When you have good music playing and good friends by your side, what more could you want? Life could not be any better, and Ax and the Hatchetmen are a testament to the power of a great sound and solid friends. The Chicago indie rock band, fronted by guitarist and vocalist Axel Ellis, are a music-loving sextet that bring a good time with them everywhere they go, so much so that they have earned the love of millions of fans from all over. Their singles, like “Peach Trees,” “Utah,” and their latest, “Where tf Did I Park My Car,” prove to be definite crowd pleasers, rising in streams every day. Last year, the band even played Lollapalooza and ventured out on a 30-date summer tour, which was sold out. They are gearing up to play at Shaky Knees and Lovin’ Life Music Fest this weekend, but before they do, they are giving fans a summer-ready new single with “Flagstaff.”
Containing sunny guitars, playful vocals, and sweet melodies, “Flagstaff” will encourage you to ditch all responsibilities and embrace the best that life has to offer. Throughout the track, we are treated to the spirit of a spontaneous getaway, as Ax and the Hatchetmen take us away to Flagstaff, Arizona, for a “run around the desert.” Axel sings, “Come on, let’s hit the road / I want you to be whole” and “We can taste the sand / Let’s book it down to Flagstaff / Just take my hand,” enjoying the thrill of the moment. You can listen to it below.
About “Flagstaff,” Axel explains,
“This one is about friendship, love, and the desire to feel alive. The guitar riff was written back in 2020, but it wasn’t until we had been on a couple tours together as a band that it felt time to write the song. ‘Flagstaff,’ in the song’s context, represents the youthful spirit of adventure and finding a home away from home, along with the idea that good friendships can make our lives worth living. It’s about choosing to surround yourself with the people you love and celebrating life together. It’s about embracing one another in a world that often feels more lonely than it needs to. It’s about road trippin’ through the desert with your best friends.”
You can listen to “Flagstaff” on platforms like Apple Music, SoundCloud, and Spotify.
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