As the official rebrand of Canadian Music Week—a cornerstone of the country’s music scene since 1981—Departure Festival + Conference marks a bold new chapter in Canada’s cultural evolution. What was once a traditional industry showcase has been reborn as a multi-sensory, genre-spanning celebration of music, comedy, technology, and art. With its future-facing identity and broader multidisciplinary focus, Departure has breathed new life into a legacy event, turning a struggling institution into a vibrant destination for discovery and innovation.
At its core, Departure signals a renewed commitment to music—particularly electronic and dance—in a way that positions Toronto as a serious contender on the global stage. And this level of investment is long overdue. Canada’s music industry has experienced explosive growth over the past two decades, propelled by streaming platforms, rising international recognition, and a thriving community of homegrown talent. In 2023 alone, new Canadian artists were discovered more than 3.8 billion times on Spotify, while streaming revenues surpassed $500 million. With so much momentum, the need for a forward-thinking, nationally significant platform like Departure couldn’t be clearer.
Though Departure’s dance music programming wasn’t the largest component of its lineup, it delivered quality over quantity. Three standout performances—Felix Cartal, CRi, and Chapter & Verse—offered high-energy sets that drew dedicated fans to The Barracks, an open-air venue steeped in historical character on the grounds of Hotel X.
Vancouver-based Felix Cartal kicked off the series with a melodic house set that mixed euphoric drops with festival-ready crowd favorites. Montreal’s CRi followed, showcasing his emotive, textured soundscapes and deep cuts from his Anjunadeep releases. Rounding out the trio was UK tech-house heavyweight Chapter & Verse, who kept the energy peaking with a pulsing, dancefloor-driven set that closed out the series on a high note.
But Departure isn’t just about the music—it’s a statement about where Canadian culture is headed. The festival seamlessly wove together elements of comedy, film, and technology, creating a truly interdisciplinary experience. Appearances from figures like celebrity chef Matty Matheson and R&B powerhouse Jessie Reyez added layers of star power and cross-genre appeal, helping to attract a broader and more diverse audience than your average music festival. This mix of content underscored Departure’s mission to break down silos and create space for collaboration across creative sectors.
For fans of electronic music, Departure Festival’s debut offered a glimpse into what’s possible when innovation and curation come together. By balancing heritage with modernity, and artistry with tech, the festival has set a new standard not just for Toronto, but for Canada’s place on the international festival circuit. As Toronto continues to grow as a hub for dance music and digital culture, Departure is poised to become its flagship celebration.
