Wasia Project Releases New Single “Takes Me Back Home”
A Heartfelt Journey Through Belonging and Connection
The British musical duo Wasia Project, formed by siblings Will Gao and Olivia Hardy, has just released their new single “Takes Me Back Home.” This track marks the second release from their highly anticipated new EP, Isotope, which is set to drop on August 29th via AWAL.
A New Chapter for Wasia Project
Wasia Project describes “Takes Me Back Home” as a love song that delves into the feeling of safety and belonging that one finds with a significant other. The song also touches on broader themes of what it means to belong somewhere and the yearning to connect with others. This thematic depth is a hallmark of Wasia Project’s music, which blends classical training with contemporary pop sensibilities.
The release of “Takes Me Back Home” signals a new chapter for Wasia Project. Over the past five years, Will and Olivia have captivated audiences with their unique blend of jazz-pop, earning tens of millions of streams and securing support dates with artists like Laufey and Tom Odell. The forthcoming EP, Isotope, promises to further expand their horizons, pairing their genre-bending sound with an impressive audio-visual concept.
Lyrical Themes in “Takes Me Back Home”
Wasia Project’s new single “Takes Me Back Home” delves into the emotional landscape of love, safety, and belonging. The refrain captures the indescribable comfort of being with a loved one:
“I don’t know what it is
Something about this
Takes me back home
And makes me feel warm”
The verse adds depth, revealing vulnerability and a desire for connection:
“And I know
I can’t save him from the fire
But I’m cold
And I wanted more than ever”
The outro reflects on support and personal growth:
“And I don’t wanna ever have to change
’Cause you were always there when I was down
But looking back, I never had to stay
If I would only end up on the ground”
These themes make “Takes Me Back Home” a poignant and relatable track from Wasia Project’s upcoming EP, Isotope.
A New Chapter for Wasia Project
Wasia Project describes “Takes Me Back Home” as a love song that delves into the feeling of safety and belonging that one finds with a significant other. The song also touches on broader themes of what it means to belong somewhere and the yearning to connect with others. This thematic depth is a hallmark of Wasia Project’s music, which blends classical training with contemporary pop sensibilities.
The release of “Takes Me Back Home” signals a new chapter for Wasia Project. Over the past five years, Will and Olivia have captivated audiences with their unique blend of jazz-pop, earning tens of millions of streams and securing support dates with artists like Laufey and Tom Odell. The forthcoming EP, Isotope, promises to further expand their horizons, pairing their genre-bending sound with an impressive audio-visual concept.
Formed in 2019, Wasia Project’s music is influenced by their mixed British-Asian heritage. This global perspective allows them to meld styles and influences that transcend genre boundaries. In their songs, bedroom DIY aesthetics combine with classical intellect, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
Is This What Love Is?
In addition to “Takes Me Back Home,” Wasia Project has released several other singles that have further cemented their place in the music industry. Their recent single “Is This What Love Is?” introduced the duo’s next chapter, showcasing their continued evolution and musical maturity. This track set the stage for the themes explored in Isotope, blending introspective lyrics with their signature jazz-pop sound.
Another standout single is “ur so pretty,” which gained significant attention after being featured in the Netflix series “Heartstopper.” This romantic piano-led ballad demonstrated their ability to seamlessly blend jazz and pop elements, creating a track that resonates deeply with listeners.
Wasia Project’s versatility is further showcased in “Remember When,” a single that combines their classical training with modern pop sensibilities. The visual for this track, directed by Grace Pickering, adds an extra layer of artistic expression, highlighting the duo’s commitment to creating a comprehensive audio-visual experience.
A Journey Through The Musical Evolution
Wasia Project began their journey in 2019, when siblings Will Gao and Olivia Hardy decided to combine their musical talents. Olivia, a classically trained violinist, and Will, a classically trained pianist, brought their unique backgrounds together to form a distinctive sound. Their mixed heritage played a significant role in shaping their music, blending influences from both British and Asian cultures.
Their debut single, “Why Don’t U Love Me,” was released in 2019, showcasing their ability to merge alt-pop with jazz influences. This initial release set the stage for their future work, establishing them as a fresh and innovative presence in the music industry.
In 2022, they released their first EP, How Can I Pretend?, which further solidified their reputation. The EP featured tracks that highlighted their sophisticated musicality and emotional depth, resonating with a growing fanbase. Songs like “My Vine” and “Petals on the Moon” demonstrated their versatility and ability to craft memorable melodies.
Critical Acclaim and Media Presence
Wasia Project has garnered significant attention in the media, with features in NME, British Vogue, and Rolling Stone UK. They have been highlighted as “Ones To Watch for 2024” by Amazon Music and British GQ. The duo’s radio presence is equally impressive, with over 100+ radio plays across BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2.
Upcoming Performances
Fans of Wasia Project can look forward to seeing the duo perform live at various festivals and venues across Europe and North America in the coming months. Their tour dates include performances at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Gent Jazz Festival, and TRNSMT Festival, as well as support dates for Tom Odell and Mitski.
Tracklist for Isotope:
- Is This What Love Is?
- Takes Me Back Home
- Isotope (interlude)
- Somebody Come Through
- To Get Better
- Tell Me Lies (fin)
Wasia Project Live Dates:
- July 12: North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- July 13: Gent Jazz Festival, Ghent, Belgium
- July 14: TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow, UK
- July 19: Alexandra Palace, London, UK (Tom Odell support)
- August 16: Pukkelpop Festival, Belgium
- August 17: Winterthurer Festival, Switzerland
- August 18: All Points East Festival, London, UK (w/ Mitski)
- September 18: Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg
- September 26: Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
- September 28: All Things Go Festival
- September 30: Irving Plaza, New York, NY
- October 1: The Foundry, Philadelphia, PA
- October 3: The Atlantis, Washington, DC
- October 4: Irving Plaza, New York, NY
- October 5: Brighton Music Hall, Boston, MA
- October 7: The Opera House, Toronto, ON
- October 9: Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL
- October 10: 7th St. Entry, Minneapolis, MN
- October 12: Globe Hall, Denver, CO
- October 13: Soundwell, Salt Lake City, UT
- October 16: The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- October 17: The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- October 18: Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco, CA
- October 20: The Independent, San Francisco, CA
- November 3: Huxley’s Neue Welt, Berlin, Germany
- November 4: Stadthalle, Cologne, Germany
- November 6: La Botanique, Brussels, Belgium
- November 7: Bataclan, Paris, France
- November 8: Het Zonnehuis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
With “Takes Me Back Home,” Wasia Project continues to push the boundaries of their sound, delivering a track that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Be sure to check out their new single and mark your calendars for the release of Isotope on August 29th.
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