Wasia Project is an English indie pop band consisting of siblings Olivia Hardy and William Gao. 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 often joined by drummer Nate Wicks, bassist Tom Pacitti, saxophonist Safi Jazz, and trombonist Patrick Minton.
Contents
History
William Gao and Olivia Hardy are siblings of mixed Asian-British background. As a child, Hardy learned how to play the violin using the Suzuki method. Gao is a classically trained pianist. They formed a music duo called Wasia Project in 2019. The duo produces a blend of alt-pop and jazz fusions. In 2019, they uploaded their debut single, "Why Don't You Love Me" on SoundCloud.
Their first EP How Can I Pretend? was released in May 2022. The following year, they released the single, "Petals on the Moon" via LaoLao Records / AWAL. Its visual was videographed by Grace Pickering. The music video for "My Lover Is Sleeping" was illustrated and animated by Patrick Atkins. In 2023, their song, "Ur So Pretty", was included on the soundtrack for the second season of Heartstopper. In 2024, they completed their first UK headline tour, followed by a European tour supporting Tom Odell. Additionally, they also completed their first US tour supporting Laufey in April 2024.
In August 2024, they released their second EP titled "Isotope." Then, they embarked on a headlining tour in support of the EP in North America and Europe, beginning on 18 September in Hamburg and concluding in Birmingham on 19 November. The duo's debut album, Nocturne, is scheduled to release on 18 September 2026. In July 2026, Heartstopper Forever was released and included "Whale Call" on the film's soundtrack.
Band members
Olivia Hardy – lead vocals, guitar, violin
William Gao – keyboards, piano, backing vocals
Touring musicians
Luca Wade – drums, percussion (2021–2025)
Tom Pacitti – bass guitar (2022–present)
Safi Jazz – saxophone (2022-2025)
Patrick Minton – trombone (2023–2025)
Nate Wicks (2026-present)