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The moment Waylon Hanel's mother hid his guitar and refused to return it until he tried singing marked the beginning of an extraordinary musical journey. In this captivating conversation with Skip Clark, the 23-year-old rising country star reveals the authentic path that's taken him from self-taught guitarist to performing the national anthem for a president.

Named after the legendary Waylon Jennings, Hannell's musical identity was shaped by the outlaw country traditions he absorbed growing up in rural Michigan. "I grew up hunting, fishing, trapping, and riding around in trucks listening to Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash," he shares. Those influences remain evident in both his lifestyle—with coyote pelts decorating his home—and his musical approach that prizes authenticity above all else.

Hanel's rapid ascent over just five years has included opening for country heavyweights like Trace Adkins, Ashley McBride, and Josh Turner. He recounts the surreal experience of going from "playing a pub that holds 50 people to a sold-out show for 1,300," yet maintains a grounded perspective on fame. His latest album "Don't Mess With My Country" showcases his evolution as an artist, while his single "Blackberry Brandy"—a duet born from a chance encounter in Nashville—demonstrates his collaborative spirit. Perhaps most impressive is scoring a #1 hit in the UK as an independent artist competing against label-backed performers.

Whether describing his Ford F-350 dually, his vintage '69 Ford F-100, or the "damn near out-of-body" experience of singing for thousands with Secret Service agents standing by, Hannell embodies the authentic spirit driving today's most compelling country music. Follow @WaylenHannelMusic on all platforms to join this remarkable musical journey that's only just beginning.

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