Departure: Canadian Music Week Rebrands for a Fresh Start

The transformation of Canadian Music Week marks a significant milestone in the music industry, as it embraces a new chapter with a fresh identity.

After over four decades, the renowned music festival and conference will now be known as Departure. The inaugural Departure Festival + Conference is scheduled to take place from May 6-11, 2025, promising an exciting lineup and a reimagined vision for music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

This transformative journey is spearheaded by Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG), who have acquired the festival from its founding visionary, Neill Dixon. The announcement of this rebranding was made during a celebratory cocktail reception held on November 12 at the festival’s new headquarters, Hotel X, located in the vibrant city of Toronto.

According to Kevin Barton, the executive producer at Loft Entertainment, “Departure honors our rich legacy while also embracing the future.” He emphasized the festival’s mission to become a launchpad for more inclusive discussions and to showcase the vibrant arts and culture scene that Toronto has to offer, celebrating not only Canadian talent but also welcoming international artists into the fold.

At the event, Barton, along with Loft co-founder Randy Lennox and chief operating officer Jackie Dean, joined OVG Canada president Tom Pistore to articulate their ambitious vision for the festival. Their discussions highlighted a commitment to innovation and exploration within the arts, aiming to broaden the festival’s reach and impact across various creative domains.

Lennox and Barton expressed their excitement about the festival’s expansion plans, which will introduce elements of comedy, technology, and culinary experiences in its inaugural year, with aspirations to incorporate film, fashion, and other artistic subjects in the future. They acknowledged that with such bold ambitions, there may be challenges along the way, but they remain committed to pushing boundaries.

This year’s iteration of the festival promises an engaging array of activities, including a songwriter showcase, comedy performances, food vendors, and the introduction of a new app along with enhanced digital infrastructure to improve attendee experience.

The vision behind Departure is to elevate and modernize the festival while respecting the historical significance of Canadian Music Week. As part of this commitment, next year’s festival will honor the legacy of CMW’s longtime leader Neill Dixon with a lifetime achievement award, paying tribute to his contributions to the music landscape.

Comedian Russell Peters opened the event with a candid speech, expressing his aspirations for the festival’s future. As both a comedian and a DJ, he shared his past reluctance to engage with CMW, humorously describing it as “soup — full of crackers.” He quipped that prior iterations of the festival seemed to narrow their definition of diversity, highlighting the need for broader representation.

Barton reiterated the festival’s commitment to an inclusivity mandate, explaining that they have been actively engaging with various equity-seeking communities within the Canadian arts scene. Given that Toronto is a melting pot with over 160 languages spoken, the festival aims to reflect this rich multiculturalism, celebrating diverse voices and perspectives.

According to Pistore, the rebranding to Departure is part of the Denver-based Oak View Group’s strategic expansion in Canada. This includes ongoing recruitment initiatives and a substantial $280 million project aimed at revitalizing an arena in Hamilton, Ontario. The goal is to grow while maintaining a strong Canadian foundation that honors the country’s artistic roots.

The feedback from social media and industry insiders regarding the name change has been varied. While many express optimism about the potential for the long-standing conference to evolve and provide a larger platform for Canadian artists, others are concerned that the new ownership—especially with the involvement of the American Oak View Group—might dilute the festival’s focus on Canadian talent and identity.

Karan Chahal, a music and business lawyer at LSC Law, has extensive experience working with independent artists, particularly in the Punjabi music scene. As a former musician and engineer, he understands the importance of platforms like CMW for artists seeking visibility and industry connections.

Chahal has attended CMW for many years and considers it one of Canada’s most significant music industry conferences. He notably appreciated last year’s focus on the Indian music industry and the representation of Punjabi music in Canada, showcasing the growing diversity within the Canadian music landscape.

“It’s an incredible platform for networking, as everyone present shares a common passion: music,” he stated. “The Canadian music industry continues to thrive, and artists require robust support. There is an abundance of extraordinary talent here, and CMW serves as a vital link where artists, labels, and agents can forge meaningful relationships within the industry.”

Chahal expresses hope that the expanded focus of Departure will not overshadow the core mission of supporting music. His belief is that increased attention and involvement from strategic stakeholders will benefit the industry as a whole.

“I believe we need more eyes on our talent and a concerted effort to grow it. Involving more strategic individuals will only enhance our efforts,” he remarked. “We must not lose sight of what CMW originally represented and continue to champion the cultural fabric of our music scene.”

Rudy Blair, an independent music journalist and interviewer with nearly three decades of experience covering Canadian Music Week, has served as a conference host for the festival under Dixon’s direction. His insights into the evolution of the event are invaluable.

Blair acknowledges that adjusting to the new name will take time, yet he believes that growth and change are inherently positive developments for the festival.

“We must always strive for progress, and as long as it respects our past, embracing change is beneficial,” he stated. “Moving forward with fresh perspectives and innovative presentations is essential. Departure signifies that ongoing evolution of the festival.

“The fundamental mission from the first day, 42 years ago, remains unchanged as we approach 2025,” he continued. “It revolves around fans, artists, education, and ensuring that the world recognizes Canada’s exceptional talent. While exploring new avenues, I hope they maintain the vision that Neill (Dixon) had in promoting Canadian artistry.”

This story originally was published by Billboard Canada.