Charles Esten describes how his experience as a star on the television 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 music in general.
"Isn't it true? It's been a really long journey," the singer playfully remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. The album is set to be released on Friday, January 26th, marking over thirty years since Esten first started his career.
Starting with his initial job in the entertainment industry in 1988, which involved participating in a game show named Sale of the Century, he managed to secure over $32,000 worth of prizes. Throughout his career, he also took on the prominent role of Deacon Claybourne in the popular country-themed TV series called Nashville. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable feat by releasing 54 singles in just 54 weeks, which earned him a Guinness World Record. In total, Esten has dedicated a substantial amount of time, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours, to his craft, repeating this process approximately 30 times.
There are certainly some drawbacks to releasing a first album later in life, as is the case for Esten who is 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have as much success on the radio compared to younger artists. However, he also recognizes the importance of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can replicate. Esten is fortunate to have the advantage of incorporating a character like Deacon Claybourne into his own musical persona. Additionally, he has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and is now doing it again in his real-life career outside of the screen.
According to Esten, he gained more knowledge and insight about Deacon from the fans of the show rather than from Deacon himself. Throughout the duration of the show, Esten received messages from viewers who expressed how much solace the complex and enduring character of Deacon brought them.
The individuals, whether due to the difficult experiences they faced in their own lives or the challenges their father or mother encountered, expressed their desire to share with me the sense of catharsis they felt by going through a journey together. This revelation made me realize the importance of incorporating meaning, connection, and the intention to offer assistance and healing in my 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 unified artistic expression that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This endeavor began by placing emotional depth and substance as the top priority, following the guidance of Deacon and Deacon's fans. It also involved co-writing all 13 songs on the album and combining a genuine country foundation with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously describes as embracing the spirit of "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the musicians selected by Altman for their skill in capturing his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this process. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album, but had to put the project on hold. Once the restrictions were lifted, Esten eagerly resumed work, with a newfound clarity on his desired direction for his debut album.
When asked about the purpose of their mission, the singer explains that COVID has emphasized the general idea that life is challenging and can sometimes be harsh, but it can also be incredibly wonderful. They believe that love, in particular, is closely connected to this concept. When you experience the pain of losing a relationship or a loved one, it is because you cared deeply for them. This is why the experience hurts so much, but it also highlights the beauty of love.
The momentum of the album increased with popular songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now," according to Esten, who believes these songs helped fully develop the album's theme. Despite having a general idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, Esten 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 tracklist.
Esten recalls the moment when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary completed their work on the song. Before leaving the room, Esten confidently declared, "This will be the title track and the first song of the album." He explained that the song encapsulated the album's theme, conveying the idea that love may not always be pleasant, but it possesses a unique and captivating beauty.
Once he finished writing the words, he was certain that he had conveyed the message accurately. The fact that he had developed a strong sense of confidence over the years through his persistent efforts is another significant aspect that makes Esten's journey to his first album immensely important.
I want to mention another aspect of waiting for a long time. When I was in college, I decided to work in the field of construction as a carpenter's assistant. 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 brand new to me.
When he arrived, he noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and well-used tools, and he found himself feeling envious of their experience. His own tools were immaculately new and unused, causing the others to mockingly comment that he had never held a hammer before. However, as he reflects on his current age, he realizes that his toolbox is no longer brand new either. He has swung that hammer countless times, and this brings him a sense of pride and understanding.
Here are 20 country artists who experienced the highest point of their career with their debut album. Gallery credit goes to Billy D
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