By Sally Warburton, Wayne Baggs &BKONTHESCENE
The first inaugural Departure music conference took place the week of May 6 – 11, 2025. Departure, the reimagined Canadian Music Week, embodied and honoured the spirit that defines the Canadian and global creative community. It was a true celebration of artistry. Departure is where the world’s talent in music, art, comedy and technology find inspiration, support and resources. It’s a dynamic launchpad featuring diverse talent, energy and committed artists. The conference May 6-9 with many panel and interview sessions on a variety of music business topics was held at the beautiful Hotel X on Exhibition grounds across from Ontario Place. The positive vibe at the Hotel X was palatable – a vibe of connections and business deals being made. Creativity being admired and shared. Departure music business conference was opened by CEO Randy Lennox.
The Award Ceremony called Departure Honours, was a reception showcasing and celebrating notable changemakers, emerging voices and milestones within the music industry took place at Hotel X Toronto’s New Fort Hall on Wednesday, May 7. Award Night – Honoured were Neill Dixon – Canadian Music Week Founder, Socan, Sara & Tegan, Dallas Green, Shaggy in addition to a list of important music industry contributors.
A full schedule of sessions on … the music business, financing, funding, ticketing, venues, Live Nation,
Two of the days included RadioDays 2025 with sessions on … podcasting, future of radio, etc. Lots of chance for attendees to ask questions with the group or afterwards.
There was an exciting lineup of musical guests! Musicians included Bryan Adams!! with a discussion of his career and a first time public viewing of his new video co-starring actress Elizabeth Hurley. It was an intimate session with Canada’s best rocker! Other Canadian musicians included Chantal Kreviasuk who gave an inspirational talk and 2 song concert – such a beautiful voice and piano playing. Jully Black gave a warm and welcoming talk. She concluded by singing to everyone’s delight. Kardinal Official spoke with animation and interest. Sara & Tegan shared their career and were animated speakers as was Max Kerman of the band The Arkells who also promoted his new book Work Hard. Cooking TV host Matty Matheson gave a fun and motivating talk. Dallas Green of bands City & Colour and Alexis on Fire also gave a candid talk. Shaggy, too. Ali Hassam moderated a talk with all of Toronto’s funniest people! So there was lots of great Canadian talent.
Attendees included students from colleges such as MetalWorks, Fanshawe, Algonquin to name a few. The future of the music industry. People from every aspect of the music business and musicians were there.
Visiting from ARUBA, Canadian Amal Farhat and husband bought a live music bar Alfie’s (@alfiesinaruba) on a whim in Aruba a few years ago. Bringing the only band Active Mirror from Aruba to NXNE on June 12, 2025in Toronto.
Another speaker flew even farther to attend, James Cridland – Editor Podnews, came from Australia to be part of two important talk presentations.
The Departure App allowed attendees to create their own schedule based on the Departure Schedule info on app. It also allowed attendees to connect with one another and a full description of events. The variety of talks offered was extensive.
Following the afternoon sessions, Welcome socials were held in the main floor gallery of Hotel X. Another opportunity for attendees to connect. There were film screenings at Hotel X and Comedian acts throughout the city at various venues. So it was a jam packed week of music, comedy and film!
In addition to the conference setting at Hotel X, there were live music concerts at venues throughout downtown Toronto – The Rec Room included country singer Jade Hilton (@jadehiltonmusic) who gave an amazing 40 minute concert of new and known songs with her band. She is a very up and coming musician who has had success in Nashville as well as the Toronto area. El Mocombo, the Rivoli, Stackt, Horseshoe were among several venues offering a variety of musicians.
Departure had a very successful 1st music conference. The vibe was great. New talent, groundbreaking work and innovative ideas were discovered at each session. Learned lots. Many great connections made. Business was done. Exciting plans for the future of the Canadian music scene. We look forward to Departure 2026!
BKonthescene 