Media Assets: jwamedia.com/waylon-hanel/
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 20, 2026) — Traditional country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel has officially partnered with boutique agency Unplugged Marketing to lead his digital and social media strategy as he prepares to roll out new music in summer 2026.
The collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for Hanel, a 24-year-old Michigan native whose blend of outlaw country, blues, and southern rock continues to gain traction across both traditional and emerging audiences. With momentum building from his 2025 album When Waylon Came To Nashville, and industry recognition, the partnership signals a focused push to scale his brand presence and audience engagement heading into his next chapter.
âWaylon represents everything we look for in an artistâauthenticity, work ethic, and a clear artistic identity,â said Marissa Cupedro Ryan, founder of Unplugged Marketing. âOur goal is to amplify whatâs already working, streamline the noise, and build a digital ecosystem that supports long-term growth.â
Hanelâs catalog includes his self-titled debut EP (2022), followed by New Old Outlaws (2023) and Donât Mess With My Country (2024), both of which produced singles that landed on MusicRowâs CountryBreakout Radio Chart, including âNew Old Outlaws (Rewind)â and âLighten That Load.â His 2025 full-length album, When Waylon Came To Nashville, further cemented his reputation as a traditional-leaning artist with modern appeal.
Now recording new material with Nashville producer Kenny Royster (Luke Combs, Cowboy Troy), Hanel is positioning his upcoming releases for broader impact, with Unplugged Marketing spearheading a strategy focused on audience development, content optimization, and sustained digital growth.
About Waylon Hanel:
Waylon Hanel is a 24-year-old self-taught traditional country singer-songwriter from Millington, Michigan known for his textured vocals, vivid storytelling, and straightforward delivery. Named after country legend Waylon Jennings, Hanel blends outlaw country, blues, and southern rock into a vintage yet contemporary sound that connects with both traditional country audiences and newer listeners.
Since releasing his self-titled debut EP in 2022, Hanel has steadily built a following through his recordings and energetic live shows. He has shared stages with artists including Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, Walker Hayes, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar, Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Stell, Elvie Shane, Jerrod Niemann, Uncle Kracker, Colt Ford, and Chayce Beckham.
His releases New Old Outlaws (2023) and Donât Mess With My Country (2024) produced songs that reached MusicRowâs CountryBreakout Radio Chart, including âNew Old Outlaws (Rewind)â and âLighten That Load.â In 2025 he released his third studio album, When Waylon Came To Nashville.
Hanel was named Male Country Artist of the Year at the 2025 Josie Music Awards and is currently recording new music with Nashville producer Kenny Royster (Luke Combs, Cowboy Troy) for release in summer 2026.
About Unplugged Marketing:
Unplugged Marketing was founded on a simple belief: in an always-on digital world, clarity wins. We create focused social and digital strategies that cut through the noise and drive real resultsâso our clients can unplug while their brand continues to grow.
Founded by Marissa Cupedro Ryan, the company evolved from a successful freelance marketing business launched in 2022. After years of scaling and working across a range of opportunities, Unplugged Marketing was established in 2026 to deliver more intentional, results-driven marketing at a higher level.
Today, we proudly partner with standout artists in the country music space while continuing to expand into new industries. Our mission remains the same: simplify the noise, sharpen the strategy, and deliver work that actually moves the needle.
# # #
Waylon Hanel Contacts:
Publicity & PR: Jason W. Ashcraft | jwa@jwamedia.com | (615) 991-1125
Booking & Management: contact@waylonhanel.com | (810) 691-9416
The post Traditional Country Singer- Songwriter Waylon Hanel Partners With Unplugged Marketing For Strategic Digital & Social Media Expansion Ahead Of 2026 Releases appeared first on JWA Media.
