FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CIMA KICKS OFF 50^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH FOURTH EDITION OF AFTERPARTY IN VANCOUVER [TORONTO, ON – March 24, 2025] - The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is excited to kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations with the fourth edition of the CIMA AFTERPARTY, set to take place on March 29, 2025, at Performance Works in Vancouver. This event marks the beginning of CIMA's year-long 50th anniversary celebrations, showcasing five decades of championing Canada's independent music industry. Since 1975, CIMA has been at the forefront of supporting the growth and success of Canada's independent music industry, and grow it has! This year we saw independents dominate, with an increase to 88% of JUNO-nominated artists coming from the sector. We look forward to honouring this achievement alongside our own 50^th milestone at the 2025 AFTERPARTY where we’ll highlight and applaud our dynamic homegrown music scene with:

• Live Performances: A curated lineup of some of Canada's most exciting indie artists, and a few surprise appearances!
• Networking: The national independent music community coming together to connect and celebrate their successes both here at home and abroad.

We couldn’t do it without our partners! CIMA would like to thank FACTOR for their steadfast support of Canada’s independent music industry over the past 50 years, as well as our event sponsors which include: The Orchard for welcoming our guests with a Toasting Bar; Soproq for their Networking Lounge; National Arts Centre for supporting Canadian independent artists by presenting the Stage; Nettwerk for their striking Selfie Installation; Believe Canada for capturing the evening’s fun at their Photo Booth; Arterra Wines, Stanley Park Brewing, and Clearly Canadian for keeping the bevvies flowing all night. We also want to thank our member partners SMG, Monstercat, Seeking Blue, and Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland for supporting us as Co-Hosts. The AFTERPARTY will be held at Performance Works (1218 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, BC) from 9PM until late. This event is invite-only and subject to capacity.

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About CIMA: Founded in 1975 CIMA is the not-for-profit national trade association representing over 650 Canadian-owned music companies connected to over 6000 artists and music industry workers in every province and territory in Canada. CIMA's membership ranges from individual artists and solopreneurs to Canadian-owned global music companies. Its membership also includes music publishers, managers, agents, songwriters, as well as other industry associations, provincial MIA’s and industry adjacent service companies including in digital marketing, public relations and content creation. Media Contact: For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Jenia Schukov Communications & Export Programming Officer p: 416-998-3705 e: jenia@cimamusic.ca