Spotlight: The Wasia Project

Although Will Gao is best known for his role as Tao Xu in Netflix’s popular coming-of-age series Heartstopper, his musical ambitions with his sister Olivia Hardy in the duo Wasia Project have been a long-term endeavor. Wasia Project, formed in 2019, carries a name that reflects their mixed western and Asian heritage. Their music blends classical training with modern influences such as Laufey-esque jazz and crooning indie-pop.

Their recent single, “Takes Me Back Home,” showcases an array of strings and Hardy’s haunting vocals, while their breakout track “Ur So Pretty,” featured on the Heartstopper soundtrack, uses classical piano minimalism to create an emotionally stirring piece.

The duo comprises Gao, who is 21, and Hardy, who is 19. Despite their young age, their music possesses a depth that suggests wisdom beyond their years. They turn to music to cope with the pressures of growing up in a social media-driven society.

“There’s always a bittersweet tinge of sadness and nostalgia with change,” Hardy recently told DIY magazine. Their upcoming second EP, Isotope, is set to release on 29 August, preceding a U.S. tour. This new work is rich in emotional and musical variety, from the dynamic instrumentation of “Is This What Love Is?” to the tender ballad “To Get Better,” led by Gao, and concluding with the grand old-Hollywood instrumental “Tell Me Lies.” It captures the essence of a duo of old souls navigating the complexities of the modern world.