[Album art | Download JPG]
Featuring songs written by Billy Don Burns, Dave Gibson, Bernie Nelson, Waylon Hanel and more [Stream/Download | Credits + Lyrics Doc]
Released limited supply of vinyl during annual SOLD OUT hometown album release party
New music videos on the way for “Tow Truck Driver” and “When Waylon Came To Nashville”
ICYMI: Waylon talks Josie Music Award win and new album on WNEM-TV [watch here]
Media assets + show schedule: jwamedia.com/waylon-hanel
“A student, champion, and torch bearer for all the old Outlaw greats…”
– Trigger, Saving Country Music
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 01, 2025) — Country singer-songwriter, independent recording artist and Michigan native Waylon Hanel released his 3rd studio album entitled When Waylon Came To Nashville [Stream/Download] everywhere digitally on November 28 by CDX Records. Hanel also unveiled and pre-released the new album on vinyl during a sold out show for his hometown fans on November 26, at Uptown North in Frankenmuth.
With a mix of feel good honky-tonk sing-a-long anthems to tear-jerking and soul-stirring country ballads, When Waylon Came To Nashville is Hanel’s own modern day sonic journey through all the musical trademarks of the traditional outlaw country sound: simple honest stories, steel guitar, and an unmistakable vocal twang to tie it all together.
“This new album has everything a country record should have,” Hanel said. “Three chords and the truth, a steel guitar and a great story.”
Recording all but one track at Dark Horse Recording Studio, Hanel collaborated with acclaimed music producer Dave Hagen (Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Keb’ Mo’) to hone the album’s intentionally traditional sound. The closing track “My Name” was produced by Josh Emmons at Omni Sound Studio in Nashville prior to its razing.
Aside Hanel self-writing two tracks, “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” and “My Name,” the 23 year old self-taught musician also put his own stamp on three songs from outlaw country songwriter Billy Don Burns (Willie Nelson, Johnny PayCheck, Cody Jinks) with “Keith Whitley Blue,” “Talk About Crazy” and the album’s title track. Hanel’s take on two Bernie Nelson (Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney) written songs also anchors the album, with his version of the laughable true story behind “Tow Truck Driver” cracking the Top 10 on CDX’s True Indie chart, and is slated to become one of two new music videos he’ll release in early 2026. Hanel also recorded in one live take an acoustic version of the Dave Gibson (Alabama, Tanya Tucker) written tear-jerking country ballad “Red Bricks,” which was premiered by TheAmericanBeat.com in September.
Hanel concludes, “With the title track inspired by legendary country artist Waylon Jennings, you can bet your hard earned money that this record is country through and through, and I’m proud to have my name on it!”
Track Listing & Songwriters:
- “Talk About Crazy” (Bill Don Burns, Karen Sue Brooks)
- “Keith Whitley Blue” (Bill Don Burns)
- “When Waylon Came To Nashville” (Bill Don Burns)
- “Red Bricks” (Dave Gibson, Peter Sallis, Brian White)
- “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” (Waylon Hanel)
- “Greyhound” (Bernie Nelson, Tommy Connors, Mark McGuinn)
- “Tow Truck Driver” (Bernie Nelson, Andrew Brockdorf)
- “My Name” (Waylon Hanel)
Upcoming Shows:
Dec. 06 – Montrose Pub / Montrose, Mich. [admission/info]
Dec. 11 – The Machine Shop / Flint, Mich. [tickets/info]
Dec. 26 – Handlebar J / Scottsdale, Az. [admission/info]
Dec. 28 – Handlebar J / Scottsdale, Az. [admission/info]
**For Waylon’s most updated tour schedule, follow on BandsInTown
About Waylon Hanel:
Waylon Hanel is a 23 year old self-taught old school country singer-songwriter and recording artist characterized by his textured vocals, vivid storytelling abilities, and honest straight-forward delivery. Named after one of his biggest musical influences, country legend Waylon Jennings, Hanel has honed his own signature style by incorporating a mixture of outlaw country, blues and southern rock into his own songwriting style that is uniquely his own. The result is a vintage yet fresh sound that appeals to core country music fans, along with those new to the genre. Hanel’s recordings are a testament to his artistic individuality and powerful delivery that is well beyond his years.
The Millington, Michigan native has quickly built a dedicated fan base with his down-to-earth style and an endearing ability to captivate audiences with his bold live performances. Hanel’s undeniable stage prowess has earned him a slew of opportunities to open for country giants like Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, Chris Cagle, Walker Hayes, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Ward Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lonestar, Matt Stell, Elvie Shane, Jerrod Niemann, Uncle Kracker, Creed Fisher, Ray Scott, Colt Ford, and Chayce Beckham.
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Publicity Photos:
[Waylon with Managers Jason & Heidi Hanel | Photo: Chad Conway | Download JPG]
[Photo: Jaime Lynn | Download JPG]