Waylon Hanel Interview
By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Twenty-two-year-old Waylon Hanel is a self-taught musician and singer characterized
by his textured vocals and endearing ability to captivate audiences. The Michigan native has quickly become recognized for his down-to-earth style, bold delivery and vivid storytelling. Named after country music legend Waylon Jennings (one of his biggest musical influences), Hanel has worked to hone his skills in developing a vintage signature style of his own. His music and recordings are a testament to his unique, artistic individuality and powerful delivery well beyond his years.
He made his official introduction with his self-titled EP (WAYLON HANEL/Nov. 2022), featuring five original tunes, and followed with his sophomore CD, NEW OLD OUTLAWS in May 2023. (“New Old Outlaws Rewind” the spotlighted bonus track, charted at No. 54 on the MusicRow Breakout Chart). Waylon released his second single, “He Don’t Mind” to country radio in June 2023 also charting at No. 54. Waylon’s current single “Lighten That Load” at country radio now debuted No. 1 on the Hotdisc Top 40 Chart in the UK having a 6 week streak at No. 1. “Lighten That Load” charted at No. 3 on Nashville’s CDX True Indie Chart. Hanel’s plans to release his “Don’t Mess With My Country” Album in late 2024.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube's privacy policy.
Learn more
In the five short years since Waylon launched his music career, he has performed as support act opening for Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Chris Cagle, Elvie Shane, Ashley McBryde, Tyler Farr, Jo Dee Messina, Jerrod Niemann, Lonestar, Mitchell Tenpenny, Colt Ford, Creed Fisher, Chayce Beckham, Matt Stell, Ray Scott, Uncle Kracker and 2024 Texas Outlaw of the Year Billy Don Burns among a few others.