And, I didn't get back in time to see her. But, even before I was in a band, my grandmother passed in my sophomore year of college. That feeling, to hear people singing words that you thought of, I'm sure that was the beginning of this path.Įventually, when I went to college, I was in a band. They actually made it as part of all the assemblies and everything. I went back, like 10 years later, and they were singing that. They said, 'Find a Disney song and use the melody and then put new words to it.' I did it to 'It's a Small World.' I probably wrote little doodles on my own, but that was the first one with any bit of fame. Ī post shared by Charles Esten the way back in third grade, our elementary school had a contest to write the school song. This interview has been edited for clarity. So, what do I seek instead of perfection? Connection.'īelow, Esten recounts his fateful journey to Love Ain't Pretty - from his first taste of stardom to finally fulfilling his lifelong dream.

'I know that musical superstardom is not an option,' he acknowledges. Perhaps the most fitting sentiment on the album is 'Make You Happy' - not because of its lovestruck narrative, but because it captures Esten's goal with Love Ain't Pretty and beyond: 'Wanna make you happy/ Wanna make you smile.' Along with several odes to his wife, Patty ('One Good Move,' 'Candlelight'), Esten delivers tales of self-reflection ('A Little Right Now') and simply enjoying the moment ('Willing To Try'), all with a grit that's equal parts inspiring and charming. And in the end, that, I think, makes better music anyway.'Īs the title suggests, Love Ain't Pretty mostly focuses on finding the beauty in life. 'I can chase what's thoroughly me, and the facets of that. 'Being the age I am, and the difference of what this album is to what maybe my first album would've been if I was 28, is the intentionality,' he tells. And with a co-writing credit on all 14 tracks, the album is the purest representation of his artistry possible. Combining his soulful country sound and emotive songwriting, Love Ain't Pretty poignantly captures his years of loving and learning. 26, Love Ain't Pretty is a testament to both Esten's patience and his passion. But as his 'Nashville' role revealed, the actor also had some strong singing chops, too - and it wasn't a coincidence.ĭue Jan.

But at 58, he's just now getting the opportunity to do what his contemporaries are long past: release a debut album.Īs fans of the beloved ABC/CMT series 'Nashville' or the hit Netflix drama 'Outer Banks' know, Esten first established himself in the acting world. Like many of his peers, Charles Esten has known music is his calling since he was a kid.

Charles esten singing