Canadian Music Week (CMW) has undergone a rebrand and expansion under the vision of Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group. The festival will continue as Departure Festival and Conference, which is due to take place May 6–11, 2025, in Toronto at Hotel X and various venues.

Said to "deepen community connections, invite audiences to explore the city's diverse creative landscape and solidify its presence as a must-attend event for creatives from around the world," Departure will henceforth expand into other art disciplines besides music, including technology and comedy for its 2025 inaugural edition. The event will expand into film and fashion in the near future.

"Departure honours where we've come from and celebrates where we are going," said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Loft Entertainment. "We're creating a launchpad that opens doors to deeper, more inclusive conversations and showcases the richness of Toronto's cultural scene, celebrates Canadian creatives, and welcomes global artists. We invite industry professionals, music and arts lovers and festivalgoers to experience the event in a whole new way."

VOTING NOW OPEN AT INDIES.CA/VOTING

Canadian Music Week is pleased to announce the nominees for the 23rd Anniversary Jim Beam® INDIE Awards taking place June 6, 2024 at Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. Allison Russell, Charlotte Cardin, and The Beaches lead with four nominations each.

Finger Eleven, nominated for Rock Artist/Group or Duo of the Year, will be closing out the Jim Beam® INDIES with a headline set. Tickets are currently on sale and can purchased at the following link: ticketmaster.ca/event/10006056D8592BE7

Canadian Music Week 2023 was a highly anticipated event that brought together industry professionals, musicians, and music enthusiasts from across Canada and beyond. This 41st edition took place on June 8-10, 2023 and saw a welcome return to original location at the Westin Harbour Castle, which offers CMW regulars and newfound visitors a place to meet, network and exchange ideas. The Mentor’s Café featured global experts who sat down for short meetings with the purpose of advising and empowering developing artists and professionals to navigate the ever-evolving music landscape and stay ahead of industry trends.

Canadian Music Week was proud to present two major International Awards during the CMW Music Summit at the Westin Harbour Castle during the 41st Annual Festival. On Thursday June 8, CMW presented Executive Vice President and Managing Executive of Wasserman Music, Marty Diamond, with International Agent of the Year. On Friday June 9, CMW presented Michael Chugg, Founder/ CEO of Chugg Entertainment, with the International Promoter of the Year.

CMW recently celebrated its 40^th Anniversary so it’s a legendary music mainstay that has been there for many years. The festival has changed locations various times during those years as well. This year they went back to InterContinental Toronto Centre in downtown Toronto.

This was CMW’s post-COVID comeback to be held in person. Of course, during the pandemic, there were some digital things for CMW but being back in person was an important step. COVID  had so much impact on the festival since Canada has been one of the stricter countries with its COVID rules and the festival has been forced to switch dates a couple of times as well.  This year it was 6 to 11th of June, quite late compared to earlier editions.