Jasmeet Raina (Jus Reign) takes the stage for a special moderated keynote exploring his evolution from pioneering digital creator to the star and co-creator of the hit series Late Bloomer. Known for his sharp cultural perspective and boundary-pushing storytelling, Raina will reflect on his journey - building an audience online, navigating identity and representation, and […]
Step into the upstairs lobby at the Bluma Appel Theatre for an intimate Sound Break performance by the neverminds presented by TO Live. Designed as a close-up musical moment within the energy of Departure, this stripped-back set offers a rare opportunity to experience emerging and established artists in a more personal, immersive setting. With the […]
Long before South Asian music became a global force, producers in Canada were quietly shaping the sound that would carry it there. Artists like Deep Jandu didn’t just participate in the rise of Punjabi music; they helped define its modern identity, building a sonic language that now resonates worldwide. In this special Producer Playback session, […]
This VP Records–sponsored panel will explore the evolving landscape of Caribbean music and its growing influence on the global cultural ecosystem. Bringing together emerging cultural leaders, the conversation will examine how Caribbean music continues to shape international sound and culture, while spotlighting the next generation of promoters, curators, and tastemakers driving grassroots movements across scenes. […]
In this candid and wide-ranging conversation at Departure, Deryck Whibley sits down with acclaimed music journalist Karen Bliss to reflect on a career that helped define a generation of rock music and what comes next. From the decision to sell his catalogue to navigating the transition beyond Sum 41, Whibley opens up about legacy, ownership, […]
Black music has long been the foundation of global sound, shaping everything from R&B and soul to hip hop, pop and beyond. In Canada, a new generation of artists is building on that legacy while carving out distinct, future-facing voices. Moderated by SOCAN's LordQuest, this songwriter circle brings together Lu Kala, Jev, Adria Kain, and […]
Hear highlights from the work of the City of Toronto’s Music Office and the Toronto Music Advisory Committee to support local music through policy initiatives and the City’s Music Strategy.
When Heated Rivalry premiered to critical acclaim, it wasn’t just the storytelling that resonated - it was the music. The emotional architecture of the series, shaped by composer Peter Peter and music supervisor Scotty Taylor, became inseparable from its cultural footprint. In this Departure conversation, director and co-creator Jacob Tierney joins Peter Peter and Scotty […]
K-pop isn’t just a genre—it’s one of the most influential forces in global music. This panel brings together the Canadian songwriters helping shape its sound from behind the scenes, offering a rare look into how the world’s biggest pop movement is built. Featuring hitmakers August Rigo, Sofia Kay, and Sophie Simmons, whose credits span artists […]
Step into the upstairs lobby at the Bluma Appel Theatre for an intimate Sound Break performance presented by TOLive. Designed as a close-up musical moment within the energy of Departure, this stripped-back set offers a rare opportunity to experience emerging and established artists in a more personal, immersive setting. With the audience just steps away, […]
Behind every great film or series is a score that shapes how we feel, often before a single word is spoken. With standout work including Heated Rivalry, Peter Peter has built a reputation for crafting music that deepens narrative and defines tone across screen-based storytelling. In this masterclass, moderated by SOCAN's Mike Rocha, Peter Peter […]
Pop music moves fast but great songwriting is what makes it stick. Behind every hook, chorus, and viral moment is a writer shaping how the world hears and feels a song. In this in-the-round session, Alicia Creti, Liam Benayon, Rêve, and Sophie Simmons come together to share their approach to writing music that connects at […]
