Is This What Love Is?: A Wasia Project Concert Review

What better way to spend a Monday night than at a Wasia Project concert? Better yet, I was recently lucky enough to spend nearly half my week’s nights with them. Sharing both the stage and genetics, Wasia Project is a British duo of the siblings William Gao and Olivia Hardy. Their music blends genres like jazz, pop, and classical, creating a unique sound. Like many artists, they released their first song, “Why Don’t You Love Me,” in 2019 on SoundCloud. In 2023, Netflix included their song, “ur so pretty,” from their debut EP to the soundtrack of the Netflix original Heartstopper, where Gao plays a character called Tao. 

Their recent U.S. headline tour took two pit stops at Irving Plaza in New York City—one on September 30th and another on October 4th. Prior to the shows, the duo hosted an intimate Q&A session for select fans. About a week before their arrival, they posted a link on their Instagram asking fans in New York City to sign up for a special event—obviously, I had to sign up. A couple of days later, I received an email informing me that I had been invited to attend. 

The event began with an interactive gallery where fans could write handwritten notes and drawings to the artists and enjoy behind-the-scenes stills from their music videos. Once everyone settled down, they showed a screening of Wasia Project’s short film for their new album, Isotope. The screening was followed by a highly anticipated entrance of the two artists. By some fortune, I was seated directly in front of the chairs the artists would sit on for the Q&A, leaving me face-to-face in front of them (by this, I mean I was quite literally a foot or two away from them). 

Olivia Hardy with Will Gao mid-sentence

In a jumble of feeling intimidated and awed, I watched as the two artists answered questions from the interviewer and fans. They were both extremely laid-back, fun, and attentive people. After a couple questions from the interviewer, Gao specifically asked if any fans had questions, giving us the chance to speak. The event ended with a group photo where I sat directly beside Gao. At that point, I felt like I peaked as a fan. By evening the next day, I was bursting with anticipation for the show. 

The Show

At around 8 PM on a random Monday night, the lights in Irving Plaza dimmed, beckoning a concert ritual—the crowd screams, the signal that starts every concert. I didn’t quite know what to expect—I wasn’t a die-hard fan, but I had loved their music since 2022 and heard great things about their live performances. Little did I know, this night would soon join my list of all-time favorite concerts attended. 

Gao walked in first, taking his place at the piano amidst the screams of fans. Hardy followed, giving a small wave before belting out gorgeously tricky notes in the most casual way possible. The duo’s opening number, “Is This What Love Is?” was performed under flashing lights and an inverted spotlight, creating a beautiful shadow of the two siblings. Their setlist seamlessly transitioned from dulcet, tender tunes to slightly more upbeat, sing-along songs (though if you’ve ever listened to Wasia Project, you know most of their songs can barely be categorized as “upbeat”). 

A few songs into the setlist, Hardy and Gao started performing “Petals on the Moon,” which was one of the more fun numbers. The crowd, though initially shy, began bouncing around and singing along. The atmosphere throughout was a harmonious mix of animation and softness—exhilaration from seeing the artists and a comforting warmth from the slow songs. It felt like something from heaven.

“My Lover Is Sleeping” 

With Gao seated behind the piano throughout the duration of the show, Hardy’s energy became more vital to guiding the crowd through each song. Hardy’s energy was perfect. She jumped across the stage during the right songs and gracefully slowed down during the slow songs, beautifully moving her arms to the music. Gao was able to contribute in his own also perfect ways, which, due to the piano, came in the form of enthusiastic head bopping and fun, improvised piano notes. 

One of the reasons why I love attending smaller artists’ concerts is because their discography is often short enough that all of it can be included in the setlist. I was thrilled to enjoy all my favorite songs of theirs live without worrying that I might miss one. “Remember When,” one of my favorites, stayed with me long after the show ended because of how quiet the room got during it. It seemed everyone fell into a comfortable silence, amplifying Hardy’s voice as she sang under a soft, warm light and Gao’s delicate piano notes following along. It felt ethereal.

Olivia Hardy during “Remember When”

Along with their songs, the duo included a cover of “Smooth Operator” by Sade in their setlist. A pleasant and fun surprise—the duo split the room in two, having half the room sing with Gao and the other half sing with Hardy’s lines. 

After attending the first show, I was instantly convinced I had to go again later that week. As an avid concert attendee, I love being as close to the artist as possible. Naturally, I impulsively bought a VIP ticket, and by Friday 5 PM, I was in line for yet another night with Wasia Project. 

The VIP ticket includes early entry, a tote bag and signed lanyard, a special two-song performance, and a Q&A. I personally found the Q&A quite short as it lasted around 15 or so minutes—I did more waiting inside the venue than listening to the artists speak. Regardless, it was lovely interacting with them and hearing them talk again. For this Q&A session, they asked fans to limit recording—a request I gladly followed. While I, like many fans, feel the need to capture every second of a concert, relieving myself of that desire permits me the joy and freedom of living in the moment. 

Like the earlier intimate Q&A session, I loved how relaxed yet excited I felt, a sensation disparate from that of during the concert. The air sat calmly, and the dynamic between the crowd and the artists felt cozy and natural. There is a silent thrum of thrill running through the crowd during these kinds of environments, and while I am a fan of the energetic atmosphere of a concert, I also love a good, easy moment with the artists.

A much needed close up of Will Gao during “My Vine”

The show commenced similarly to Monday night’s show. Some highlights of this one are “To Get Better” and “Misfit Biscuit,” which were performed by Gao, and “Impossible” by both siblings. Gao’s individual performances were incredibly captivating. 

Both songs center around the feeling of loneliness and healing, making the live performance all the more compelling. I thought “To Get Better” was a beautiful number to be played live as it encouraged me to appreciate the lyricism. It was one of those calming, just-listen-and-admire songs to experience live.

Will Gao during “Misfit Biscuit”

Although “Misfit Biscuit” is about feeling lonely, its live rendition ironically brought the crowd together. As soon as the opening notes played, the energy shifted, and soon the entire room was dancing and singing along with Gao, who wore a bright smile. 

Band members bowing with Will Gao and Olivia Hardy

“Impossible” is one of the closing numbers, and for a reason. More upbeat and jump-worthy, “impossible” is sung by Hardy, who dances across the stage, with piano from Gao, who at one point also stands up, adding to the exciting energy of the room. Towards the end of the song, Hardy has the pit “get low.” As I crouched down with the crowd, I held my breath for the final beat to drop. When it did, everyone jumped up and continued jumping ecstatically, joyously, harmoniously until the final notes faded. Bows were taken, final cheers were given, and the lights were turned on, signaling the end of yet another perfect night.