Charles Esten discusses how his experience in the TV show "Nashville" influenced the creation of his first album. While each artist has their own unique path, Esten's journey stands out in both country music and the music industry as a whole.
"Isn't it true? It has been a long journey," the singer playfully remarks during a conversation with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, set to be released on Friday (Jan. 26), comes more than thirty years after Esten initially started his career.
Starting in 1988 with his initial appearance on a game show named Sale of the Century, where he managed to win over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has had a diverse career in the entertainment industry. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Deacon Claybourne, the main character on the popular country-themed television series Nashville. Additionally, Esten achieved a remarkable feat by releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records. In total, Esten has dedicated an extensive amount of time, approximately equivalent to 10,000 hours, which is roughly 30
Releasing a debut album later in life, like Esten at the age of 58, has its drawbacks. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have a significant impact on radio, for instance. However, he also recognizes the importance of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can possibly possess. He has the advantage of incorporating a character like Deacon Claybourne into his own musical persona. Furthermore, he has experienced the fictional rise to country music fame and is now doing it again in his real-life career.
Esten shares that while he learned valuable lessons from playing the character of Deacon, he gained even more insight from the fans of the show who reached out to him. Throughout the series, viewers expressed their deep connection and appreciation for the complex and enduring character of Deacon, finding solace in his portrayal.
The individuals, who had experienced challenging lives or had fathers or mothers who had, expressed their desire to inform me that there was something therapeutic about embarking on a journey with someone. This realization prompted me to recognize the same quality in my own music. I understood that my music had to possess significance and establish a connection. It needed to serve a purpose of assisting and bringing about healing.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and with good reason. He dedicated considerable effort to ensuring that the project remains a unified artistic expression that truly represents his identity. This involved placing a strong emphasis on emotional depth, following the teachings of Deacon and Deacon's fans. Additionally, Esten co-wrote all thirteen songs on the album and blended a foundation of authentic country music with his own playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously describes as embracing a "full Springsteen" style.
Esten recognizes producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians Altman brought on board for their skillful focus on Esten's artistic vision. The unexpected occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping Esten's album journey. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, Esten began working on an album, which had to be put on hold. As soon as the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work and had a stronger sense than ever of the direction he wanted his debut album to take.
When asked about the purpose of her mission, the singer explains that she believes COVID has emphasized the universal idea that life can be incredibly challenging and harsh, but it can also possess incredible beauty. She believes that love is intimately connected to this concept, as the pain we experience from losing a relationship or a loved one is a direct result of the deep love we had for them. This is why such loss can be so devastating, yet also so profoundly beautiful.
The popularity of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released. Esten believes that these songs contributed to the album's overall theme. Although he had a general idea of what he wanted the album to convey, he struggled to find the perfect words until he wrote the title song, which was the final addition to the list of tracks.
After completing the song, Esten recalls the moment when he, Altman, and songwriter Jimmy Yeary finalized it before leaving the room. Esten expressed, "I said, 'This will be the title and the first song of the album.'" The song encapsulated the overarching theme of the album, emphasizing how love may not always be attractive, yet it possesses a unique beauty.
After he finished writing the words, he was aware that he had captured the message perfectly. This self-assuredness, which comes from the years of dedication and effort, is one of the many reasons why Esten's unconventional journey to his first album holds such significance.
I would like to mention another aspect of waiting for a long time: during my college years, I decided to work in the construction industry. Specifically, I took on the role of a carpenter's assistant. As part of my job, I acquired a toolbox which I was incredibly proud of. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be in pristine condition. This made me feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride.
"And when I arrived there, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and aged tools. I couldn't help but feel envious," he says with a laugh. "My tools, on the other hand, looked brand new and untouched. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The advantage of being as old as I am now is that when I look at my toolbox, it doesn't appear new anymore. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you know what I mean."
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Credits for the gallery go to Billy Dukes.
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