Ax and the Hatchetmen

Formed in Chicago in 2018, Ax and the Hatchetmen bring together around Axel Ellis a six‑piece band whose identity blends alternative rock, indie rock, power pop and pop rock, with a pronounced emphasis on brass that gives their songs a breadth beyond that of a plain guitar‑driven group. Partly rooted in the same milieu of young Illinois musicians, the band first developed on the local scene before circulating their songs online and then playing concerts, student tours and festivals. The first EP, Bear on the Roof, was released in 2020, followed notably by Ax and the Hatchetmen Live on Audiotree in 2023, then the EP Love Songs in 2024 and Constant Change in 2025. Their writing combines direct choruses, clear or tense guitars, jangly pop touches, garage energy and a melodic sense inherited from American indie rock. Ax and the Hatchetmen also collaborated with producer Jake Sinclair, while the track “Blurry Lights”, released in 2025, features Albert Hammond Jr. Alongside a notable presence on stages such as Lollapalooza or Shaky Knees, Ax and the Hatchetmen continued their progression with a debut album So Much to Tell You, released in 2025 on Arista Records.