Emerging country artist Waylon Hanel is making waves with his latest single, “Lighten That Load.” During a recent conversation at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, Hanel shared insights into the creation of the song and offered a glimpse into his upcoming album, Don’t Mess with My Country.
The inspiration for “Lighten That Load” struck during a songwriting session with Bernie Nelson. As Hanel recounted, the songwriting process was a collaborative effort that took unexpected turns. Despite initial doubts, Hanel and Nelson crafted a blues-infused country rock anthem that reflects Hanel’s musical influences and deep southern roots.
Listen to “Lighten That Load”
The upcoming album, Don’t Mess with My Country, promises to be a testament to Hanel’s unique style and storytelling prowess. Scheduled for release later this summer, the album is anticipated to be a standout in Hanel’s discography.
Discussing his journey into country music, Hanel reflected on his humble beginnings and the pivotal role his family played in shaping his musical career. When he was a budding musician at the age of 15, his journey with the guitar hit an unexpected pause when his mother intervened. Determined to motivate her son to expand his musical talents beyond instrumental prowess, she made a bold move: she took away his guitar until he learned to sing. Despite initial resistance, Hanel’s mother’s insistence led him to embrace vocal performance, ultimately shaping his musical trajectory. This pivotal moment became a catalyst for Hanel’s development as an artist, setting him on a path towards becoming the dynamic country singer and guitarist he is today. Reflecting on this transformative experience, Hanel acknowledges his mother’s influence with gratitude, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in his musical journey.
With “Lighten That Load” already making waves, Hanel remains focused on delivering authentic country music that resonates with listeners. As he looks ahead to future projects, Hanel is committed to staying true to his roots while embracing new opportunities in the industry.
WATCH: “My Kind of Lonely”
Hanel filmed a portion of his video for his previous single “My Kind of Lonely” at The Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan. Despite its small size, The Machine Shop is a highly sought-after venue known for its popularity. Waylon’s sold-out show at the venue provided the perfect backdrop for capturing footage for the video.
Stay tuned for the release of Don’t Mess with My Country and more captivating music from Waylon Hanel as he continues to make his mark on the country music scene. For more information on Waylon Hanel, visit https://www.waylonhanel.com/.