WAYLON HANEL
About Waylon Hanel:
Waylon Hanel is a 24-year-old self-taught traditional country singer-songwriter from Millington, Michigan, known for his textured vocals, vivid storytelling, and straightforward delivery. Named after country legend Waylon Jennings, Hanel blends traditional and outlaw country with blues and Southern rock, creating a vintage-yet-contemporary sound that resonates with both longtime country fans and a new generation of listeners.
Since 2022, Hanel has steadily built a following through his recordings and energetic live performances, sharing stages with artists including Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, John Michael Montgomery, 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, Tyler Farr and Chayce Beckham.
His releases New Old Outlaws (2023) and Don’t Mess With My Country (2024) produced songs that reached MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart, including “New Old Outlaws (Rewind)” and “Lighten That Load.” In 2025, he released his critically acclaimed third studio album, When Waylon Came To Nashville, and was named Male Country Artist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards.
In 2026, Hanel won his second Josie Music Award as Artist of the Year, and he’ll close out the year with the release of his new EP, Price Of Smokes, produced by acclaimed Nashville producer Ken Royster (Luke Combs, Cowboy Troy). The project further establishes Hanel as part of the next generation of traditional and outlaw country artists carrying the genre’s classic sounds and storytelling traditions forward.
Awards/Accomplishments:
- WINNER: 2026 Josie Music Awards: Artist of the Year-Traditional/Classic Country
- WINNER: 2026 Review Magazine Awards: Male Country Vocalist
- WINNER: 2025 Josie Music Awards: Artist Of The Year (Country, Male)
- WINNER: 2024 Vehicle City Sound: Artist of the Year
- WINNER: 2021 Genesee County Big Sing Competition
Media Praise:
“…a well-nigh-irresistible mix…” – Cowboys & Indians
“A student, champion, and torch bearer for all the old Outlaw greats…” – Saving Country Music
“…the future looks exceptionally bright for Waylon Hanel.” – The Lonesome Highway
“From the first note, listeners know they are in for a good, honky-tonkin’, jukebox-dancin’ song.”
– The Country Note
“…focused on delivering authentic country music that resonates with listeners.” – Country Evolution
SHOWS & APPEARANCES
PRESS RELEASES
Country Recording Artist Waylon Hanel Wins Artist Of The Year At 2026 Josie Music Awards In Nashville
Traditional country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel, the 24-year-old self-taught musician from Millington, Michigan, added another major honor to his growing career Sunday night, taking home the Artist of the Year – Traditional/Classic Country award at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Country Recording Artist Waylon Hanel Channels Barroom Honky-Tonk Country On “Blame It On The Rain,” The First Single From Forthcoming EP, Price Of Smokes, Due Out November 27
Traditional country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel channels barroom honky-tonk country with the release of his new single, “Blame It On The Rain,” arriving everywhere digitally on September 18, the first offering from his forthcoming EP, Price of Smokes, due on November 27 by CDX Records.
Country Artist Waylon Hanel Salutes The Outlaw Spirit On Waylon Jennings’ Birthday In New Music Video Of The Billy Don Burns Penned Song “When Waylon Came To Nashville”
Rising independent country artist Waylon Hanel salutes the enduring outlaw spirit of Waylon Jennings with the release of his new music video today for “When Waylon Came To Nashville,” on what would have been Jennings 89th birthday. Center Stage Magazine premiered the new video today, honoring Waymore’s enduring influence on country artists from the modern era.
Traditional Country Singer- Songwriter Waylon Hanel Partners With Unplugged Marketing For Strategic Digital & Social Media Expansion Ahead Of 2026 Releases
Traditional country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel has officially partnered with boutique agency Unplugged Marketing to lead his digital and social media strategy as he prepares to roll out new music in summer 2026.
Country Recording Artist Waylon Hanel’s Take On “Tow Truck Driver” Redefines The Humor & True-To-Life Story Behind The Bernie Nelson & Andrew Brockdorf Written Song Intended
Music video exclusively premiered today by Cowboys & Indians [click to watch] TUNE-IN: network TV airings from The Heartland Network, American Country Network & JMA TV Network beginning March 02 ‘When Waylon Came To Nashville’ named to Saving Country Music’s...
Out Now: Waylon Hanel’s 3rd Studio Album When Waylon Came To Nashville Is A Modern Sonic Tribute To The Classic Era Of Outlaw Country
Country singer-songwriter, independent recording artist and Michigan native Waylon Hanel released his 3rd studio album entitled When Waylon Came To Nashville 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.
Country Recording Artist Waylon Hanel Announces 3rd Studio Album, When Waylon Came To Nashville, Available Everywhere Digitally & Vinyl On Friday, November 28
Country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel announces his 3rd studio album entitled When Waylon Came To Town, available everywhere digitally on Friday, November 28 by CDX Records. A limited supply of vinyl will also be available while supplies last during his annual hometown album release party, scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, 7pm at Uptown North (975 N. Main St. Frankenmuth, Mich.). The album marks Hanel’s first wax pressing of his music, with the Nov. 26 release party event expecting to sell out. Tickets are available now at.
Country Recording Artist Waylon Hanel Tugs At Your Heartstrings With “Red Bricks,” His Endearing New Ballad On Letting Go, Available Everywhere Digitally On September 05
Country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel tugs at your heartstrings with “Red Bricks,” his new endearing country ballad themed on letting go. The song is available everywhere digitally on Friday, September 05 by CDX Records. Today, TheAmericanBeat.com has exclusively premiered the song’s lyric video, giving the 23 year old Michigan based country traditionalist’s growing fanbase a sneak peak before it’s officially out.
Old School Country Singer-Songwriter & Recording Artist Waylon Hanel Partners With JWA Media For Public Relations & Publicity Representation
Neo-traditional country singer-songwriter and recording artist Waylon Hanel has joined the artist roster at JWA Media for public relations and publicity representation. Hanel, a native of Millington, Michigan, has been on the rise over the last 3 years, drawing large audiences and building a solid reputation for being a breakout country recording artist to keep an eye out for.