Channels Barroom Honky-Tonk Country On “Blame It On The Rain,” The First Single From Forthcoming EP, Price Of Smokes, Due Out November 27

“From the first note, listeners know they are in for a good, honky-tonkin’, jukebox-dancin’ song.”– The Country Note NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 16, 2026) — Traditional country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel channels barroom honky-tonk country with the release of his new single, “Blame It On The Rain,” [Pre-save/Pre-add] arriving everywhere digitally on September 18, the first offering from his forthcoming EP, Price of Smokes, due on November 27 by CDX Records.  The Country Note exclusively premiered the new studio music video today for “Blame It On The Rain,” which is also scheduled to begin airing on American Country Network on October 5 [watch here]. A rollicking, jukebox-ready heartbreak anthem, “Blame It On The Rain” pairs barroom storytelling with the unmistakable sounds of honky-tonk country. As the narrator tries to blame everything from the weather to whiskey for a broken heart, the song delivers equal parts heartbreak, humor, and the kind of singalong chorus built for a Saturday night in a packed honky-tonk.

Written by Waylon Hanel and Billy Gunther, the song also embraces the hallmarks of honky-tonk country without sounding nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake. Instead, it reinforces Hanel’s growing reputation as an artist dedicated to carrying the genre’s rich musical traditions forward for a new generation of listeners. Complete with a playful nod to George Jones, the song celebrates the enduring influence of country’s legends while standing firmly on its own as an original, modern traditional-country recording.

“Traditional and outlaw country has always been the branch of country that speaks to me,” says Hanel. “Those songs weren’t afraid to be honest, and they always had a melody that made you want to sing along. ‘Blame It On The Rain’ has all of that. It’s a fun record with a little heartache mixed in, and I hope people have as much fun listening to it as we did making it.”

The single also introduces listeners to Price of Smokes, Hanel’s forthcoming second EP that continues his commitment to authentic country storytelling. Produced by Ken Royster (Luke Combs, Cowboy Troy) at Direct Image Studio in Nashville, “Blame It On The Rain” features an accomplished lineup of Nashville musicians, including Tommy Harden (drums), Dave Francis (bass), John Willis (acoustic guitar), Adam Shoenfeld (electric guitar), Chris Nole (keyboards), Scotty Sanders (steel guitar), and Adam Cunningham (background vocals).

Following recent critical acclaim for Hanel’s 2025 album When Waylon Came To Nashville, he continues building momentum with music rooted in authenticity, and a deep respect for country music’s enduring traditional sound.

Price Of Smokes Track Listing & Songwriters:

1. “Blame It On The Rain” (Waylon Hanel, Billy Gunther)

2. “George, Why’d You Make Me Cry” (Waylon Hanel, Billy Gunther)

3. “Words” (Waylon Hanel, Bernie Nelson)

4. “I Would’ve Fished More” (Waylon Hanel)

5. “Price Of Smokes” (Bernie Nelson, Steve Stapler)

6. “The Letter” (Wayne Carson Thompson)

Upcoming Shows: 

SEPT 12 – Silo Ranch / Oakland County, Mich. [admission/info]

SEPT 26 – Kohl Farms / Unionville, Mich. [tickets/info]

OCT 02 – Big Country Fest / Frankenmuth, Mich. [tickets/info]

OCT 09 – Tinkers Junction / Grayling, Mich. [admission/info]

OCT 10 – The Buddy Derby / Flushing, Mich. [tickets/info]

OCT 17 – Best Bear Resort & Campground / Irons, Mich. [admission/info]

**For Waylon’s most updated show schedule visit waylonhanel.com/shows or follow on BandsInTown

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.

Hanel has steadily built a following through his recordings and energetic live shows since 2022, sharing 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 Don’t Mess With My Country (2024) produced songs that reached MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart, including “New Old Outlaws (Rewind)” and “Lighten That Load.” In 2025 he released his third studio album, the critically acclaimed When Waylon Came To Nashville and won Male Country Artist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards. 

2026 will deliver a new EP, Price Of Smokes, produced by acclaimed Nashville producer Kenny Royster (Luke Combs, Cowboy Troy) which continues to build Hanel’s status as one of the top next generation of traditional and outlaw country songwriters.

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