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BIO
Twenty-three-year-old Waylon Hanel is a self-taught 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 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.
Waylon Hanel made his official introduction with his self-titled EP (WAYLON HANEL/Nov. 2022), featuring five original tunes, and followed by his sophomore CD, NEW OLD OUTLAWS in May 2023. “New Old Outlaws Rewind”, the spotlighted bonus track charted No. 54 on the MusicRow Mainstream Country Breakout Chart in Spring 2023. Waylon released his second single “He Don’t Mind” to country radio in June 2023 also charting at No. 54. His third single “Lighten That Load” off his third album entitled DON’T MESS WITH MY COUNTRY charted No. 43 in Spring 2024. Waylon’s current single “Blackberry Brandy” at country radio now entered the chart as the HIGHEST DEBUTED SINGLE in early December 2024.
In the five short years since Waylon Hanel launched his music career, he has performed as support act opening for Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Chris Cagle, Walker Hayes, Ashley McBryde, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Tyler Farr, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lonestar, Matt Stell, Elvie Shane, Jerrod Niemann, Uncle Kracker, Creed Fisher, Ray Scott, Colt Ford, Chayce Beckham and Ward Davis. September 2024 Waylon Hanel had the honor to perform the National Anthem for PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP in Flint MI as well as VICE PRESIDENT J.D. VANCE in late October 2024 in Saginaw MI.
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)
