Charles Esten shares his unique experience of how his rise to stardom on the hit TV show 'Nashville' has influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist's path is individual, Esten's journey stands out in the country music industry, and even in the broader music scene.
"Can you believe it? It has been quite a journey," the singer playfully remarks during 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 Esten first began his career.
Beginning in 1988 with his initial appearance on a game show named Sale of the Century, where he triumphed with prizes amounting to over $32,000, and continuing with his notable portrayal of the main character Deacon Claybourne on the popular country-themed television series Nashville, as well as 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, equivalent to approximately 10,000 hours, a remarkable accomplishment that he has repeated around 30 times.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like at the age of 58, does come with some drawbacks, as Esten acknowledges. He doesn't anticipate Love Ain't Pretty to have the same level of radio success, for instance. However, he recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and a 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 explains that while he gained valuable insights from playing the character of Deacon, he gained even more from the fans of the show who reached out to him. Throughout the series, viewers contacted Esten to express how much solace they found in Deacon's portrayal of a flawed yet strong character who faced various challenges in life.
They wanted to convey to me that going through difficult times in their own lives or in their parents' lives had made them realize the therapeutic value of taking the journey with someone. This realization made me see the importance of infusing meaning, connection, and an intention to help and heal into my own music.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it's not without reason: He dedicated significant effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic expression that truly represents who he is. This process began by placing emphasis on authentic emotional substance, following the example set by Deacon and his fans. Additionally, Esten co-wrote all 13 songs on the album, combining a base of traditional country music 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 talented musicians he brought on board for skillfully refining his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping Esten's direction. Just before the initial lockdowns were implemented, he had begun working on an album that had to be put on hold. As soon as restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume his creative process, and his determination to achieve his desired sound for his first album was stronger than ever.
When asked about the purpose behind their music, the singer expresses their belief that the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the universal truth that life can be challenging and harsh, but also remarkably beautiful. They explain that love plays a significant role in this concept, as the pain experienced from losing a relationship or a loved one is a direct result of the deep affection one had for them. This is also what makes love so extraordinary and awe-inspiring.
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 to develop the overall theme. However, even though he had a clear idea of what he wanted the album's sentiment to be, he struggled to find the right words to capture it until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, this song was the final addition to the tracklist.
After completing the song, 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 the song. The song's message was centered around the idea that love is not always attractive, but it holds a certain beauty.
Upon completing the composition of these words, he instantly recognized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. This unwavering belief in oneself, acquired through years of relentless dedication, is yet another factor that adds significance to Esten's unconventional journey towards releasing his first album.
I would like to mention another aspect of waiting for a long time. During my college years, I had the opportunity to work in construction as a helper to a carpenter. As part of the 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 my new toolbox filled me with a great sense of pride.
"So when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and weathered tools, and I couldn't help but feel envious," he says with a laugh. "My own tools appeared so flawlessly new and untouched. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' But 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."
Here are 20 country artists who achieved immense success with their debut albums. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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