Charles Esten shares his unique experience of how his stardom on the hit show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist's path is distinct, Esten's journey stands out in the world of country music and music as a whole.
"Isn't it true? It has been a very long journey," the artist playfully remarks during a discussion with Taste of Country, referring to his new album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, which is set to be released on Friday, January 26th, comes more than thirty years after Esten first started his career.
Starting in 1988, when he made his debut on a game show called Sale of the Century and emerged victorious with prizes worth over $32,000, Esten has been consistently working in the entertainment industry. He gained recognition for his portrayal of the main character, Deacon Claybourne, on the popular country-themed show Nashville. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable accomplishment by releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, earning himself a Guinness World Record. Altogether, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort, totaling approximately 10,000 hours, which is equivalent to about 30 times the average amount
There are certainly drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as Esten is now 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same level of success on the radio as other albums. However, he recognizes the importance of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can replicate. For instance, he has the advantage of embodying the character Deacon Claybourne in his music, which sets him apart. Additionally, Esten has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame in his acting career and now gets to do it again in his real life.
Esten expresses that he gained more knowledge and understanding from the fans of Deacon than from Deacon himself. Throughout the show, Esten received messages from viewers who shared how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon, who led a challenging and troubled life.
People shared with me their experiences of hardship in life, either their own or their parents'. They emphasized that there was something therapeutic about going through those struggles together. This made me realize the importance of infusing meaning, connection, and the intention to assist and heal in my own music.
Esten frequently mentions the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and there's a valid reason for it. He dedicated significant effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic representation of himself from beginning to end. This process involved giving importance to the emotional core of the songs, influenced by Deacon and Deacon's fans. Additionally, Esten co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album and combined a base of traditional country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he amusingly refers to as "going full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the musicians Altman brought together to play on the recordings for their skillful ability to focus on Esten's artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this vision. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album, but had to put it on hold. When the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work and had a clearer understanding of what they wanted their debut album to represent.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses that COVID has served as a reminder of the harsh and brutal aspects of life, while also highlighting its beauty. They believe that love is deeply intertwined with the most intense forms of suffering. Whether it's the loss of a relationship or the loss of a loved one, the pain felt is a result of the love that was once present. This is what makes the experience both incredibly painful and exceptionally beautiful.
The album gained more popularity as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released. Esten believes that these songs helped to develop the album's overall theme. However, even though he had an idea of what he wanted the album's message to be, he struggled to find the right words to encapsulate it until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, this song was also the final addition to the tracklist.
After completing the song, right before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This will be the title and the first song." He remembers the day when he collaborated with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary to write this song. The song conveyed the message that love may not always be pleasant, but it is still something beautiful.
After he finished writing the words, he was certain that he had conveyed the message accurately. The fact that Esten's self-assuredness stems from years of dedicated effort adds to the significance of his journey towards releasing his first album.
An additional point I would like to mention about the long wait is a personal experience from my college days. During that time, I took up a job in construction where I worked as a helper to a carpenter. As part of my job, 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 were in pristine condition. The sight of these tools in their brand new state filled me with a great sense of satisfaction.
Once he arrived, he noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out tools, and he couldn't help but feel envious. He found it amusing that his own tools looked so pristine and untouched. The carpenters jokingly remarked that he must have never held a hammer before. However, now that he is older, he appreciates the fact that his toolbox doesn't look brand new anymore. He has used that hammer countless times, and it holds a special meaning for him.
Here are twenty country artists who reached the pinnacle of their success with their debut album. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy D
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