Wasia Project

Wasia Project
Background information
OriginEngland
Genres
Years active2019–present
Labels
Members
Websitewasiaproject.com

Wasia Project is an English pop band consisting of siblings Olivia Hardy (vocals, guitar) and William Gao (keyboards, piano, vocals). The group released their debut single, "Why Don't U Love Me," in 2019. This was followed by their debut extended play (EP) How Can I Pretend? in 2022. In August 2024, they released their second extended play (EP) Isotope. On stage, they are joined by drummer Luca Wade and bassist Tom Pacitti.

History

William Gao and Olivia Hardy are siblings of mixed Asian-British background.[1] As a child, Hardy learned how to play the violin using the Suzuki method.[2] Gao is a classically trained pianist.[2] They formed a music duo called Wasia Project in 2019.[3] The duo produces a blend of alt-pop and jazz fusions.[1][2] In 2019, they uploaded their debut single, "Why Don't You Love Me" on SoundCloud.[2]

Their first EP How Can I Pretend? was released in May 2022.[4] The following year, they released the single, "Petals on the Moon" via LaoLao Records / AWAL.[5] Its visual was videographed by Grace Pickering.[6] The music video for "My Lover Is Sleeping" was illustrated and animated by Patrick Atkins.[6] In 2023, their song, "Ur So Pretty", was included on the soundtrack for the second season of Heartstopper.[7] They recently completed their first UK headline tour, followed by a European tour supporting Tom Odell. They also completed their first US tour supporting Laufey in April 2024.

In August 2024, they released their second EP titled “Isotope”.[8] They embarked on their own headline tour of North America, Europe and the UK.[9] They ended their Isotope tour in Birmingham on the 19th November. [10]

Band members

Principal members

Touring members

  • Luca Wade - drums, percussion (2021-present)
  • Tom Pacitti - bass (2022-present)

Discography

Extended plays

List of extended plays, showing year released
Title Details
How Can I Pretend?
  • Released: May 10, 2022
  • Label: LaoLao Records
Isotope
  • Released: August 29, 2024
  • Label: LaoLao Records

Singles

List of singles, showing year released and name of the album
Title Year Album
"Why Don't U Love Me" 2019 How Can I Pretend?
"Burning Eyes R Calling" 2020 Non-album singles
"U Deserve"
"Misfit Biscuit"
"My Vine" 2022
"Petals on the Moon" 2023
"My Lover Is Sleeping"
"Remember When"
"Is This What Love Is?" 2024 Isotope
"Takes Me Back Home"

References

  1. ^ a b Williams, Sophie (2023-03-29). "The endless joy of Wasia Project's jazz-pop anthems". NME. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  2. ^ a b c d Wilkes, Emma (2023-08-04). "Wasia Project: 'We're in a playground of sound and going crazy with it!'". Rolling Stone UK. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  3. ^ Bhutani, Pankhuri (1 June 2022). "William Gao". Revamp. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  4. ^ Dodson, Claire (22 April 2022). "Meet the Charming Cast of Netflix's "Heartstopper"". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Wasia Project Talk New Single "Petals on the Moon"". Wonderland. 2023-02-10. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  6. ^ a b Magnocavallo, Fabio (2023-05-25). "Wasia Project - My Lover Is Sleeping". Euphoria Magazine. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
  7. ^ Craig, David (August 3, 2023). "Heartstopper star performs on emotional final song of season 2". Radio Times. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  8. ^ Murray, Robin. "Wasia Project Share Evocative New 'Isotope' EP". Clash. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  9. ^ "Wasia Project announce 'Isotope' UK tour dates". live4ever. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  10. ^ "Wasia Project announce tour dates". nme. Retrieved 4 January 2025.