#FIRSTLOOK: MATTY MATHESON AND JESSIE REYEZ TO BE HONOURED AT 2025 DEPARTURE FESTIVAL + CONFERENCE | FULL LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT

Departure Festival + Conference today unveiled its complete lineup of guests, programming, and schedule for its inaugural event taking place May 6-11 in Toronto. Speakers and performers added to the lineup include celebrated musical artists Grace Vanderwaal, Lindsay Ell, Gabriela Bee, Gavin McLeod, CRi, The Redhill Valleys, Stuck On Planet Earth. Acclaimed visual artists Justin Bua and Danny Hastings also join the program, alongside Universal Music Canada President/CEO, Julie Adam, and President of Touring for Live Nation Concerts, Omar Al-Joulani, among others. Juno-award winning singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez will receive the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award presented by Slaight Music and entrepreneur powerhouse ​​Matty Matheson will be awarded the Cultural Innovator Award at the Departure Honours.

These artists and executives join the previously announced Bryan Adams, Tegan and Sara, Mustafa, Dallas Green, Tia Wood, Max Kerman, Shaggy, among many others, as Departure Festival + Conference launches its first edition in May. Registered Departure conference pass-holders will get first access to tickets for Dave Chappelle’s stand up show on May 7 before an exclusive pre-sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on April 16.

Growing the esteemed list of previously announced organizations who are supporting the Departure Festival + Conference are Air Canada, ArtHaus, The Black Academy, Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA), Canada’s Walk of Fame, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Music Publishers Canada, National Cultural Foundation Barbados, RBC, Rogers Sports & Media, Scandinavian Building Services, Scotiabank Arena and VP Records who have confirmed their support. Visit departureto.com for the complete lineup of artists, venues and schedule of events.

“When Loft and Oak View came together to launch Departure, we set out to bring a fresh, re-energized and expanded festival and conference to the industry and lovers of music and art. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment that the teams have put towards what is poised to be a great inaugural event,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer, Loft Entertainment. “The quality of the guests, the thoughtfulness of the programming, the support from the music industry at large – all of it culminates this May in Toronto and we can’t wait.”

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING
Conference programming is available to Conference passholders

Joining Departure’s incredible conference lineup of music creatives are America’s Got Talent winner and vocal sensation Grace Vanderwaal; award-winning artist and songwriter Lindsay Ell; CEO, Canadian Live Music Association, Erin Benjamin; longtime manager of The Tragically Hip, Jake Gold and the team behind it, will unpack the strategy and storytelling behind the bands’ 40th anniversary campaign; President & CEO at Universal Music Canada, Julie Adam; President of Touring for Live Nation Concerts, Omar Al-Joulani; President of Music at Live Nation Canada Erik Hoffman; and recognized Toronto media personalities Alan Cross and Tara Slone. There will also be an ArtHaus panel on the Renaissance of South Asian Music.

Departure will also present two sessions In partnership with Music Publishers Canada – Co-writing: The Key To International Success, where attendees can learn how to be a creative collaborator in songwriting, and Meet The Music Supervisors, where esteemed panelists share their creative process and the art of landing a perfect placement.

In addition, Catherine Harrison, Founder & President of Revelios [Mental Health Works], will present early findings and key insights from the first-ever Canadian National Music Industry Survey on the mental health crisis.

The Festival will also welcome fashion and design trailblazers Spencer Badu, Steff Eleoff, and Dorian Who for an in conversation moderated by FashionTalks Podcast host Donna Bishop, presented by CAFA.

Multi-award winning Jessie Reyez will be a recipient of the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award at Departure Honours, an intimate reception showcasing and celebrating notable changemakers, emerging voices, and milestones within the music industry. The Alan Slaight Humanitarian Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to social causes, using their platform and influence to positively impact society. This year, the award honours Reyez for her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and advocating for change. Slaight Music will present the award and make a $25,000 donation to the Jessie Reyez Foundation at the Departure Honours event.

Renowned restaurateur and actor Matty Matheson will also be recognized at Departure Honours with the Cultural Innovator Award, celebrating his groundbreaking work as an entrepreneur, chef, and media personality. Previously announced honourees include Dallas Green (City and Colour) and SOCAN. Departure Honours takes place on Wednesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at Hotel X Toronto and will be hosted by Etalk’s Tyrone Edwards and Traci Melchor. Tickets are available here.

Departure has also curated a special selection of films screening throughout the week at Hotel X’s 250-seat theatre, including Reza Dahya’s debut feature Boxcutter, as well as the previously announced Alex Ross Perry’s (Golden Exits, Her Smell) new film Pavements about the iconic ’90s indie band Pavement starring Jason Schwartzman and Joe Keery; an advanced screening of Harland Williams’ new comedy Wingman with Williams and co-star Jamie Kennedy in attendance for a Q&A; and STACKTV will present the Season 8 world premiere of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty, in partnership with Wax Records and Anthem Entertainment.

Celebrating some of the most influential films in music and pop culture, Departure presents a series of special anniversary screenings including the 25th anniversary of Almost Famous (2000), 15th anniversary of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2015).

All screenings will be accessible to Conference Pass holders, with individual public tickets on sale at departureto.com.

MENTORSHIP FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
On May 7 at Hotel X, Simone Denny will host the Mentors Lounge, a one-on-one mentorship session opportunity for attendees to connect with industry leaders and innovators across a variety of fields, including comedy, art, culinary, music, and technology. This program aims to encourage meaningful engagement, knowledge sharing, and foster growth and collaboration.

Departure will also hold a Student Open House where registered student delegates can visit select participating company locations, including Bell Media, CBC, Oak View Group, Rogers Sports & Media, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Toronto Star, Universal Music Canada, and Warner Music Canada giving them a firsthand look at working in the industry with engaging tours, discussions, and activities.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING
Festival programming is available to passholders and public ticket buyers

Departure’s Festival adds several stellar Premium shows to their lineup including Grace VanderWaal, Gabriela Bee, Cab Ellis, Pan Arcadia, raph, and BNZA. Gavin McLeod, The Redhill Valleys and Stuck On Planet Earth will join the 100+ showcase artists performing across 40+ venues.

Departure will also present the SOCAN Songwriters Series, a multi-format celebration featuring a dynamic mix of songwriters, producers, composers and artists pulling back the curtain on their creative process. With intimate acoustic sets, live co-writing sessions and candid conversations, each event will offer a unique lens behind the music.

On May 6, as part of Depature’s commitment to showcase a range of artistic expression, it will exhibit Taglialatella Galleries Presents: Iconic Visions – Justin Bua and Danny Hastings to showcase these two groundbreaking visual artists. Collectors and art enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to engage with the artists in person, explore a curated selection of original works and limited editions, and acquire pieces that define the intersection of music, culture, and fine art.

Justin Bua has captivated audiences worldwide with his signature style—his iconic print The DJ remains one of the most recognized fine art posters of all time. Danny Hastings has shaped the visual identity of hip-hop, capturing over 150 legendary album covers, including the era-defining Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers.

Lending to the buzzy atmosphere, guests will be treated to nightly outdoor DJ sets by artists such as Felix Cartal, Chapter&Verse, and CRi. Sets to take place on the west side of Hotel X Toronto at the Stanley Barracks. In between sessions, conference-goers and the public can purchase delicious eats from a number of local food trucks including Green Machine, Heavenly Dreams Ice Cream, Jerk Brothers, Poutine Supreme, and Rancho Relaxo To Go who will be onsite providing tasty snacks.

Hotel X Toronto serves as the central hub for Departure’s Conference activities and film screenings, while the Festival will span 40+ venues across the city and showcase 100+ emerging and established artists.