokingly remarked that I had never held a hammer before. The advantage of being my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it doesn't appear new anymore. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift.
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