Charles Esten shares how his rise to stardom on the TV show 'Nashville' has influenced his first album, highlighting the uniqueness of his journey compared to other country music artists.
"Can you believe it? It has been quite a journey," the singer humorously remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, which is set to be released on Friday, January 26th, comes over thirty years after Esten first started his career.
Starting from his initial performance opportunity in 1988, which involved participating in a game show called Sale of the Century and winning over $32,000 worth of prizes, to his successful portrayal of the main character Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed show Nashville, and even his remarkable achievement of releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, which earned him a Guinness World Record, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to his craft, totaling approximately 10,000 hours, equivalent to about 30 times over.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like Esten at the age of 58, does come with certain disadvantages. For instance, he is not anticipating Love Ain't Pretty to have a significant impact on radio. However, he recognizes the worth of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can possess. After all, who else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into their own musical persona? And who else has experienced the advantage of achieving country music stardom in fiction, only to do it again in their real life?
According to Esten, he gained more knowledge from Deacon's fans than from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, Esten received messages from viewers expressing how much solace they found in the character of Deacon, who was known for his difficult lifestyle, troubled past, and ability to bounce back from adversity.
The people who shared their experiences with me explained that they found a sense of release and relief by going through difficult experiences, either because their own lives or their parents' lives had been challenging. They wanted to convey to me the importance of having a meaningful and connected journey in my own music. They emphasized that it should have a purpose to assist and bring healing to others.
Esten frequently uses the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty because he wanted to create a cohesive artistic statement that truly represents who he is. To achieve this, he focused on incorporating emotionally impactful elements, taking inspiration from Deacon and his fans. He also made sure to co-write all 13 tracks on the project and combine traditional country music with his own playful take on rock and roll, which he humorously refers to as "going full Springsteen."
Esten appreciates producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians Altman assembled for the recording sessions, as they skillfully focused on Esten's artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this vision. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, Esten had begun working on an album, but it was put on hold. As soon as restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work, and his determination to create the perfect debut album was even stronger than before.
The singer believes that COVID-19 has emphasized the idea that life is challenging and sometimes harsh, but it can also be incredibly beautiful. They explain that love is a significant aspect of this concept, as the pain experienced from losing a relationship or a loved one is a result of the deep love felt for them. Despite the hurt, love is still seen as something incredibly beautiful.
The momentum of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were added, according to Esten. These songs helped to develop the overall theme of the album. However, Esten 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.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This is the title and this is the first song." He remembers the day when he, along with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, wrote that song. The song conveyed the message that love may not always be pleasant, but it is still beautiful.
After he finished writing the words, he was certain that he had conveyed the message accurately. This certainty, which stems from many years of dedication and effort, further highlights the significance of Esten's long and unconventional journey towards releasing his first album.
There is another aspect of waiting for a long time that I want to mention. During my college years, I took on a job in construction where I worked as a carpenter's assistant. As part of my role, I acquired a toolbox that I felt extremely proud of. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which were in pristine condition, giving them a brand new appearance.
"After arriving at the location, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and damaged tools. Surprisingly, I found myself feeling envious of them," he says with a laugh. "My tools, on the other hand, looked incredibly pristine and untouched. They jokingly remarked, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' However, the advantage of being my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer appears brand new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift."
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