Art and music have long had an intimate relationship. Although each can be a masterpiece in its own right, the two just work better together. Couple Louise and Basson Laas embody this special connection. The artist and muso tell of how these two forms of art come together in perfect harmony.
When Louise and Basson Laas first met each other almost a decade ago, they had no idea they would spend the rest of their lives together. In fact, the saying ‘love is blind’ rings true for this couple on a whole new level.
“We met through our two best friends but didn’t think much of it, unaware to the fact that we were each other’s other half. Then, a few months later we were both at the same university social event, and because of load-shedding, we literally stumbled into one another in the dark.”
They had hit it off almost instantly, but Louise’s game of hard-to-get was on point. And so, it took a few Bravo’s pizzas and late-night red wine sessions on Basson’s commune roof before it sank in – they were in it for the long haul.
But, since they were still finding their feet as young adults after university – Basson as a high school assistant teacher and Louise an artist, graphic designer and later a small business owner – they only got hitched after spending way too much time apart during the Covid lockdown. In fact, this period in time made Basson realise many things. Firstly, that he needs to put a ring on it, which he did, and secondly, that life is too short to not chase his dreams.
While he enjoyed being a teacher and making a complicated subject as fun and interesting to a bunch of teenagers as possible, his heart has always been with making music.
“The first instrument I played as a youngster was the violin, followed by a few lessons in piano. I suppose it developed my ear and made playing guitar much easier by the time I was in high school. With a guitar, I could sing and take it with me on holidays and weekends away with friends. And so it wasn’t long before I started dabbling in writing my first few songs.”
Over the years he was part of a varsity serenade group, and later a three-man band, playing at all kinds of markets, bars and restaurants. “And what followed was years of making music on the side wherever someone or some venue would have me. In late 2021 it became apparent that this could be more than just a hobby and the next step was taking the risk of doing it full time.”
Go big or go home, right? Well, Basson certainly didn’t go home. In less than two years he’s already released his debut EP, graced some big stages like that of the Misty Waters Festival, and opened for some big names like Francois van Coke, Spoegwolf, Glaskas and Hunter Kennedy.
Today some of his biggest hits include Tightly Bound, Strangers, Guardian Angel and Tall. His genre? Think adult contemporary with a dash of alternative folk. Although the guitar is his main instrument, he also plays the drum kick and tambourine with his feet! Who says men can’t multitask?
A creative herself, Louise has had her hubby’s back since day one of this life-changing venture, saying, “I get to do what I love, so it was only fair that Basson got a shot at that. I think he has amazing talent so it wasn’t difficult to be supportive of it.”
While Basson strives to make the world a more beautiful place with his music, Louise does so with her art. Whether it’s a logo for a startup, a painting, or a mural in someone’s house, she just loves expressing herself through visual arts.
“It’s always something new, which is amazing. I get to meet lots of interesting people and learn something about many different industries. I often also have to look inward, because I read once you can only be original if you’re connected to yourself. And that’s exactly what I’ll always strive to be.”
And, since she’s able to work remotely, Louise loves travelling the country with her muso-hubby whenever possible. But if he’s away for a few days, she enjoys spending her time reading, painting, taking long bubble baths and catching up with friends and family.
When they’re at home together, they enjoy meaningful conversations, listening to good music and lazy Sundays. Because when it comes down to it, both of them just love getting lost in something creative for hours at a time. And getting to share their music and art and food with others is what it’s all about.
Details: Follow @BassonLaasmusic, @swaloudesign and @Louise_Laas_art on Insta
How would you describe your relationship dynamic?
Louise: We try to remind each other to not take life or each other too seriously, so there is a lot of silliness involved.
Basson: The core is always respect and love. We are on the same team fighting for the same thing.
What do you love most about one another?
Louise: I love Basson’s soft and honest nature. He is tough as nails, but he is always kind, humble and true. He will never say something he doesn’t mean and he is an amazing listener. I enjoy his silly moments. We have a poster in our house that I bought for Basson that says Balter (verb): to dance artlessly, without particular grace or skill, but with great joy and abandonment. Basson doesn’t dance often, but when he does this is how he dances, and I love it!
