Welcome to this interview with South African musician Basson Laas, where we delve deep into his musical journey and his latest release, 'Worth Loving.' Known for his distinctive blend of folk, pop, and alternative influences, Basson's music resonates with a unique charm that captivates audiences.

Your musical style is often described as a blend of folk, pop, and alternative genres. How did you arrive at this eclectic mix, and how does it manifest in 'Worth Loving'?

Basson Laas: "I think it’s still a process of discovery. Being independent, I have creative freedom and Werner Kahts from Good Morning Sweet Songbird Studios, who also produced my debut EP guides the process very well. I have a mixed taste in music and allow to see what comes to mind when sitting in his beautiful studio space."

'Worth Loving' features a heartfelt narrative and a unique music video depicting the bond between a dog and its owner. What was the inspiration behind this unconventional choice, and how does it reflect the song's themes?

Basson Laas: "Jannes de Villiers of Moving North Media who produced the music video to Worth Loving had the idea of showcasing this visual story instead of the typical boy meets girl approach to a love song. He knew just the combo (Galadriel the dog and Marius Schoombie her human) from Cape Town who would be a perfect fit. Their companionship shared a relation to some of the lyrics like it could be coming from a dog's perspective in a sense. A dog's loyalty never fails. To them, we are always worth loving."

As a musician who's often on the road, travelling from gig to gig, what's your favourite memory from a live performance, and how does that energy influence your music?

Basson Laas: "I got invited to play a show in Mareetsane a few months ago that was a special one. It’s a tiny town with little to no tar roads and I played at the local hotel. But it was such a vibe. It was one of my first ticketed events and to my surprise the people attended. Having so many locals come into town for a live performance of someone they’ve never even heard from before was a bit strange at first. However, it occurred to me that people from the “platteland” have FOMO when something exciting is happening in town and become curious. It was an intimate performance of storytelling and engagement, and it made me want more."

In an industry where streaming dominates and artists are increasingly reliant on touring and merchandise sales, how do you balance creative integrity with commercial demands?

Basson Laas: "I like this question because it’s something I’ve been thinking of this lately. Balance is key because the two desperately need each other. I don’t have any merchandise that I sell, but I live from performing live to be able to afford to fund my projects. But patience is a virtue, and you always reap what you sow. I imagine it can become taxing working on bigger projects than a single and having to commit to the income stream. Therefore, it serves me well that there is no pressure to be independent. It paces the growth to help me ease into it rapidly, keeping that balance."

As an independent artist, what do you consider essential for success in today's music landscape? How has your team supported your journey, and what roles do they play in your career?

Basson Laas: "I haven't been doing music full-time for too long yet, but I can already say that what could be essential is consistency. With that, a heck load of patience. I’m thankful for the team of people who have helped me achieve my endeavours so far. Without their support, it would be an uphill battle to build a career in music. From their belief in me to being an honest soundboard I can run thoughts by, to their knowledge of things I still must learn, it is an absolute game changer. But my biggest support is by far from my wife, Louise and the fact that she can most times be all the above, all at once."

As a musician, what format do you personally prefer for enjoying your music … whether it's the tactile experience of old-school CDs and vinyl or the convenience of digital platforms? How does your preferred format influence your creative process and connection with your audience?

Basson Laas: "I’ve lost touch with being old school and listening to CDs or tapes, although we do have a record player in the house where my wife and I often listen to old classics while sipping on a glass of red wine. But generally, Spotify is my go-to. To me it’s the best way to discover new music and musical influences that is on demand and always in reach. There is some extraordinary talent out there!"

Reflecting on your journey as a self-taught musician, what inspired you to pick up the guitar and start writing songs? How has your approach to songwriting evolved over time?

Basson Laas: "I love your line of questioning. I remember feeling the need to pick up a guitar for the first time in high school because playing the violin in an all-boys school felt like a difficult instrument to master. Guitar seemed much cooler and easier at the time. This was 2006 and somewhere in 2009 and felt the need to acquire my Croxley notebook to start writing my very first very cheesy songs in high school. I’ve been told that you need to write the lame ideas out to get to the better ones and so far, it's generally been my experience. That and the old spending the time to master your craft. But I’ve still got so much to learn and more evolving is constantly needed."

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your music career? How do you envision your sound evolving, and what can fans expect from your upcoming projects?

Basson Laas: "Well, we’ve been working on two singles in the studio for this year and after Worth Loving, Smile is soon to follow. It's planned for release in Nov of this year. What next year holds, even I have to wait and see, but I’m determined to see to it that I practice what I preach about patience and consistency in trying to build a full-time career in the music industry."

As we conclude our conversation with Basson Laas, it's evident that his musical journey is marked by innovation, heartfelt storytelling, and a commitment to artistic authenticity. 'Worth Loving' not only showcases his musical prowess but also sets a benchmark for emotional depth and creative exploration in the South African music scene. Keep an eye on Basson Laas as he continues to push boundaries and inspire with his compelling sound.

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