The country singer-songwriter Waylon Hanel, an independent recording artist and Michigan native, released his third studio album, ‘When Waylon Came To Nashville’, globally on November 28th via CDX Records. Hanel’s latest offering is a modern-day sonic journey through the musical trademarks of traditional outlaw country, blending feel-good honky-tonk anthems with soul-stirring ballads. Hanel emphasized the album’s authenticity, stating, “Three chords and the truth, a steel guitar and a great story.” He recorded most of the tracks at Dark Horse Recording Studio with acclaimed producer Dave Hagen, who has worked with Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood, to hone the intentionally traditional sound.
The 23-year-old self-taught musician self-wrote two tracks, “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” and “My Name,” but also put his own stamp on three songs from outlaw country songwriter Billy Don Burns, including the title track. Hanel’s take on two Bernie Nelson songs also anchors the album, with his version of the hilarious true story behind “Tow Truck Driver” cracking the Top 10 on CDX’s True Indie chart. The album’s title track was inspired by country legend Waylon Jennings, and Hanel concluded, “you can bet your hard earned money that this record is country through and through, and I’m proud to have my name on it!” Hanel has also announced select live dates for December.
Track Listing & Songwriters:
- “Talk About Crazy” (Bill Don Burns, Karen Sue Brooks)
- “Keith Whitley Blue” (Bill Don Burns)
- “When Waylon Came To Nashville” (Bill Don Burns)
- “Red Bricks” (Dave Gibson, Peter Sallis, Brian White)
- “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” (Waylon Hanel)
- “Greyhound” (Bernie Nelson, Tommy Connors, Mark McGuinn)
- “Tow Truck Driver” (Bernie Nelson, Andrew Brockdorf)
- “My Name” (Waylon Hanel)
Upcoming Tour Dates:
- Dec. 06 – Montrose Pub / Montrose, Mich.
- Dec. 11 – The Machine Shop (w/ Creed Fisher) / Flint, Mich.
- Dec. 26 – Handlebar J / Scottsdale, Az.
- Dec. 28 – Handlebar J / Scottsdale, Az.