The Artist
Hailing from the UK, Wasia Project has quickly become one of the most exciting indie bands on the rise. The sibling duo Olivia Hardy and William Gao (along with drummer Luca Wade and bassist Tom Pacitti), fuse together jazz, classical, and indie pop, creating a sound that is as soothing as it is emotionally charged. With heartfelt lyrics and lush arrangements, the band has won over a dedicated fanbase both in the UK and overseas.
The Show
On Monday, Sept 30, night one in NYC of the “Isotope Tour” kicked off— and it did not disappoint. The show began with an atmospheric interlude, “Isotope,” which set the mood for an introspective and emotional night. Wasia Project then launched into “My Lover Is Sleeping”, immediately captivating the crowd with Olivia’s dreamy, tender vocals. The audience was buzzing, absorbing every word, as the band poured their hearts out on stage.
A key standout moment was “Petals on the Moon,” which had the entire venue jamming to William’s piano solo. The duo’s chemistry on stage is undeniable, and their shared musical bond radiated through every track, but especially on “Burning Eyes Are Calling” and “How Can I Pretend,” where Olivia’s emotive voice soared over William’s intricate piano melodies.
“U R So Pretty” was an emotional high point in the set, with its delicate lyrics and vulnerability. The song had the crowd cheering, resonating deeply with everyone in the room. The night’s energy took a shift with “My Vine” and “Cover,” with Olivia’s vocals floating effortlessly over lush instrumentals.
The band’s raw emotion, combined with their experimental soundscapes, made for a captivating debut performance in New York City. If you missed them this time, be sure to catch Wasia Project soon —they’re just getting started, and their future looks incredibly bright.
Setlist: Isotope (Interlude Intro), Is This What Love Is, My Lover Is Sleeping, U Deserve, Petals on the Moon, How can I pretend, Burning Eyes Are Calling, Takes Me Back Home, Remember When, U R So Pretty, My Vine, Cover, To Get Better, Somebody Come Through, Tell Me Lies
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