Indie Music Hall Of Fame 2026 Inductees
Charlie Armour
Charm
Marty DeRoche
Ms. Kash
Kathrine the Grape
Chris Reed and the Anime Raiders
Charlie Armour
My journey into music composition began in the mid-1990s when I discovered the world of computer music sequencing. This newfound passion led me to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Music and Sound, where I immersed myself in sound design and music arrangements for film and television projects. Equipped with a solid foundation in music theory and production techniques, I embarked on a fulfilling career as a film and video game composer.
Video games have always held a special place in my heart, both as a player and as a composer, and sound designer. I've had the privilege of contributing to several noteworthy titles, including Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War, Ubisoft's Beyond Good and Evil 2, and indie gems like Lifeless Planet, Blue Collar Astronaut, and Arcana: Sands of Destiny. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between music, sound and interactive storytelling. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to receive recognition for my work, including awards such as the Emmy for Hitrecord's Create Together series in 2020.
I suppose the fact that I have made it so far is something of a miracle, given my battle with Leukodystrophy, a neurological disorder which (in my case) affects the use of my legs and hands - not an ideal situation for a musician, but I don't get distracted by little things like that. I believe that persistence is the main component of success, both in music, and in life - and I hope that my example will encourage other people to ignore their distractions, and remain persistent in their attempts to achieve their goals.
Born in the outskirts of Charlotte, NC, CHARM (trademarked), started singing in church at a young age which shaped her sound, along with artists like Bette Midler, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. CHARM is a musician with a love for music and covers genres from pop to rock to folk. Her moving voice captivates young and old alike. An artist to look out for, with a name that is fitting, she will surely leave her mark internationally: CHARM.
Charm
Marty DeRoche is an American Gospel Artist who began his love for music at an early age at Shively Heights Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. While attending Butler High School Marty was selected to the National Who’s Who in Music. Marty will tell you that his goal after High School was to sing a BJ Thomas Gospel song at the Grand Ole Opry, but God must have known that dream would never happen, so here we are today after 30 years of Pastoral ministry and counting, God has brought Marty back to his love for singing Gospel Music. After much prayer and his wife Delora’s encouragement to dream his dream, Marty has released his first Gospel Album called “Bridge of Love”. Feeling very blessed he is excited to see where God takes this new additional ministry!
Marty DeRoche
Ms. Kash
Ms. Kash (The Rap Vixen) is an Oakland-bred rising rap powerhouse, known for her bold bars, dynamic stage presence, and unstoppable drive. With roots in music shaped by her father’s R&B legacy, Kash carved her own lane with a sound that’s raw, unique, and undeniably hers.
Her debut EP “Reign” earned a permanent spot in Seattle Public Library’s Playback catalog and marked her as an artist built for longevity. Her viral hit “2Faced” swept multiple Indie Music Channel Awards and landed her features in The Source Magazine, Hip Hop Weekly, The Breakfast Club, ThisIs50, HipHopSince1987 and more, all while building a reputation as one of the West Coast’s most authentic voices.
Over the past year alone, Kash has delivered four standout singles — “Can’t Fold,” “Elevation,” “Can’t Fold (Remix)” featuring Kidd Kidd, and her latest viral smash “I’m Good” produced by Rappy On The Beat; with “Can’t Fold” scoring three 2025 Indie Music Channel Awards.
Now, all eyes are on her debut album, "In My Bag" — a project set to solidify Ms. Kash as hip-hop royalty.
Kathryn the Grape
Kathryn the Grape helps children feel good and shine! Kathryn Cloward brought her “Kathryn the Grape” childhood nickname to life through songs, books, videos, and concerts to share educational and entertaining content infused with positive, inclusive, and mindful messages. Through Kathryn the Grape media, children are exposed to social-emotional character development themes about kindness, self-love, gratitude, joyfulness, compassion, inclusivity, empathy, friendship, resilience, and conflict resolution. Growing with children as they grow from nursery rhymes to word-rich SEL storytelling, Kathryn the Grape’s unique series has earned over 60 awards for family-friendly media including Indie Music Channel's Best Children's Song of the Year for "I Am Happy Being Me" (2017). A best-selling author, award-winning songwriter, and heart-centered creator, Kathryn has also written impact songs for organizations that support children braving cancer, rare disease awareness, and teen refugees. Kathryn is a contributing editor for Guitar Girl Magazine. She’s also a voting member of The Recording Academy and has been a GRAMMY® Awards balloted artist multiple times.
Chris Reed
and the Anime Raiders
Chris Reed is the bandleader of Chris Reed and the Anime Raiders, 5 musicians spread out all over the globe who come together online at Chris’ direction to put together music he has written. They have been working together in this way since 2001 and have actually only all been in the same place at the same time for a few days in 2025, when they recorded their most recent full-length album, “Frankfurt am Main”.
Chris Reed has walked away from 2 separate record deals, believing fully in the ideals of being an Independent musician without the guard rails and conformity of the mainstream music industry. This allows him the freedom to record in any style and at his own pace, and bring in the rest of the band when he needs them.
Together they have won numerous awards from the Indie Music Channel, The Radio Music Awards, the Association of Independent Musicians, and have seen their music played all over the world, from the Americas to Asia to Europe to South America and beyond. Their award winning song “He Takes a Knee” was featured on the BBC when players for Manchester United started kneeling before games. Their song “Fiction” was featured in the end credits of a German television show. Snippets of tracks from their album “The Overnight Train” is featured in sleeping cars on select Japan Rail routes. Their video for “Stick Around” was featured in an independent documentary.
Their songs have been nominated for awards in Instrumental, Alternative Rock, Dance, New Age, Jazz and Rock and Roll categories by multiple groups, including the Independent Music Channel.
Chris considers San Francisco to be his home town and base of operations.