Lights, Depth, Lyrics: A Night immersed in Wasia Projects' Sound

O2 Forum Kentish Town was sold out with fans anticipating Wasia Project - the atmosphere whilst waiting for the show to begin was insane. 

Wasia Project is a musical duo formed by siblings William Gao and Olivia Hardy. The band made its debut in 2019 with the single 'Why Don’t U Love Me'. Their sound blends pop, indie, and classical influences, showcasing William’s background in classical music training. The name Wasia is a fusion of their ethnic backgrounds White and Asia. 

In addition to his work with the band, William Gao is widely known for his role as one of the main actors in the hit series Heartstopper.

The evening began with a captivating performance by the support act, Hohnen Ford. Her music, a blend of classical pop and folk influences, set the perfect tone to warm up the crowd. With emotionally rich melodies and deeply honest lyrics, her songs resonate profoundly with listeners. Throughout her performance, she remained centre stage with her keyboard, creating an intimate and enchanting atmosphere that defined her set.

One highlight of her set was 'Don’t Fall Asleep', a song co-written with rising artist Matt Maltese. Introducing the track, Hohnen Ford described it as an intense collaboration, sharing the story of how they met and connected over their British roots.

The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as Wasia Project finally took the stage, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The crowd’s energy was electric, a testament to their devotion as a fanbase. The band opened with 'Isotope', the interlude that shares its name with their tour and latest EP, immediately setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

The dynamic lighting shifted with every song, adding a unique visual flair that complemented each track perfectly. A standout moment came when the band performed their debut single, 'Why Don’t U Love Me', for the first time on this tour. The crowd erupted into cheers and screams, their excitement filling the venue.

Right before the second song began, the trumpets announced its arrival, accompanied by vibrant red lighting that illuminated the entire stage.

Between songs, William spoke to the audience, dedicating the performance to Lala . He shared a heartfelt moment, revealing that family had travelled all the way from Beijing, China, to see them perform live for the first time. Seated in the bar area at the top of the balcony, the family waved to the crowd, who enthusiastically waved back, creating a touching connection between the band, their loved ones, and the fans.

The night was electrified by a live band featuring the incredible Luca Wade on drums and the talented Tom Pacitti on bass. Their expertise and chemistry brought a dynamic energy to Wasia Project’s performance, elevating the entire experience. The music flowed with a soothing charm, captivating the audience from start to finish.

The evening reached its peak with the final song, 'Impossible', a beloved fan favourite. As the band launched into the upbeat chorus, driven by Tom’s infectious bassline, the crowd erupted with excitement, jumping and dancing harder than ever before. It was a spectacular moment of pure joy and connection, leaving everyone buzzing with energy and thoroughly enjoying a night they won’t soon forget.

Olivia Brown

@concertsbyolivia

Images: Olivia Brown