WAIM 179: Country Singer/Songwriter Arlo McKinley

Growing up just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, Arlo McKinley soaked up a hardcore midwestern outlook on the world; one filled with hard work, humble hopes, and good manners. The McKinley family instilled a deep love of country music in young Arlo. The church choir provided some early singing lessons, and eventually McKinley picked up a guitar and slowly learned to pen his own songs. As Arlo developed his own songwriting voice, he eventually found a legendary mentor in John Prine, who signed McKinley to Oh Boy! Records in 2014.

Die Midwestern, McKinley’s second album was released in 2020 to critical acclaim. Fader magazine called the album, “... a raw but perfectly balanced album laced with existential crises, addictions, and world-weary resilience.” The songs on Die Midwestern are littered with raw, personal stories that come straight from the life of Arlo McKinley.

During our conversation, Arlo and I talked about life on the road in 2026, focusing on his desire to tour in a slower, and calmer manner, which led to further discussion about the temptations of the road and the expectation from fans for the performer to party. We also unpacked some of Arlo’s songwriting practices, and we hit upon the way that grief creeps into a songwriter’s work.

We have got all of that and more with the terrific Arlo McKinley.

Let’s get into it.

Cheers,Matty C

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End Credits

Thanks so much to Arlo for joining me. You can find out all about his music, find tour dates and more at his website https://www.arlomckinley.com/

The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.

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