AceShowbiz - Waylon Hanel has released his new single, Blame It On The Rain, which arrived digitally on September 18. The track serves as the first offering from his forthcoming EP, Price of Smokes, due on November 27 via CDX Records.

The song pairs barroom storytelling with the sounds of honky-tonk country. As the narrator tries to blame everything from the weather to whiskey for a broken heart, the track delivers equal parts heartbreak, humor, and a singalong chorus. Written by Hanel and Billy Gunther, the song includes a playful nod to George Jones.

The Country Note exclusively premiered the new studio music video for the single on September 16. The video is also scheduled to begin airing on American Country Network on October 5.

"Traditional and outlaw country has always been the branch of country that speaks to me," Hanel said. "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."

McKenna Klein

The Country Note praised the track, stating, "From the first note, listeners know they are in for a good, honky-tonkin', jukebox-dancin' song."

JWA Media

The single introduces listeners to Price of Smokes, Hanel's forthcoming second EP. Produced by Ken Royster at Direct Image Studio in Nashville, the track features a lineup of Nashville musicians, including Tommy Harden on drums, Dave Francis on bass, John Willis on acoustic guitar, Adam Shoenfeld on electric guitar, Chris Nole on keyboards, Scotty Sanders on steel guitar, and Adam Cunningham on background vocals.

The EP follows Hanel's 2025 album, When Waylon Came To Nashville. Hanel is nominated for multiple Josie Music Awards, including Artist of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Social Impact Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year.

Hanel has upcoming shows scheduled, including at Kohl Farms in Unionville, Michigan, on September 26, Big Country Fest in Frankenmuth, Michigan, on October 2, Tinkers Junction in Grayling, Michigan, on October 9, The Buddy Derby in Flushing, Michigan, on October 10, and Best Bear Resort & Campground in Irons, Michigan, on October 17.