Charles Esten shares how his experience of becoming a star on the TV show 'Nashville' influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist's path is unique, Esten's journey stands out in the world of country music, and even in the broader music industry.
"Can you believe it? It's been quite a journey," the vocalist 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, marks over thirty years since Esten first started his career.
Starting from his initial appearance on a game show called Sale of the Century in 1988, where he managed to win 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 to his impressive accomplishment of releasing 54 singles in 54 weeks, which earned him a Guinness World Record, Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to his career. In fact, he has accumulated approximately 10,000 hours of experience, which is equivalent to doing something 30 times over.
Releasing a debut album later in life, like Esten who is 58 years old, does come with some disadvantages. Esten understands that his album, Love Ain't Pretty, may not have as much success on the radio compared to others. However, he also recognizes the value of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can replicate. He has the advantage of incorporating a character like Deacon Claybourne into his own musical identity, something no one else can do. Additionally, he has experienced the fictional rise to country music stardom and now gets to do it again in his real life off-screen.
Esten expresses that he gained valuable insights not only from the character he played, Deacon, but also from the fans of the show. Throughout the series, Esten received messages from viewers who shared how much solace and inspiration they found in Deacon, a character known for his tumultuous life, challenges, and perseverance.
He explains that many people, whether due to the difficulties they have faced in their own lives or the hardships their parents have endured, feel compelled to share with him the cathartic experience of going through a journey. This realization has influenced his perspective on his own music, as he now understands the importance of infusing it with meaning, connection, and a purpose to aid in healing and helping others.
Esten frequently mentions the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and it is justified as he dedicated significant effort to ensure that the project represents his true artistic vision from beginning to end. This process began by placing a strong emphasis on delivering emotionally impactful content, inspired by Deacon and his fans. It also involved co-writing all 13 tracks on the album and combining traditional country roots with his playful inclination towards rock 'n' roll, which he humorously describes as embracing a "full Springsteen" approach.
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the musicians he brought on board for their skill in capturing his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping his album. Just before the first lockdowns occurred, Esten began working on an album, but it was put on hold. When restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume his work, and his vision for his debut album became even more defined.
When asked about the message behind their music, the singer expresses that COVID has reminded them of the general notion that life can be challenging and cruel, but it can also be incredibly beautiful. They believe that love is a significant aspect of this concept, as it is often intertwined with the pain and loss experienced in relationships. The singer explains that the intensity of the hurt is directly connected to the depth of love felt, which is what makes it both painful and awe-inspiring.
The momentum of the album increased with the popularity of songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now." According to Esten, these songs helped to further develop the overall theme of the album. However, even though he had a clear idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, he didn't have the precise words to capture it until he wrote the title track, which was also the final addition to the list of songs on the album.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This is the name of the album and this is the initial track." He remembers the day when he co-wrote that song along with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary. The song encapsulated the essence of the album, conveying the idea that love may not always be attractive, but it is still remarkable and captivating.
After completing the writing, he immediately realized that he had conveyed the message accurately. This sense of unwavering certainty is the result of years of dedication and perseverance, making Esten's unconventional journey towards releasing his first album even more meaningful.
One additional point I want to mention about the long wait is a personal experience from my college days. During that time, I took up a job in the construction field as a carpenter's assistant. As part of my role, I acquired a toolbox which I was immensely proud of. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared brand new and added to my sense of accomplishment.
"And when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and battered tools. I couldn't help but feel envious," he says with a laugh. "Meanwhile, my own tools appeared immaculately new and unused. They jokingly exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The wonderful thing about being my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer looks brand new. I've used that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift."
These are twenty country artists who achieved the highest level of success with their debut album. The credit for this gallery goes to Billy
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