Charles Esten discusses how his experience with stardom on the TV show 'Nashville' 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 has been quite a journey," the singer humorously mentions in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, set to be released on Friday, January 26th, comes over thirty years after the beginning of Esten's career.
Starting from his initial appearance on a game show named Sale of the Century in 1988, where he managed to secure over $32,000 worth of prizes, to his prominent portrayal of the main character Deacon Claybourne on the successful country-themed television series Nashville, and even his remarkable accomplishment of releasing 54 singles in 54 weeks, which earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records, Esten has dedicated a considerable amount of time and effort to his craft, accumulating around 10,000 hours of experience, which is approximately equivalent to 30 times over.
There are certainly drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as is the case with Esten who is 58 years old. He acknowledges that Love Ain't Pretty may not have as significant of a presence on radio. However, he also recognizes the importance of having a unique background and personal identity that no one else can replicate. After all, who else can incorporate a character like Deacon Claybourne into their own musical persona? Who else has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame and then achieved it again in their real life, off-screen?
Esten expresses that while he learned valuable lessons from his portrayal of Deacon, he gained even more insights from the fans of the show who reached out to him. Throughout the series, viewers contacted Esten to share how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon, who faced numerous challenges in life.
People wanted to convey to me that going through difficult experiences, or witnessing their parents' hardships, had a therapeutic effect. They emphasized the importance of finding meaning, making connections, and having a purpose to assist and bring about healing in their own music.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and there's a valid explanation for it: he dedicated considerable effort to ensure that the project is a cohesive artistic representation of himself from beginning to end. This began by prioritizing the raw emotional elements, influenced by Deacon and Deacon's fans. It also involved co-writing all 13 songs on the album and blending a solid foundation of traditional country music with his playful incorporation of rock 'n' roll influences, which he humorously describes as embracing his inner "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges the expertise of producer Marshall Altman and the musicians he brought on board for the recording sessions in successfully capturing Esten's creative vision. The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in this as well. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album, but unfortunately, it had to be put on hold. Once the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work and had a stronger sense of purpose for his desired direction in creating his first album.
When asked about the mission behind their music, the singer expresses that COVID has emphasized the universal idea that life is challenging and can be filled with hardships. However, they also believe that life has the potential to be incredibly beautiful. The singer believes that love is intricately connected to these experiences of pain and beauty. They explain that when we suffer loss in relationships or the passing of loved ones, it is because we deeply cared 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 more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, which Esten believes added depth to the album's theme. However, even though he had a general idea of what he wanted the overall sentiment to be, he didn't have the precise words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title song, which was also the final addition to the list of tracks.
Esten recalls the moment when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary completed their work on the song. Just before leaving the room, Esten confidently declared, "Here is the title and the opening track of the album." According to him, the song encapsulated the essence of the entire album, emphasizing that love may not always be pleasant, but it possesses a unique beauty.
After completing the writing, he immediately recognized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. This unwavering assurance, which stems from years of dedicated effort, is another noteworthy aspect of Esten's unique journey towards releasing his first album.
"I have another point to mention about the lengthy waiting period. During my time in college, I took up a job in the construction industry where I worked as a carpenter's assistant," the vocalist explains. "Consequently, I acquired a toolbox which I felt extremely proud of. It contained essential tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be in pristine condition, adding to my sense of accomplishment."
"When I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and aged tools, which made me quite envious," he says with amusement. "In contrast, my tools appeared brand new and untouched. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' However, now that I am older, I appreciate the fact that my toolbox no longer looks so new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift."
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Image Source: Billy Dukes
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