Basson: I love how Louise brought structure into my life and when I’m with her it feels like home. She’s sweet and kind and loved by her friends and is strikingly beautiful when she laughs or even just when her mouth cracks an honest smile. I enjoy the fact that we debrief in similar ways by taking life a little slower when we can. She also has the most beautiful hands I have ever seen.
How do you make your relationship as an ever-so-busy muso and artist work?
Louise: Basson sometimes needs time by himself after he’s been around lots of people, so I have to give him space, but it does us well to have that ebb and flow. After he has recharged his batteries he has so much more to give. There is security in marriage that makes you realise ‘it’s not all about me’ and you have to work together as a team.
Basson: Well, I made a choice. I’m choosing this life above many other opportunities that could have come to fruition if I pursued it correctly. But for most things in life, to achieve a goal or objective you sometimes have to give something else up. It’s a typical trade-off. I think the only way to make it work is to maintain a balance between work and our relationship and listen closely to each other’s desires, and learn to communicate them effectively.
Three important pillars of your relationship?
Louise: Honesty.
Basson: Good open conversations.
Louise: And love of course!
How do you spend your free time together?
Louise: Our free time together is usually in the week because Basson works on weekends, so even just catching up over dinner and a glass of wine or curling up on the couch is meaningful to us.
Basson: We love watching well-directed films and enjoying a good meal together.
Who cooks and who cleans?
Louise: I love cooking because it’s another creative outlet for me. Basson is the sous chef most of the time, but he makes amazing omelettes and curries. He does the dishes 99 percent of the time and I’m so grateful because I really don’t like doing it.
Basson: And I’m grateful because Louise cooks the most delicious food.
What motto do you live by?
Louise: Leave everyone you meet better than you found them.
Basson: Measure twice, cut once. Which just means plan carefully, and avoid a screw-up! I’ve adopted this piece of golden wisdom from my older brother.
Louise’s fave chilli sauce
Basson is always on the road and never goes anywhere without his hot sauce. It’s an addiction really. This amazing Jamie Oliver Recipe for chilli sauce – which I’ve tweaked a bit – is my ultimate go-to. But it’s not for the faint of heart, because your eyes will tear up when simmering the onions and chillies.
You’ll need: 4 onions; 4 cloves of garlic; 20 fresh mild red chillies; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp chilli powder; 1 can italian chopped tomatoes; 300 ml Apple cider vinegar; 80g brown sugar; 500 ml cloudy apple juice; 200 ml water; salt and pepper to taste.
To make: Chop the onions, garlic and de-stalked chillies either by hand or in a food processor. In a large casserole pan, on low heat, add the oil and then add the chopped mixture. Let it cook for about 10 min until soft, but not coloured.
Stir the chilli powder into the mixture and then add the chopped tomatoes, vinegar, apple juice and water. Add a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for 15 min stirring occasionally.
Carefully pour the mixture into a blender or use a handheld one to get it nice and silky. You can pour it through a sieve or leave it nice and chunky.
Divide between sterilised jars. It keeps for up to 6 weeks in a cool cupboard, once opened keep refrigerated. But be warned! Once you taste it, it won’t last long anyway!
5 Reasons you should take that leap of faith
Quitting your day job to pursue your dreams isn’t as easy as it might seem. However, what awaits you on the other side may just be worth the risk. Basson explains why you should consider following your passion.
- If you don’t try, you’ll never know for sure. Having a life where you always wonder how things could have been different is by far the worst thing I could think of. Besides, you get clarity quickly when you’re on the right track of what you’re meant to be doing.
- It’s freeing. With the wonder out of the way, you suddenly have a sense of purpose that is encouraging.
- It’s rewarding. I believe life rewards the brave and those who give up something in pursuit of the heart’s desires.
- Growth comes from being challenged. In order to grow, you must be willing to first leave your comfort zone.
- You get to inspire. In this rat race of a life, people are inspired by boldness and those who chase after their dreams.
Compiled by: ALANICKA LOTRIET.
