Departure launches the inaugural Rising Sound Artists program, spotlighting hand-selected standouts poised for global breakthrough
Festival Passes on sale now at departureto.com
Toronto, ON – March 10, 2026 – 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 format through radio promotion tool 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 some of the biggest names in music.
“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.com for the full list of artists and event schedule.
Click here to apply for media accreditation.
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Departure takes over Toronto May 4–10. Discover more about our pass types and why you should add this must-attend event to your schedule.