APM Music’s 4th Indie Artists Showcase: The Gleamers, Justyna Kelley, The Sons of Guns, and Tonoso Conquer the Heart of Hollywood
- Ted Reyes
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
On Friday, October 10th, the Hotel Cafe, one of Hollywood's most iconic venues, hosted APM Music’s 4th Indie Artists Showcase. The venue is legendary for breaking top singer-songwriters such as Sara Bareilles, Rachel Yamagata, and Brooke Fraser. This showcase featured LA-based rock group, The Gleamers, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Justyna Kelley, Franco-Anglo Americana group The Sons of Guns, and Los Angeles’ EDM powerhouse Tonoso. The packed crowd at Hotel Cafe embraced the APM Music artists and never let go.
The Gleamers, fronted by the enigmatic Zak Sirlin, opened the night with masterfully crafted original songs and their powerful version of REM’s “The One I Love,” setting the tone for what followed. The up-and-coming LA-based quartet has an unmistakable classic rock vibe akin to a legendary band like The Doors and the right amount of post-punk cool like Joy Division. We can’t wait for more music and live gigs from this promising band.
Justyna Kelley took the stage, radiating a mix of country royalty and Hollywood glam throughout the venue. She opened with her powerful song “No Saint,” followed by what could be her crossover hit, “Only One of You.” Justyna was joined by accomplished guitarist and composer Tim Hofelt, who played acoustic guitar and provided backup vocals. It was an unforgettable set of musical highs and heartfelt moments, especially when Justyna dedicated a song she wrote for her father, who was in the audience.
The Sons of Guns, fresh from their Mark Awards win on October 8th, were up next, and yes, they clearly showed why they are truly one of the Country/Americana artists to watch. Combining exemplary musicianship, impeccable songwriting, rich and tight five-part vocal harmonies, and natural charisma, the band wowed the audience with an all-original set that included potential commercial hits like the award-winning “Bright New Day,” It’s Getting Better,” “Hollywood, and “How Much I Love Her So.”
Listen to their album You Shine the Sun.
Tonoso are the ultimate closers, and that is the exact reason they were tasked to cap the night and make the crowd dance with their potent brand of EDM that incorporates rock riffs, searing guitar, solos, rap, and vocals. The musical partnership between Paul Salerno and Jacob Grabb is one that will surely produce many hits and countless syncs. As expected, the crowd was so pumped up that when the band played their last song, they asked for more. Unfortunately, the showcase had to end at 9pm strictly, but if anything, this is an indicator of what’s to come next for APM Music’s immense pool of gifted artists. Perhaps, an all-night or even multiple-day festival is called for.
Check out the highlights from the memorable night.