Apply to Showcase
Take your music to the next level
The world awaits
The Departure Artist Showcase is your direct pipeline to industry exposure and professional growth.
Accepted artists will perform at a top venue in the city and secure access to our leading industry conference for invaluable learning and connection. Beyond the main stage, you’ll benefit from exclusive, artist-only events designed to accelerate your career, including crucial media training sessions, focused networking mixers, and much more.
We believe in fostering the next generation of creative leaders. Our curated showcases, built from thousands of submissions, feature the most electrifying emerging talent—artists poised to define the future of music. By participating, you immerse yourself in a vibrant scene, surrounded by key industry insiders, and gain the platform you need to be ahead of the curve.
Play MPE is pleased to offer the official Showcase Artists of Departure 2026 one complimentary Canadian radio campaign through Caster for 1 song* to 1 radio format.
*some restrictions apply
Artist Applications for Departure 2026 closed on January 23, 2026
Why Departure
Gain the platform you need to be ahead of the curve.
Curated Showcases
Perform on a premier stage at a top venue in the city, putting your music directly in front of Toronto’s vibrant music scene and influential global industry leaders who are in town specifically for the Departure conference.
Mentorship & Industry Access
Level up your career with unique opportunities. Accepted artists get access to the Departure Mentors Lounge for one-on-one sessions with our visionary conference speakers, plus, attend artist-exclusive roundtables, focused professional training opportunities, and high-value networking events designed just for you.
Alumni Network
Departure artists join our vibrant community of alumni to participate in year-round events and receive discounts to future editions of Departure.
Frequently Asked
Do artists have to pay to apply?
No. As a testament to Departure’s commitment to supporting artists, Departure will waive application fees.