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BIO
Waylon Hanel is a 23 year old self-taught neo-traditional 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.
Recording his songs in Nashville, Hanel officially arrived in November 2022 with his self-titled, five song debut EP, led by the straightforward country song about a cowboy, “He Don’t Mind.” Hanel’s sophomore record, New Old Outlaws, was released in May 2023 and the EP’s title track, the history-telling “New Old Outlaws (Rewind)” also made Music Row’s Country Breakout Radio Chart. 2024’s “Lighten That Load,” from his third EP, Don’t Mess With My Country, also charted on Music Row’s Country Breakout Radio Chart.
In 2024 Waylon Hanel was invited and honored to perform the National Anthem for President Donald J. Trump in Flint, Michigan as well as Vice President J.D. Vance in Saginaw, Michigan.
Hanel’s “Blackberry Brandy” marks his first duet with country artist Madison Hughes, which also appears on his 2024 EP. The latest single he released in June 2025 is “Tow Truck Driver,” and he is currently working on writing and recording new songs, along with touring throughout his home state of Michigan in 2025. Hanel’s next single he’ll release is “Red Bricks,” due out September 05, 2025 via CDX Records.
SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT . . .
"Waylon Hanel is worth all the praises; his music is pure, genuine country. Remember his name. Waylon Hanel will soon be on the top of the charts.”
- Georges Carrier
(Host / Texas Highway Radio, France)
“With an old school, outlaw sound that’s organic, and highly missed in today’s country format, Waylon is a young artist to watch! He reminds me of Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and David Alan Coe.”
- Karl Shoemark
(Host / “Boot Stompin’ Country”/UKCountryradio.com)
"With a name like Waylon, it has to be good! ….and Waylon Hanel lives up to the name!"
- Jeff Meek
(Music Director / Mountain Top Media LLC)
“Waylon is a great new talent with a throwback in his vocals and delivery that is both unique and nostalgic."
- Kolt Barber
(Producer, "New Old Outlaws Rewind")
"I've been on the radio for more than 25 years. I've had the pleasure to interview with artists such as Merle, Waylon, Willie, Johnny Cash, and everyone in between. I'm old-school outlaw. This is one of the best songs I have heard in a long time... It's grand to hear this kind of sound again on radio!"
- Tyler Storey
(105.9 KRAZy Country)
“Waylon is what country music needs today. His voice is pure, his words are clear, and his life experiences bring deep emotion.”
- Dan Richards
("Sunday Night Flashback" WKCQ-FM)
“The first time I heard Waylon Hanel, I could imagine a country legend (named Waylon) smiling down and pleased to know there is a new breed of country artist who remembers our roots. Looking forward to following this new outlaw’s country music journey.”
- Mike Thomas
(KFAV/KWRE)
“Waylon is a genuine artist. His appreciation for older Outlaw music is what motivated the direction of the songs written for the NEW OLD OUTLAWS recording project.”
- Bernie Nelson
(NEW OLD OUTLAWS producer and co-writer)
