Charles Esten discusses the unique way in which his path towards creating his first album was influenced by his fame from starring in the TV show "Nashville". While every artist has their own individual journey, Esten's experience is particularly distinct within the country music genre and the music industry as a whole.
"Isn't it true? It has been a long journey," the singer playfully remarks during an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. After over thirty years since the start of his career, the album is set to be released on Friday, January 26th.
Starting with his initial job in the entertainment industry in 1988, which involved participating in a game show called Sale of the Century and earning over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has had a successful career. He is best known for his role as Deacon Claybourne in the popular country-themed TV series Nashville. Additionally, Esten holds a Guinness World Record for releasing 54 singles in just 54 weeks. Collectively, he has dedicated an impressive amount of time, equivalent to 10,000 hours, which is approximately 30 times the average amount.
There are certainly drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as is the case for Esten who is 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same impact on radio as it would have if he had released it earlier. However, he also recognizes the value of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else can replicate. He is fortunate to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into his own musical persona. Additionally, he has the advantage of experiencing country music stardom both in fiction and in his real life.
Esten expresses that he gained valuable insights not only from Deacon, but also from the fans of Deacon. Throughout the show, many viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace they found in the character of Deacon, who had a tumultuous and resilient persona.
The speaker explains that many people, perhaps due to their difficult personal experiences or the hardships faced by their parents, feel the need to express the cathartic nature of going through life's journey. This realization made the speaker recognize the importance of incorporating meaning, connection, and the intention to help and heal in their own music.
Esten frequently mentions the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty because it accurately captures his intention to create a unified artistic expression that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. To achieve this, he put significant effort into emphasizing the emotional depth and substance, following the guidance of Deacon and his fans. Additionally, he co-wrote all 13 songs on the project and blended a foundation of authentic country music with his playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously refers to as embracing the spirit of "full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians recruited by Altman for their exceptional ability to capture and refine his creative vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a significant role in shaping Esten's debut album. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, he began working on the album, but the project was abruptly put on hold. As soon as restrictions were lifted, Esten eagerly resumed his work, with a renewed determination to bring his vision for his debut album to life.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses that they believe COVID has emphasized the universal truth that life can be difficult and harsh, but it can also hold immense beauty. They believe that love is intricately connected to this concept, as the pain experienced from losing a relationship or a loved one is a testament to the depth of one's love for them. This is why it hurts so deeply, yet it also showcases the profound beauty that love can bring.
The momentum of the album increased as more songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released. According to Esten, these songs helped to develop the theme of the album. However, even though he had a general idea of what he wanted the album to convey, he struggled to find the right words to summarize it until he wrote the title song. Interestingly, the title song was also the final addition to the tracklist.
Once we had completed the song, just before leaving the room, I thought to myself, "This will be the title and the first song," Esten recalls as he reminisces about the day he co-wrote the track with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary. The song encapsulated the essence of the entire album, conveying the message that love may not always be pleasant, but it remains profoundly beautiful.
Once he had finished writing the words, he was certain that he had conveyed the message accurately. Esten's unwavering self-assurance, developed over many years of dedication, adds further significance to his journey towards releasing his first album.
There is another aspect I would like to mention regarding waiting for a long time. During my college days, I took up a job in the construction industry where I worked as a carpenter's assistant. 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, giving me a sense of accomplishment and pride.
"And when I arrived, I noticed a group of carpenters who had old and worn-out tools, and I couldn't help but feel envious," he adds with a laugh. "In contrast, my tools appeared brand new and unused. They exclaimed, 'This guy has never even held a hammer before.' The advantage of being my age now is that when I look at my toolbox, it no longer looks new. I have used that hammer countless times, if you understand what I mean."
Here are 20 country music artists who achieved their greatest success with their debut album. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy D
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