A Conversation with Basson Laas

The latest release from Basson Laas called ‘Worth Loving‘ is a song that encapsulates his infectious, feel-good musical style. Basson’s music resonates with audiences for its positive and motivational themes.

In this interview with SA Music & Entertainment Magazine, we explore ‘Worth Loving,’ discuss Basson’s experience as a live performer, and delve into the inspirations driving his music.

Stream ‘Worth Loving’ here 

Q: Thinking back to your earliest memories of music, how have those experiences shaped the way ‘Worth Loving’ and your other songs unfold emotionally and connect with listeners today?

Basson Laas: If I close my eyes, I can see my dad on a Sunday after church loudly playing his favourite classical music while turning the meat on the braai. We had music in the house most of the times, even if it was just from the permanently switched-on radio in his office. My ability to play the guitar and write songs came much later in my high school years. However, I think my love for folk and alternative music shaped my style tremendously and is still evolving as I grow into my career.

Q: In addition to music, you’re also passionate about inspiring others. How do you hope ‘Worth Loving’ will impact your listeners on a personal level?

Basson Laas: I trust that it’s an easy-listening song everyone can relate to and that it serves yet another building block to my future endeavours. If it inspires another person to pick up their musical talent and write something of their own, that would be such an honour for me. I’ve been inspired by so many great singer-song writers and bands to do exactly that. Other than that I hope any listener can be impacted by the lyrics and messages in my songs and have them feel good about life when they listen to it.

Q: If your music had the ability to teleport listeners to one place in the world, where would it take them and why?

Basson Laas: There’s this one place in Northwest, not far from Lichtenburg, called the Molopo Eye. It’s this beautiful spring in the middle of nowhere. My grandpa built a little family house there many years ago. It’s the most tranquil river I know with the greenest lawn in the reeds along the riverbank in the summer. My music sometimes takes me there, because it’s such a special place. It’s one of the few places I could sit and listen to the wind and breathe.

Q: The music video for “Worth Loving” takes a refreshing approach by focusing on the bond between a dog and its owner. What led to this creative choice, and how do you feel it enhances the song’s message of love and appreciation in unexpected ways?

Basson Laas: For this music video I asked Jannes de Villiers of Moving North Media to take charge of helping me create something own-able. We brainstormed a few options over a beer one day and he later came up with the idea. The lyrics had a good fit for that, as well. He knew just the perfect pair living in Cape Town (Marius Schoombie and Galadriel the dog) and luckily would soon have to fly down there for other work. Things were in motion.

I think there are many people who would be able to relate to the companionship, endless love and loyalty there are between us humans and dogs. We hope that it will strike a chord in any animal lover who sees it.

Q: Could you share a memorable moment or experience that directly inspired the creation of your songs like ‘Tightly Bound or ‘Worth Loving’?

Basson Laas: Sure. The first lyrics to Worth Loving were written in early 2011 when I was training to become a pilot at Wonderboom airport in Pretoria (Yes, I know I’ve explored a few different passions, up until now). I just remember I was sitting on the kitchen floor after a night out in Hatfield Square and writing ideas down as they came out of nowhere. A few days later I played it to my friend and co-pilot Pieter Theron who also played guitar, and he suggested a cooler hook riff to the intro and I loved it. I finished the song later that year thinking of a sweet girl I met. The song has changed over the years and morphed into what it sounds like today, but the essence remained the same and I’m glad I could share it with everyone now.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your plans, both in terms of new music releases and expanding your presence in the South African music scene? A little bird told us you may already have another single coming soon …

Basson Laas: Yes! If all goes well, another song will be coming your way in November of this year. It’s already recorded and mastered and just needs a music video idea to top the previous ones. But since I’m independent and don’t have any pressure from a label I generally plan to keep easing myself into this music career.

I would love to be able to release my first album by 2026. But such big project will have to be funded out of my pocket somehow. Perhaps I should consider a crowd-fund idea if at all worth it. But nonetheless, I trust the right things will happen, all in good time.

As our interview with Basson concludes, it’s clear that his music transcends mere entertainment, weaving together threads of rich emotion, and a touch of magic. ‘Worth Loving’ isn’t just a song; it’s a portal to a world where dogs can dance, and love speaks in melodies.

Basson’s journey from farm kid to musical storyteller reflects a path less travelled, where each note is a step towards a brighter, more harmonious universe. As we bid farewell, let us remember to embrace the unexpected, dance like no one’s watching, and always find joy in the music that makes life ‘Worth Loving’.

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