We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Waylon Hanel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Waylon 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?
I grew up hunting, fishing, trapping and bailing hay on our small hay farm listening to old school country music. My parents named me after Waylon Jennings because they loved his music. I’ve always loved music but really never thought I’d ever play or sing. When I was ten, I asked for a guitar. My parents refused to buy me one because they thought I’d break it. Five years later, they bought me my first guitar. My mom encouraged me to learn and sing the lyrics. I really didn’t have any interest in “singing” and brushed it off. Eventually, I realized I enjoyed singing more than I had expected.
My older brother is the one who has “moved” me to pursue my music career.
Sadly, we unexpectedly and tragically lost my older brother, my only sibling and my best friend in early 2021. My world turned upside down completely; I lost all interest in music. A few months after losing my brother, I realized he’d kick my ass if I gave up music (he was my biggest fan). He was the one who hauled, set up and tore down my gear. He sat in the front row at my shows. I decided I HAD to start playing again, for him! My brother is my guiding light and creative motivation.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I currently live in Michigan but travel back and forth to Nashville once a month to write, play and record. Nashville is like a second home. I recorded the tracks for my EP (WAYLON HANEL) and album (NEW OLD OUTLAWS, due in June 2023), with my co-writer and producer Bernie Nelson, at Omni Sound Studios in Nashville when I was just 19. Omni is an iconic studio on Music Row. It was intimidating, a little overwhelming, but I learned so much; it was a great creative growing experience.
I’m a solo acoustic artist. I play all of my shows acoustically without the back up of a band. (I don’t have a band–yet!). Since launching my career, I’ve been honored to open for Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar, Jerrod Niemann, Elvie Shane, Chris Cagle, Chayce Beckham, Tyler Farr and Uncle Kracker—all as a solo performer; just me and my guitar. Not many can say that. Not many can do that and receive such great reactions from the crowd. I’m also scheduled to open for Jo Dee Messina (again), Mitchell Tenpenny and Ashley McBryde this summer (2023).
My current single, “New Old Outlaws” is at radio now and moving up the MusicRow Chart.
Performing on stage as a solo artist and receiving a welcome from country radio and country radio listeners this early in my career is not only humbling, but I feel like a very big accomplishment.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
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). I feel like the country music format has gone adrift from our country music heritage and my goal is to revive that style of raw, genuine, authentic music.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think it’s important for anyone pursuing their dream to chase a music career to remember these important things:
1- You can’t make everyone happy; focus on YOU and not what everyone else is doing. Your path is your own; make your own footprint.
2- It takes a village, so surround yourself by those who believe in you, have the same passion and those you trust
3- Chasing a dream can be challenging, be prepared for the ups and downs (you’ll have both); if you want it,
don’t look back!
Contact Info:
- Website: waylonhanel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waylon_hanel_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waylonhanelmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4GzvTPxiYMQcI6DUVFe-Gw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0qjwetKNIUVOtShoR7K3pI
Image Credits
Additional Approved artist materials, music, photos may be found here: waylonhanel.com/presslink Photo Credit: Andy Evinger