Ax and the Hatchetmen / Geskle
![Ax and the Hatchetmen](https://www.berklee.edu/sites/default/files/styles/scale_to_480px_width/public/2023-03/Ax%20and%20the%20Hatchetmen%20-%20Press%20Photo%20MAR%202023_web.jpg?fv=s_Ww96Fz&itok=rCl5UU3z)
Ax and the Hatchetmen
Image courtesy of the artist
![Geskle](https://www.berklee.edu/sites/default/files/styles/scale_to_480px_width/public/2023-04/Geskle%20%281%29.jpeg?fv=6Qt6rq8v&itok=NK88kIWe)
Geskle
Image courtesy of the artist
Ax and the Hatchetmen came to party. The Chicago based rock 'n' roll band’s shimmering three guitar attack, earthy rhythms, and blistering horns have gained them a loyal following nationwide. Formed in 2018, the camaraderie and musicality between the long-time group of friends is apparent the moment they take the stage. Led by the vocals and guitars of Axel Ellis and Kenny Olzewski, the seven piece band also showcases Sal Defilippis on guitar, Hunter Olshefke on bass, Nick Deputy on drums, Phil Pistone on trumpet, and Quinn Dolan on saxophone. 2022 saw the band complete two headlining tours as well as release four new singles that have amassed millions of streams globally. They plan on touring and releasing music for the foreseeable future.
Geskle is the songwriting project of twenty-one-year-old Jesse Golliher. Geskle is best known for his dreamy and melancholic soundscapes, combined with hard-hitting, honest lyrics. During his early teen years, he lived in Spring City, TN with no internet access and taught himself how to play guitar out of sheer boredom. After moving to Worcester, Massachusetts, and playing in high school bands for several years, Geskle put out his first EP, Rose Colored Glasses. After a long year of silence, Geskle returned with, "Half of It," a single he crafted with his new friend and co-producer/writer Matias Soto Allende. Together they delivered the same dreamy elements heavily characterized in Rose Colored Glasses but with a higher emphasis on elements akin to more earthy, indie rock. Golliher and Soto Allende are keeping this sound through their next release, Strife and Everything Bothersome with, "Half of It" being the first single.