Basson Laas is forging his own path in the indie music scene. He’s the self-reliant artist who quit teaching to release his music independently, producing his debut EP and singles without a big label’s backing. His approach shows in his folk-pop sound and do-it-yourself ethos. His latest song and video are called ’Smile’, and in this chat with Underground Press, Basson talks about the challenges and rewards of being an indie artist, the story behind ’Smile’, and how he’s keeping his music authentic.

When you listen back to your own recording of ‘Smile’, what emotions bubble up for you personally, and does it feel different each time you hear it?

I love this song, and I’m so glad I am finally able to share it with everyone. It makes me happy, especially the final climactic chorus section at the end. It serves as a reminder that I should lift my chin when the going gets tough, and that I have the means to be in charge of my emotions and my destiny. Having a smile on my face is also contagious to others.

Can you share a moment during the writing or recording of ‘Smile’ when you felt particularly vulnerable or proud, and how that moment influenced the final track?

It is a small thing, but there is a short vocal part between the transition from the third verse to the instrumental chorus that I was indecisive about including. It felt like a bold move, something slightly out of my comfort zone and potentially out of character for me. I am glad we kept it, and I now feel proud for trusting that the song was as it should be.

If you could dedicate ‘Smile’ to one person in your life who has inspired you to keep going during tough times, who would it be and why?

I would dedicate this song to my mother, who used to tell me and my siblings, “be positive, think positive and act positive” and that “if you worry, you’ll die; if you don’t worry, you’ll also die; so why worry?”. She has been a pillar to lean on and a shoulder to cry on through all the different paths I’ve taken, and for that I am truly thankful.

You chose to stay independent instead. What drove that decision, and what does independence mean to you as an artist?

I have not yet had an offer from a record label, and I believe I still have much to learn and room to grow. Independence, for now, is the freedom to learn the workings of the industry gradually, free from the pressures of significant contracts or losing ownership of my intellectual property. It also means humble beginnings and the satisfaction of taking the first steps towards this dream.

The ‘Smile’ video has a very cinematic feel. How did you come up with the concept, and what was the shoot like?

If you enjoy people‑watching as much as I do, you know the pleasure of observing all the interesting faces passing by - hopefully with sunglasses on, so you don’t seem strange! I noticed from my previous videos that the average watch time was just over 50 per cent, with most viewers dropping off around the halfway mark. I wanted to experiment by featuring a variety of friendly faces, giving viewers the chance to watch strangers reacting to the song’s emotions, in the hope of retaining attention. It was a fun, straightforward shoot, and I trust it will achieve its purpose.

You wear many hats in your career. If you had to pick one “hat” or role that defines you most in your music journey, which would it be?

That is tricky! It would have to be original songwriting and live performance with the full band, which delivers that rich, full sound. I hope that one day this will be what defines me.

Looking back so far, is there a moment or gig that made you feel like your grind is really paying off?

Last year, on our December tour to the Western Cape, the first gig at the Aasvoel Club in Bloemfontein was spectacular. It was the first show I organised and sold tickets for, and around 40 to 50 people attended. On that stage with the full band, it felt like choosing music as a career was the right choice.

In an age where TikTok challenges and short‑form video can launch a song overnight, how do you view leveraging social media to help ‘Smile’ reach listeners in new and unexpected ways?

I downloaded TikTok but could not find the appeal, so I have stuck to Instagram and Facebook. All these platforms are evolving into ways of delivering entertainment to a handheld screen. Some content seems a bit silly, others a little cringe. It is not really in my personality, and I have not found an approach that works for me.

Is there a particular piece of equipment (guitar, mic, software) that you rely on heavily when recording or performing?

My Ibanez semi‑hollow‑body guitar has been integral to the tone of most of my releases so far, and it is my favourite to perform with. Combined with Pro Tools software, you can create almost any sound you can imagine.

The message of ‘Smile’ is very positive. Why do you think it’s important for artists to spread uplifting messages in their music?

It is essential for artists to express what is in their hearts. The best art is not always uplifting, but a song that can uplift, connect and encourage is special, and the world needs more of those right now.

Any final thoughts you’d like to leave listeners with as they experience ‘Smile’ for the first time?

I hope that whoever hears it resonates with it, even if it is just one lyric, and carries it with them for that rainy day.

Basson Laas proves that passion and creativity can shine even without big budgets. His new single ’Smile’ embodies that spirit. Check out the song and video, support this indie artist, and keep spreading the good vibes. ‘Smile’ available on all major streaming platforms and accompanied by a cinematic video from Friday 25 July

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