We caught up with the brilliant and insightful WAYLON HANEL a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
WAYLON, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
We unexpectedly and tragically lost my brother, my only sibling, in early 2021 from complications from an automobile accident. I was just starting out my career at the time and my brother was my biggest supporter. He attended all of my gigs, he carried my gear and set it all up for me, and he had music cued up to play in the background when I took a set break. He really loved being a part of my music; that was his way of being a part of my journey. When my brother passed, I had considered seriously putting my music career aside and no longer pursuing it. But, it is because of my brother, I picked up the guitar and moved forward. It’s what he would have wanted me to do and I know he’s my guiding light. Because of my brother, BIG things are lining up; I know he’s with me every step of the way today.
WAYLON, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was named after Waylon Jennings; that’s a strong character and signature, and I’m proud of my namesake. Growing up, my brother and I spent time hunting, fishing, trapping and bailing hay on our farm. We listened to “old school” country music and that’s the style of music I’m drawn to. Rural America and country music are a big part of my fiber and who I am.
I’m drawn to the music I grew up listening to. The legendary country music recording artists that paved the way for traditional country and the Outlaw movement. The songwriters and performers who didn’t follow trends; they created them. They were genuine and authentic (Waylon, Willie, Merle, Johnny Cash, Hank Jr., Johnny Paycheck, George Strait, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Lefty Frizzle, Charlie Pride, Vern Gosdin, Keith Whitley, Don Williams, Chris Stapleton, Cody Jinks and Cody Johnson).
In 2021, I won the Genesee County Big Sing Competition and a grand prize of $1,000; I think that kickstarted my enthusiasm to know I could do this. I released my first single, “New Old Outlaws,” to country radio in 2023 and it debuted at No. 80 on the MusicRow Chart Country Breakout Chart. The track landed in the Top 50 on the chart. (Not bad for a newcomer!) My current single, “He Don’t Mind,” is at country radio now and we just received the news that it charted at #63. I’m thankful to country radio and country radio listeners.
It’s been a fast moving train since I launched my music career. I’ve opened for Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Jo Dee Messina, Ashley McBryde and Lonestar; and shared the same stages as Chris Cagle, Elvie Shane, Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Uncle Kracker and Chayce Beckham. Opening for these talented entertainers has been an honor and an amazing experience.
I just finished recording tracks in Nashville for my new CD, DON’T MESS WITH MY COUNTRY; we have plans to roll out a series of singles from the project early in 2024.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
There have been SO MANY rewarding experiences for me since the launch of my career: 1) Writing and recording with renowned songwriters and A-list musicians in Nashville.
2) Charting on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart
3) Opening for, and sharing the same stage as, some of the biggest names in country music
4) Being courted by, and securing, relationships with sponsors
But, most important, performing in front of audiences who have shared their appreciation for the music that I play.
There’s nothing like seeing the fans sing my songs back to me or hearing the applause. Nothing like it!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The loss of my brother was pivotal in both my personal life and my career. Life as we knew it just stopped. My family and I have worked to pick up the pieces; it’s his spirit that keeps us moving on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waylonhanel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waylon_hanel_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waylonhanelmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHour9SpvCRe104CIA56Pg
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Porsche Aremia/Full Send Studios