#FIRSTLOOK: MUSIC SHOWCASE PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2026 DEPARTURE FESTIVAL + CONFERENCE

The Departure Festival + Conference, presented by Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG), today announced the return of its highly anticipated Music Showcase, featuring more than 100 emerging artists performing across venues throughout Toronto. Selected from thousands of global submissions, the curated lineup highlights some of the most exciting new voices shaping the future of music. New this year, Departure introduces their Rising Sound Artists initiative, where six standout performers receive a dedicated spotlight. Taking place from May 4–10, 2026, the showcases will transform Toronto into a city-wide stage; introducing breakthrough artists from across Canada, the United States, and around the world.

Departure’s Music Showcase is designed as a launch pad for emerging talent and offers audiences the chance to experience some of the most electrifying breakout performers making waves today. Beyond the stage, participating artists gain access to Departure’s leading industry conference and a suite of exclusive career-development opportunities. These include artist-only networking mixers, media training sessions, and industry events designed to accelerate professional growth and foster meaningful connections. Supporting Partner Play MPE is pleased to offer official Showcase Artists of Departure 2026 one complimentary Canadian radio campaign through Caster. This opportunity helps Departure showcasing artists take the next step in promoting their music to Canadian radio and media using the same tool trusted by industry professionals.

“Departure has always been about discovery, bringing together talented artists and providing a platform for connection and creativity,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Departure Festival + Conference. “We were blown away by the artist submissions this year and proud to present an incredible lineup of performers who deserve the spotlight to shine and thrive. We look forward to introducing this talented group to Toronto audiences and can’t wait to see their careers take off to new heights.”

The Rising Sound Artists initiative reflects Departure’s commitment to not only showcase emerging talent but actively amplify the next generation of creative voices. The 2026 Rising Sound Artists include Chloe Tang, Bianca Espino, Tyra Jutai, the neverminds, Cherrykim, and Kyle Wildfern. Hand-selected from Departure’s annual showcase roster, they represent the top tier of emerging talent on the rise. Beyond performing at a dedicated showcase, these artists will be immersed in a high-impact circuit of public spotlights and exclusive industry access from bespoke professional development sessions to private industry mixers and red carpet moments.

Audiences can purchase a Festival Pass for $65 which grants access to showcases and film screenings throughout Departure. Passes are available at departureto.com.

DEPARTURE SHOWCASE ARTISTS LINEUP:

(*) Rising Sound Artists

Abbi Woods

activemirror

Andie Therio

Annabel Oreste

Apacalda

aRENYE

Ark Identity

Ash Molloy

Avery Jane

Bianca Espino *

Blue Ridge Band

Braden Lam

Bradley Hale

Cherrykim *

Chloe Tang *

Cinzia & The Eclipse

Closeout

CON the Artist

Dayna Reid

Emma Lamontagne

Fox Revett

Frank Mighty

Gäelle

Give My Remains To Broadway

Gratuitous

Hunter James

iBXRHM

Isla-Maria

j ember

Jackie Art

Jay Glavany

Jennarie

Jess Reiss

Jessica Sevier

Joey Bird

John Fellner

Jr. Rhodes

Kaeley Jade

Kai Banks

Kat Pereira

Katie Mal

Kiki Rowe

KOTO?

Kyle Wildfern *

Laila

Lex Leosis

Lexxicon

Living Room for Small

Lockyer Boys

Logan Levi

Loren Aronov

LOV

Lucette

Mackenzie Arromba

Mad Iris

Maddisun

Maya Malkin

mei anima

Michaela Slinger

Mighloe

Mitch Zorn

Myles Lloyd

Neighbour Andy

Nia Nadurata

Nilo Blues

noise hotel

o’six

Pacific Estate

parallel

Parker Graye

Pick a Piper

priyana

Puma June

Rachella Wred

Renon

Rick Duff

Rosewater Park

Sara Kae

Sarah Jayne Riley

Sofia Kay

sofinari

spookyguava

Tapper

Teagan Johnston

The Codas

the neverminds *

Theo Day

TORRENT

Tyler Lorette

Tyra Jutai *

Victoria Staff

Weekend Goodbye

Witch Prophet

YASSiN & Sean Terrio

YSN Fab

Visit departureto.comhttp://departureto.com for the full list of artists and event schedule.