Gayance opens up about her Polaris Music Prize performance, goals for the future and more. (Exclusive)

Written by: Gracie Lowes

The Polaris Music Prize gala celebrated another successful year of music.

Taking place at Massey Hall in Toronto on September 19 at 8pm EDT, the Polaris Music Prize was first awarded in 2006 and annually given to the best full-length Canadian album based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales, or record label.

One of this year’s shortlist artists and performers at the gala is Gayance.

Gayance (Aīsha Vertus), is a Canadian house and electronic music producer and DJ from Montreal, Quebec.

I had the chance to sit down (virtually) with Gayance and talk to her about her gala performance, future plans for her career, what fans can expect from her music and more.

You can read the full interview below.

Gracie Lowes: First off congratulations on everything with the Polaris Music Prize, both being on the 2023 short list and also getting to perform at the gala! What has this experience been like for you finding out you made the list?

Gayance: “I found out in a very magical place. It was the day after my first gig in Italy at the Botanica Festival in Sanremo. I was walking by the sea and I got a call from my booking agent telling me the news. I was with label-boss Bradley Zero so, we drove to Monaco drank some champagne, and went to the casino right before hitting Nice airport and going to our separated home city. It was fun!”

Gracie: What was your best or favourite moment from the gala?

Gayance: “I really liked performing with my band, it’s rare that we do. It was my 4th show ever on stage with a band.”

Gracie: I loved your outfit you wore for your performance, could you talk about the inspiration and the overall vibe you were hoping for?

Gayance: “I was blessed to have Selene Alexa to help me with my outfit. It was a whole saga. I went to Milan and got scammed by a stylist and then, Belgian creative Selene Alexa got me in touch with all those amazing designers from Europe and some from Canada. Mostly women of color. My inspo was definitely Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, and Erykah Badu and I was wearing my mom’s skirt from the late 80s. I just wanted to be cute. For me, it was a day to celebrate all my grind more than anything else.”

Gracie: If you could describe your upcoming music in three words what would they be and why?

Gayance: “Sexy brazilian bangers. I haven’t done much music but what I did recently is pretty catchy and sounds pretty vintage.”

Gracie: You’ve accomplished so much in your career so far, what is your next big goal for yourself and why?

Gayance: “I need a manager who takes care of me, who believes in me, who supports me. I’ve been self-managed for a decade now. I’m done being a powerhouse, I want to be soft and taken care of. I bet we could touch even more people like this. I’ve done enough of ”proving” myself and taking everything under my wing. The rest will fall through.”