July 29, 2025Interviews, Local Artists, New Music Video, New Single Comments (0)

BASSON LAAS – ‘SMILE’ SINGLE INTERVIEW

Giving Fans a Reason to ‘Smile’ – Basson Laas Talks New Single and Video ‘Smile’ and More

Basson Laas has been winning hearts across South Africa with his earnest songwriting and
warm folk-pop style. After turning his passion into a career by leaving his teaching job, he’s
been building a loyal following through intimate live shows and the release of his debut EP
‘Good Morning Dreamer’. Now fans have even more to look forward to, as Basson’s new
single ’Smile’ and video is available 25 July. We chatted with Basson to hear about what
makes his music connect with fans, the story behind ’Smile’, and some fun moments from
his journey so far.

Q: Your fans loved ’Worth Loving’. How have they been reacting to the news about ’Smile’
so far? What are they most excited about?

Basson Laas: Hopefully, most are excited that there is something new to add to their library,
given that they have enjoyed my previous releases so far. ‘Smile’ is the sixth release since I

started out a little over three years ago, and I hope to build on the momentum from the last
one.

Q: What was the spark behind ‘Smile’? Was there a particular moment or event that inspired
the uplifting vibe of the song?

Basson Laas: Not necessarily, but I remember writing ‘Smile’ when I was dealing with a lot
of doubt and questions of meaning at the time and had already experienced many moments
of disconnection. I knew that I was not the only one feeling this way and thought that the
message of ‘Smile’ could resonate with others.

Q: You often blend folk and pop in your music. Which artists or recent songs have influenced
you lately, and can listeners hear any of those influences in ‘Smile’?

Basson Laas: The simple chord progression at the beginning was initially inspired by a
chilled Linkin Park song called ‘The Messenger’ from their album A Thousand Suns. I loved
the stripped‑down quality of the acoustic accompaniment paired with a strong emotional
lyric. That was just at the very start, and ‘Smile’ ended up going in a totally different direction
with the semi‑hollow body that is more influenced by a Lumineers‑style tone. However, there
are many influences one can draw from it, making it hard to name just a few.

Q: Does the ‘Smile’ music video have some great behind‑the‑scenes stories? Can you share
a highlight from the video shoot, maybe something unexpected or fun that happened on set?

Basson Laas: Well, perhaps the fact that we had a list of only ten people cast as characters
for the day, when four more Yes Men and Women joined on the day to add even more faces
to the story. I think everyone can say they had a moment of fun, artlessly dancing in front of
a camera, full of abandon, especially when we had them dance to their favourite song first to
break the ice.

Q: Performing live is a big part of your career. If you could debut ‘Smile’ on any famous
stage in the world, where would it be and why?

Basson Laas: Glastonbury, because, well, you know why.

Q: Your music tends to feel personal to your listeners. What do you hope someone who is
going through a tough time feels when they hear ‘Smile’?

Basson Laas: I hope that people might have a sense of hope and relief surrounding the
perceived struggles of their world and, by using a smile, help themselves and the people
around them to lighten up and keep on showing up.

Q: On a lighter note, if ‘Smile’ had its own mascot or symbol, what do you imagine it would
be? Something fun for the fans, of course!

Basson Laas: I would say a little porcupine. I have never seen the face of a little porcupine
and not felt all smiling and happy.

Q: What’s your favourite song to perform live, and have you started including ‘Smile’ in your
setlist yet? How do audiences react?

Basson Laas: I have been adding ‘Smile’ to my playlist for a while now, except when playing
full‑band shows, where, if you have a 45‑minute set, you play the songs that are already
released, accompanied by some favourite cover songs. One of my favourite original songs
to play live is ‘Strangers’ from my debut EP, ‘Good Morning Dreamer’. I just love the rapid
buildup to the instrumental.

Q: When you’re on tour or away from home, how do you keep your spirits up and stay
connected to what makes you happy?

Basson Laas: I roll my windows down and play the music loud, breathing deeply. I make
sure to get enough rest between performances and try to value each performance moment
so that I can remember it forever, because there is no time like the present.

Q: Finally, what should fans expect next from Basson Laas after ‘Smile’? Do you have any
hints about new music or upcoming gigs?

Basson Laas: I would love to record an album next or, at the very least, another EP. The
songs are already there; it is just a matter of resources. For that, I must keep showing up at
gigs and connecting with audiences all over. And we all must be patient for the right
moment. But it will not be long.

Basson Laas’s new single ’Smile’ is ready to bring even more joy to fans. Be sure to check
out the video and stream the song, so turn up the volume and share the positivity with your
community!

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Basson Laas Bio

Basson Laas hails from a farm in South Africa, where a playful and imaginative childhood
laid the foundations for his musical journey. A self‑taught guitarist, he penned his first
compositions at just seventeen. Although his twenties were largely devoted to exploring
diverse interests, he ultimately embraced his passion for music and embarked on a solo
career as an independent artist without the support of a record label.

In mid‑2022, Basson committed to performing full time in bars and restaurants, spending his
inaugural year on the live circuit refining his craft. This period culminated in the recording of
his debut EP, ‘Good Morning Dreamer’, released in August 2023. The collection introduced
audiences to his first single, ‘Tightly Bound’, and showcased his talent for heartfelt
songwriting.

Building on this momentum, July 2024 saw the release of Basson’s single and video, ‘Worth
Loving’. The track captures a moment when someone feels overlooked or unloved by their
peers, unfolding into an honest, two‑way conversation that clears the air and celebrates the
exhilaration of new affection. The accompanying video opted to illustrate the warmth of
companionship through the bond between a dog and its owner, featuring Marius and his
devoted canine, Galadriel.

On 25 July 2025, Basson Laas will unveil his latest single and video, ‘Smile’. Inspired by
Linkin Park’s ‘The Messenger’ from their 2010 album ‘A Thousand Suns’, he sought to
emulate its acoustic clarity and emotive resonance while allowing the song to evolve.
Reflecting on the track, Basson explains: “Someone once told me that smiling can influence
your emotions – often summarised as ‘fake it ’til you feel it’. Whether the science holds true
or not, I’ve found that forcing a grin lifts the spirits when times are tough. ‘Smile’ explores
this idea against the backdrop of an ‘unknown valley’, where individuals appear burdened by
life and deprived of joy. Yet, through emotional openness and shared stories, the song
delivers a message of hope and solidarity.”

Musically, Basson blends adult contemporary sensibilities with folk‑pop and a hint of
alternative edge. He has supported several established artists as an opening act and is
currently assembling a full band to showcase his repertoire at forthcoming South African
festivals.

Reflecting on his rapid progression, Basson notes: “Since mid‑2022, I’ve learnt invaluable
lessons with each musical release. My ambition is for ‘Smile’ to reach new listeners who
connect both visually and lyrically. As an independent artist, consistency is key – releasing
fresh material keeps live opportunities flowing and fuels my passion for performance. Above
all, I hope to collaborate with like‑minded creatives and continue touching audiences with
music that resonates.”

#BassonLaas #Smile #NewMusic #IndieMusic #SingerSongwriter #Acoustic #FolkPop

#SouthAfricanMusic #Devographic #DevographicMusicAgency

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