Now Available: Rising Outlaw Country Performer Waylon Hanel’s Self-Titled EP
Michigan native and outlaw country artist Waylon Hanel’s debut, self-titled EP is now available on all platforms HERE.
This five-track project includes the previously released Armageddon and emotional tune If I Could Write This Song along with other tracks penned by Waylon and Bernie Nelson (Conway Twitty, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna).
“It was a dream come true to carve out this EP with Bernie,” says Hanel. “The process taught me that it is more than making memorable music and writing worthy lyrics. I hope that the emotions of each track captivate the listener and provide a story that leaves them wanting more.”
New EP “Waylon Hanel”
This five-track project includes the previously released Armageddon and emotional tune If I Could Write This Song along with other tracks penned by Waylon and Bernie Nelson (Conway Twitty, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna, Colin Raye, Confederate Railroad, Chris Ledoux, Kris Kristofferson, John Anderson).
Release Date: Feb. 25
Produced by: Bernie Nelson
Track list:
- Armageddon
- If I Could Write This Son
- He Don’t Mind
- Forever Sure Looks Good On You
- Wolverine
“It was a dream come true to carve out this EP with Bernie, “says Hanel. “The process taught me that it is more than making memorable music and writing worthy lyrics. I hope that the emotions of each track captivate the listener and provide a story that leaves them wanting more.”
Industry professionals have had high praise for Hanel.
“Waylon is an old soul. His style of music is reminiscent of early 70s country. His attention to what he desires to sing is unwavering.”
– Bernie Nelson, hit songwriter (Conway Twitty, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna)
“Waylon has something that you rarely see these days. He has that old country feel but with a new country vibe. This guy is going places.”
– Jodi K., Moose Morning Show (94.5 WCEN-FM, Saginaw, MI)
“Waylon has a unique ability to draw in his audience. His music captivates his listeners. He seems almost familiar, like you already know him.”
– Kelly Stonerock, Business Growth Executive (Cumulus Media- Flint, MI)
“Waylon Hanel is what country music needs today. His voice is pure, his words are clear, and his life experiences bring deep emotion.”
– Dan Richards, Host of Sunday Night Flashback (WKCQ-FM, Saginaw, MI)
“When I heard Waylon, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. His voice was so pure and authentic. How he captured his crowd at engagements was amazing.”
– Ken Shelton, Shelton Promotions (Michigan Country Music Promoter)
About Waylon
Waylon was born in Flushing, MI in 2002 and just 17 months later he and his parents welcomed his baby brother, Landyn. The family moved to rural Clio, Michigan (pop. 2,421) before later settling in Millington, Michigan (pop. 1,120) in 2013, where seven years later, Waylon graduated from Millington High School.
At 16, this self-taught musician was invited to play his first show at local pizza shop, Cardinal Country Pizza, wowing clientele there and spring-boarding him to larger venues throughout Michigan.
Tragically, in early 2021 his brother, Landyn, unexpectedly passed away due to complications from a serious automobile accident. Understandably, his passing was a huge blow to the family. Overwhelmed, Waylon considered never booking another gig again. After some time off from the rest of the world to grieve, he told his parents he wanted to do a show in honor of his brother. This was a turning point where literally hundreds of people came out to show their support.
“Music saved me, and more importantly, saved my family,” he states. “Losing someone so close to you changes your outlook on life. I try to live my life by a simple motto: Be good to everyone. Be nice. If I can continue to do these things, I know that Landyn is looking down on me and proud of my accomplishments.”
The determined tunesmith went on to impress a local radio station host, Dan Richards (host of The Sunday Night Flashback at 98.1KCQ out of Saginaw, MI) and his wife Georgeann Ricketts at the Montrose Pub in late 2019. The couple was so impressed by Waylon’s talent and earnest work ethic that they surprised Waylon and his family with a trip to Fredericksburg, Texas to meet and write music with Michigan native, legendary hit songwriter Bernie Nelson (Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind by Confederate Railroad; House on Old Lonesome Road by Conway Twitty).
In early August 2021, the Hanels met Nelson in Nashville, TN to record Waylon’s EP at Omni Studios. He also crossed paths with songwriter Gary Vincent, who has written songs for Chris Ledoux, John Anderson, Gary Morris and many more.
Waylon has taken stages across in Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and Indiana in 2021 as he fine-tunes his craft.
To stay up to date with Waylon, visit the following:
Website: waylonhanel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/waylonhanelmusic
Instagram: @waylon_hanel_music
Twitter: @Waylon_Hanel
TikTok: @waylonhanelmusic