Wasia Project Deliver A Cinematic Collision of Classical Elegance and Modern Emotion in Leeds

Taking to the stage in Leeds, the London-based sibling duo, Wasia Project, delivered a performance that felt like stepping into an entirely different world; one filled with lush orchestration, haunting melodies, aching vocals and an intoxicating blend of classical influences and modern alternative pop.

Formed in 2019, Olivia Hardy and William Gao have steadily carved out a distinctive musical identity, drawing on their Chinese-British heritage and classical music backgrounds to create a sound that refuses to sit neatly within one genre. And live, that versatility becomes even more striking. Moving effortlessly between delicate, intimate moments and sweeping, dramatic arrangements, Wasia Project demonstrated just how much their sound has evolved.

Their latest musical chapter is their debut album, Nocturne, which embraces a darker, more maximalist direction. The earlier bedroom-pop innocence and jazz-inflected charm have given way to something more brooding and theatrical: dark-classical textures intertwined with electronic elements and fusion-pop sensibilities. Yet, beneath the grander production and cinematic ambition, the emotional heart of their music remains beautifully exposed.

Olivia’s vocals were a particular highlight, carrying an aching sincerity that made even the most expansive moments feel deeply personal. There was a beautiful contrast between the fragility of the quieter passages and the intensity of the bigger, more dramatic moments. William‘s musical presence added another dimension, bringing together the classical foundations and contemporary influences that make the duo’s sound so distinctive.

What makes Wasia Project particularly compelling is their ability to balance seemingly opposing worlds. There are moments that evoke the jazz-pop elegance of Laufey, the nostalgic warmth of beabadoobee and the theatrical emotional intensity of Mitski, but their identity remains entirely their own. Their music feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, intimate yet ambitious, delicate yet unapologetically bold.

Beyond the music itself, there is a genuine sense of musical connection at the centre of their artistry. Themes of youth, identity, belonging and human relationships run through their work, giving the performance an emotional depth that extends beyond simply delivering a set of songs.