Categories include: Brian Chater Leadership Award, Entrepreneur Award, Unsung Hero Award, & Marketing Award
In its first two years, CIMA’s Celebration & Awards Gala recognized 19 Canadian heavyweights for their immense contributions to our indie music scene. In 2017, we’re ready to honour the next set of passionate pros, pulling from all branches and levels of the biz!
What began as our 40th anniversary celebration is now an annual party to give props to those who create, support and strengthen Canada’s independent music. Anyone currently employed at a CIMA member company is eligible to submit nominations for mentors, peers, colleagues and partners. The categories we are accepting nominations for are: the Brian Chater Leadership Award, Entrepreneur Award and Unsung Hero Award.
Please submit up to three names for consideration for each category, along with no more than 50-300 words per nominee, explaining why you believe each individual has notably contributed to Canada’s independent music community. This is important as it helps jurors to understand, from a unique perspective, why each candidate is suitable.
Companies and individuals who delivered exceptionally successful and unique marketing campaigns in support of independent Canadian music are also invited to submit nominations for the Marketing Award, which acknowledges the marketing power, creativity and inventive fire of our indies.
Award descriptions & eligibility
Brian Chater Leadership Award
(Past winners: Pegi Cecconi of SRO-Anthem (2015), Neill Dixon of Canadian Music Week (2016))
Named after CIMA’s former president (then CIRPA), a tireless proponent of copyright reform and Canadian music, this award acknowledges individuals in our independent music industry who demonstrate a transformative commitment to their craft. The Brian Chater Leadership Award celebrates anyone in the independent music industry, whose passionate and innovative approach has redefined best practices over the years. These true leaders have set the tone for vibrant and sustainable models across any area of the independent music industry in Canada.
Entrepreneur Award
(Past winners: Jeffrey Remedios of Universal Music, formerly of Arts & Crafts (2015), Joel Carriere of Dine Alone Records (2016))
The CIMA Entrepreneur Award celebrates fearless vanguards and trendsetters who spearhead and drive successful businesses, emerging or established, with an ethical approach and a true indie spirit. Focusing on the contribution(s) of a dynamic and creative leader, the Entrepreneur Award is given to those who combine a passion for music with business savvy to turn their visions into a reality. Compounding professionalism with an out-of-the -box managing style, Entrepreneur Award recipients are the owners, risk-takers and shape-shifters who lead the way into the next era of the music industry.
Unsung Hero Award
(Past winners: Jack Long of Long & McQuade Musical Instruments (2015), Richard Flohil (2016))
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes unwavering commitment and outstanding support to the Canadian independent music industry. This award is designed to recognize any individual, group, or organization that may not necessarily be on the industry’s ‘awards radar’ but yet has made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to the independent music community in Canada.
Marketing Award
(Past winner: Coalition Music & USS for the ‘Advanced Basics’ album campaign (2016))
Innovation knows no bounds in the digital era, and creative approaches to promotional campaigns, be they viral, experiential or lifestyle-focused, make for an exciting landscape in which to launch new projects.
Whether for music releases, tour announcements, fan engagement initiatives, cutting-edge activations or anything in between, Canada’s independent community knows how to turn heads and command attention for its artists, whether budgets and teams are large or small.
Guidelines:
– Nominee must be a CIMA member in good standing (Canadian-owned and controlled)
– Artist/group must be Canadian. Campaign must have been executed between January 1, 2015 and February 1, 2017
– Metrics to measure the success of an eligible campaign must be provided (sales, ROI, press, hits, etc.)
– A shortlist of nominees will be adjudicated by an independent jury of marketing professionals
– Creative applications and metrics are encouraged in supporting the very nature of the award!
All nominees must be staff of CIMA’s member companies/employees in good standing. All nominator information will be kept private.
Stay tuned for more announcements, including date and venue.
Deadline to submit nominations for all categories is February 27, 2017.
If you have any questions, please contact Emy Stantcheva: emy@cimamusic.ca.