
Departure is built for moments where you walk into a set knowing nothing and leave with a new favourite. While going through this year’s lineup, these six artists kept pulling us back for another listen. Some of them hit instantly in a live-video sense. Others took a few songs before it clicked and suddenly everything made sense. That’s the kind of discovery this festival does well. Start here, and see which one you end up replaying.

GIVE MY REMAINS TO BROADWAY
Origin: Toronto, ON
Track Name: Far From Me | Far From Me
Give My Remains to Broadway is a Toronto based Darkwave / Post-Punk duo spearheading a new wave of gothic music in the city, and the underground alike. Started by best friends and roommates, vocalist, Ben, and producer, Deegs, in 2021, they went on to release their debut EP, Beyond the Gates of Xouztoth, which cemented them as frontrunners in the genre. They have since gone on to sell out headline shows in Toronto, Montreal, LA, New York, Chicago & Atlanta, and have released multiple projects, all independently.
ASH MOLLOY
Origin: St. John’s/Torbay, Newfoundland
Track Name: About Me | About Me
Reminiscent of 90’s alt-icons like Fiona Apple and Alanis Morissette – Ash Molloy is vulnerable, raw, and unfiltered in her approach to writing music. A multi-instrumentalist with a degree in neuroscience, she’s full of surprises as she bares it all with her deep-cutting takes on sexuality, body-shame, and life as a woman. Not fitting the mold of her small town in Torbay, Newfoundland, Ash is an absolute force of an artist, making a name for herself with her mesmerizing live show, powerhouse vocals, poignant lyrics, and sheer tenacity to get her message out into the world. Saying all the things we’re afraid to say out loud, Ash Molloy bleeds authenticity and induces goosebumps for anyone lucky enough to see her live in these early days.
CHXRRY
Origin: Scarborough, ON
Track Name: Main Character | Main Character
Chxrry (pronounced “Cherry”), is a Toronto-bred R&B artist of Ethiopian prxncess descent whose voice went viral in 2017 from her bedroom — and never looked back. She became the first woman signed to The Weeknd’s XO Records, a full-circle moment given that both are Scarborough-raised with Ethiopian roots.
Sharp lyrics, ethereal delivery, and an unapologetic point of view define her sound — equal parts vulnerability and edge. After her debut EP The Other Side put her on the map, she linked with Mariah the Scientist for a European tour run and announced her debut album U, Me, and My Ego, proving she’s just getting started as the Main Character.
ANDYE
Origin: Toronto, ON
Track Name: Hypothetical | Hypothetical
Andye Tamer (born June 25, 2000), better known by his stage name Andye (pronounced AN-DEE-YAY), is a Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer. Born in Ethiopia but hailing from Toronto, the pop artist stands apart from the crowd with his smooth delivery, cool sound, and slick dance moves – which he’s been perfecting since the age of 9. Andye is a graduate of The Remix Project and Recording Arts Academy Round 17.0. His first single, “Sorry Love,” helped create a local buzz, which allowed him to earn the attention of various streaming partners, along with new fans. He is set to follow up his latest efforts with new music and a debut project slated for 2023. Although he is inspired by artists like Michael Jackson, The Weeknd and Chris Brown. Andye is set on creating an entirely new lane. Andye has amassed over 4 million streams across all platforms, with over 300k views on his YouTube Channel, and over 2 million likes on TikTok. There is so much more in store from the young Andye and the sky is the limit.
SACHA
Origin: Warkworth, ON
Track Name: Shooting Star (with Restless Road) | Main Character (with Restless Road, Official Video)
A trailblazer in country music, Sacha blends heartfelt storytelling with an infectious energy that captivates audiences. Since releasing her debut EP The Best Thing, she has quickly risen as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices. Named iHeartRadio’s “Future Star” and a member of CMT’s prestigious Next Women of Country Class, Sacha has achieved numerous milestones in her burgeoning career.
Sacha’s certified platinum hit “What the Truck,” with The Reklaws, became the fastest Canadian country song to achieve platinum status in the streaming era. The viral sensation earned Sacha a CCMA Award for Top Selling Canadian Single, the same year she won SiriusXM’s Top of The Country contest and toured the U.S. with Maddie & Tae.
Sacha continued to build momentum by singing the Canadian national anthem at the NHL All-Star Game and performing at major events like the UK’s Long Road Festival.
Last fall, she hit the road opening for the likes of Tenille Townes and then Owen Riegling, further cementing her place as a must-see performer in country music. She is a frequenter of all the major red carpets from the CMAs, CMT Awards, and CCMAs.
On May 30, 2025, Sacha released her debut full-length album Woman In The Mirror, a bold and introspective collection that highlights her growth as both a songwriter and storyteller. The album includes Sacha’s hit single, “Hey Mom I Made It,” a heartfelt anthem that has garnered over 8 million combined streams globally and climbed into the Top 10 on the Canadian country radio chart. A deluxe version came in early summer, featuring “Shooting Star”, her duet with one of the hottest groups out of Nashville, Restless Road. The song is a soul-stirring reflection on a love that slipped away—anchored in the hope that a single wish might bring it back. With soaring harmonies and gut-punch lyrics, the song showcases both artists at their most vulnerable and vocally dynamic.
Sacha has performed at top-tier festivals this summer all across North America, including CMA Fest, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Boots and Hearts Music Festival, and LASSO. She will close out the summer performing for the second time at the CCMAs, where she has three nominations including Female Artist Of The Year.
BRADLEY HALE
Origin: Elmira, ON
Track Name: Country Line 5 | Country Line 5
Bradley Hale grew up in small town Ontario in and around the town of Elmira. Spend anytime there and you’re bound to hear the sweet sounds of country music pumping from pickup trucks and tractors, over speakers at a backyard barbecue, or even from the hockey change room. Combine that with a rich family history of both farming and music and you get an artist that’s steeped in country roads and country music.
Bradley learned to play and sing at a young age. Influenced by Eric Church, Zach Bryan and Riley Green, combined with a love of John Mayer, he has crafted a sound that is familiar yet completely unique. These rich influences are weaved together with his own experiences and strong hometown, backroads style finding their way into his songwriting, co-writing, and recording. With his big warm baritone country voice Bradley delivers heart rendering ballads as well as driving country rockers.
Bradley earned a spot in last years highly coveted Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist show case as well as direct support for Cooper Alan at the Kee to Bala. He adds this to his resume of notable live performances including several shows with Owen Riegling as well opening spots for Brett Young, Muscadine Bloodline, The Reklaws, James Barker Band, Steven Lee Olsen, and others.
In Bradley’s last 12 months of releasing music he has garnered the attention of notable Spotify editorial playlist “North Country “ as well as Apple Music editorial playlists “Canada’s Country Best of 2025”, “Country Hits Unplugged”, “New Music Daily”, “New in Country”, “Back Porch Country”, “Country Risers” and “Country Lovin” while accumulating over 600K streams across platforms.
Bradley’s dream is to bring his heartfelt songs and love of country music to audiences here and everywhere.














