Ax & The Hatchetmen
About
Ax & The Hatchetmen is a six-piece indie rock band formed in 2018 in the Chicago area. The group met while studying jazz at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory in Fort Sheridan and began gaining traction after winning the Evanston Battle of the Bands in 2019. Known for their high-energy live performances and a unique sound that blends surf rock, alternative, and jazz influences with a prominent horn section, the band consists of Axel Ellis (vocals/guitar), Sal Defilippis (guitar), Hunter Olshefke (bass), Nick Deputy (drums), Phil Pistone (trumpet), and Quinn Dolan (saxophone). After building a massive following on TikTok and releasing successful EPs like 'Bear on the Roof' and 'Constant Change', they signed with Arista Records. Their debut full-length album, 'So Much to Tell You', was released in 2025, further establishing them as a rising force in the national indie scene while maintaining their roots in the Chicago DIY community.
