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 outlaw country, blues, and southern rock into a vintage yet contemporary sound that connects with both traditional country audiences and newer listeners.
Since releasing his self-titled debut EP in 2022, Hanel has steadily built a following through his recordings and energetic live shows. He has shared stages with artists including Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, Walker Hayes, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar, Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Stell, Elvie Shane, Jerrod Niemann, Uncle Kracker, Colt Ford, 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 third studio album, When Waylon Came To Nashville.
Hanel was named Male Country Artist of the Year at the 2025 Josie Music Awards and is currently recording new music with Nashville producer Kenny Royster (Luke Combs, Cowboy Troy) for release in summer 2026.
Awards/Accomplishments:
- 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
- PERFORMED: National Anthem for V.P. JD Vance (2024,2025)
- PERFORMED: National Anthem for Pres. Donald Trump (2025)
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
“…focused on delivering authentic country music that resonates with listeners.” – Country Evolution
SHOWS & APPEARANCES
PRESS RELEASES
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.