WAYLON HANEL

Twenty-two-year-old Waylon Hanel is a self-taught traditional country music singer songwriter 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.

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. Hanel’s 2024 tour schedule includes support acts for Walker Hayes, June 1, 2024 at Jolt Event Park-Saginaw MI as part of the 2024 Saginaw Memorial Cup.  You can also find Hanel as a support act for Travis Tritt and Creed Fisher, June 22, 2024 for 2024 Bay City Music Festival-Bay City MI.  Mid Summer Hanel will be performing alongside Rowdy Yates July 19, 2024 for Country Gold Night at Aplena Brown Trout Festival-Alpena MI.  Hanel will also be sharing the stage with Trace Adkins, August 21, 2024 at Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair-Petoskey MI.  Hanel will make his way south in the fall sharing the stage with Ward Davis, October 12, 2024 at the 2024 North Springs Music Festival Whitleyville TN.  Hanel will also be apart of the 2024 Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival in early October 2024.