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Photo Credit: Jamie Lynn Photography

Bio

Waylon Hanel is a 23 year old self-taught old school 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.