Charles Esten discusses how his experience of becoming a star on the TV show "Nashville" has influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist has a unique path, Esten's journey stands out in the world of country music and beyond.
"Isn't it true? It's been a journey that has taken a long time," the musician playfully remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, which will be released on Friday (Jan. 26), comes over thirty years after Esten first started his career.
Starting with his debut appearance on a television game show called Sale of the Century in 1988, where he managed to secure over $32,000 worth of prizes, Esten has had a successful journey in the entertainment industry. He achieved recognition for his portrayal of the main character, Deacon Claybourne, in the popular country-themed series Nashville. Additionally, Esten earned himself a Guinness World Record by releasing 54 singles within 54 weeks, showcasing his dedication and hard work. In total, Esten has accumulated around 10,000 hours of experience, an impressive feat achieved approximately 30 times.
There are certain drawbacks to releasing a debut album at a later stage in life, as experienced by Esten who is 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have a significant impact on radio like other albums. However, he recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and identity that sets him apart from others. No one else has the advantage of incorporating a character like Deacon Claybourne into their own musical identity. Additionally, no one else has had the opportunity to achieve country music stardom in fiction and then replicate it in their real life.
Esten shares that the lessons he gained from the character Deacon were amplified by the experiences shared by Deacon's fans. Throughout the show, viewers reached out to Esten, expressing how much solace they found in the relatable and enduring character of Deacon, despite his tumultuous and challenging life.
The individuals I spoke to emphasized the challenges they faced in their lives, as well as their parents' difficult experiences. They expressed a desire to convey to me the therapeutic nature of sharing their journey. This realization prompted me to recognize the importance of infusing my own music with purpose, connection, and the intention to provide support and healing.
Esten frequently mentions the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's understandable why: he dedicated 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 importance to the emotional core of the songs, following the guidance of Deacon and his fans. Additionally, Esten co-wrote all 13 tracks on the project and combined a foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously refers to as embracing his inner "full Springsteen."
Esten gives credit to producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians chosen by Altman to play during the recording sessions. They were able to skillfully focus on and bring out Esten's vision for his music. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping the album. Just before the first lockdowns were imposed, Esten had begun working on the album but had to put it on hold. When the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his determination to create a debut album that truly reflected his artistic vision was stronger than ever.
When asked about the purpose of their mission, the singer expresses that COVID has emphasized the enduring idea that life can be challenging and merciless, but at the same time, it can be incredibly exquisite. The singer believes that love plays a significant role in this concept, as the pain experienced from losing a relationship or a loved one is a result of the deep affection one had for them. This is what makes it hurt so intensely, but also what makes it remarkably beautiful.
The album gained more popularity as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, according to Esten, who considers these songs to be the ones that fully developed the album's theme. Even though he had an idea of the overall sentiment he wanted to convey, he struggled to find the precise words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title song, which was the final addition to the list of tracks.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This is the title and this is the first song." He reflects on the day when he wrote this song together with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, describing it as the defining moment for the album. The song conveyed the message that love may not always be attractive, but it possesses a certain beauty.
After he finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the intended message accurately. This unwavering self-assurance, developed over many years of dedicated effort, is one of the many reasons why Esten's unconventional path towards releasing his first album holds significant worth.
There is another aspect I would like to mention regarding waiting for a long time. I have a personal memory from my college days when I took up a job in construction as a helper to a carpenter. During that time, I acquired a toolbox which 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, making me even more proud.
"And when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out tools, and I couldn't help but feel envious," he adds with a laugh. "My tools, on the other hand, were perfectly new and unused. They joked, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' But the advantage of being my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it doesn't look so new anymore. I've used that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift."
These are 20 country artists who achieved the highest level of success with their initial album. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy
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