Wasia Project Enchants Their Sold Out Audience for the First Night of Their 2-Day Stop in LA
The energy was palpable, with lines stretching down the streets of Hollywood long before doors opened. Creating an anticipatory atmosphere as people discussed their favorite songs, the crowd was ready for an unforgettable night with the Wasia Project for their Isotope Tour.
Photo Cr: Glenalyn Ann
Wasia Project, a sibling duo formed by William Gao and Olivia Hardy, has quickly garnered attention for their emotionally raw and genre-blending sound, combining elements of alternative pop, R&B, and indie with heartfelt storytelling. Their ability to evoke deep emotion through their music, paired with their dynamic onstage presence, has earned them a growing fanbase. Debuting in 2019 with their song, “Why Don’t U Love Me,” and their popular hit “ur so pretty” being featured on the popular Netflix show, Heartstopper, the group’s rise to fame has been driven by their intimate lyricism and soulful compositions, making them stand out as one of the most exciting emerging acts.
Opening the night was Nick Leng, who set the mood with soothing melodies that captivated the audience. His set included the tranquil “Spirals” and a beautiful rendition of his recently released single, “The Wind.” The final song in his set, “Lonely Shade of Blue,” left everyone in a reflective mood, perfectly setting the stage for the next opener, Sabrina Sterling who immediately established a heartfelt connection with fans. Her song "Bittersweet," inspired by her relationship with her sister, was particularly touching and resonated with many of the concertgoers. Sabrina’s storytelling continued with personal songs about real-life encounters. The vulnerability and authenticity of her performance left a lasting impression.
Photo Cr: Glenalyn Ann
Soon enough, Wasia Project took the stage and the crowd erupted in cheers. Accompanied by their band, the sibling duo launched into a seamless blend of intense and soothing songs, opening with “Is This What Love Is?” and quickly moving into fan favorites like “My Lover Is Sleeping” and “U Deserve.” The sold-out audience swayed along, hanging onto every lyric. Will and Olivia’s harmonies filled the room, and the way they connected with their fans between songs, speaking about their musical journey and expressing gratitude, made the show feel intimate despite its large scale.
Midway through their set, the excitement only intensified. Tracks like “Petals on the Moon” and “Burning Eyes R Calling” had everyone singing along with emotion. However, one of the highlights of the night was when the duo covered “Smooth Operator” by Sade which brought an unexpected groove to the evening.
Photo Cr: Glenalyn Ann
As the night drew to a close, the Wasia Project performed “To Get Better,” and “Somebody Come Through,” leaving the venue in awe. And before you knew it, they were on their last song for the night. Even though many wished the night could go on forever, Wasia Project assured their fans that they would be seeing more from them in the future. Set with reassurance, the Wasia Project ended their set with “Tell Me Lies (fin),” which was welcomed with excited cheers that could be heard from outside the venue.
But the evening wasn’t over yet. Cheers for an encore were met with a heartfelt return to the stage as Wasia Project closed with “Misfit Biscuit” and “impossible,” sending people into a frenzy. It was a night of connection, emotional highs, and a true display of musicianship that left the crowd both satisfied and yearning for more.
Photo Cr: Glenalyn Ann
Closing out their North American tour later this month in San Francisco and heading over to Germany in November to start the Europe leg of their tour, we are excited to see what is next for the pop duo sensation.