Gayance to Drop roaming Mini-LP on Oct. 9 via Tru Thoughts
On October 9, 2026, Montreal‑born producer and DJ Gayance (real name Aïsha Vertus) will release her new seven‑track mini‑LP, roaming, through the British independent label Tru Thoughts. The album follows a string of live showcases in Montreal and London that underscored its collaborative spirit, beginning with the early‑August single “Podjab.” The track, produced by Dutch DJ and producer Jarreau Vandal, is anchored by a funk‑laden groove and features vocals from long‑time friend and fellow Haitian‑Montrealer Waahli.
Vertus, who grew up in Montreal‑Nord and draws on her Haitian‑Canadian heritage, relocated to London in 2023. Since then she has become a fixture on the club circuit, DJing at venues such as 93 Feet East and performing at festivals like MUTEK. Her debut album, Mascarade, was shortlisted for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize, a milestone that helped establish her reputation for blending electronic and dance‑music styles.
Roaming is described as a “mini‑LP” that leans into Gayance’s passion for collaboration. In addition to Vandal and Waahli, the project features several other guests whose identities remain undisclosed. The seven tracks weave funk, broken‑beat, UK garage, and alt‑R&B into a tapestry that reflects her history of fusing genres.
Jarreau Vandal, born Ellroy Jarreau Uyleman in 1989, is known for merging R&B, hip‑hop, funk, house, and electronic music with global influences from South Africa and Morocco. His rhythmic contributions on “Podjab” add a distinctive layer that complements Gayance’s production. Waahli, a Haitian‑Montrealer who frequently collaborates with Gayance, is also a member of the Canadian hip‑hop collective Nomadic Massive, which has performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Gayance previewed several roaming tracks during a live set at MUTEK Montreal on May 3, turning personal rites of passage into danceable storytelling—a recurring theme on the album. She will perform the new material live on October 15 at 93 Feet East, a club on East London’s Brick Lane that has hosted her in the past and will feature a set that includes songs from roaming.
Tru Thoughts, founded in Brighton in 1999 by Robert Luis and Paul Jonas, has released over 200 LPs across a wide range of genres, including electronic, funk, soul, hip‑hop, jazz, and grime. The label’s roster includes artists such as Quantic, Alice Russell, and The Bamboos, and it is known for supporting eclectic and genre‑blending projects.
With the album’s release slated for October 9 and a London show scheduled for October 15, Gayance’s roaming is positioned to expand her international profile. The project’s collaborative nature and the involvement of established producers like Jarreau Vandal and artists such as Waahli signal a continued evolution of her sound. The album is currently available for pre‑order on major streaming platforms, and the single “Podjab” remains charting in several European territories. No further tour dates have been announced beyond the 93 Feet East performance.
