ABOUT
Toronto-based indie-folk duo, Basset, are full of timeless heart. Acoustic songwriters Sam Clark and Yasmine Shelton will take you through city streets in the hours before the world has woken, or to a corrugated steel home north of the treeline.
Basset bring a deep love of the natural world to their gorgeously meditative and critically acclaimed debut album, In The Clay (September 2022). Produced by Joshua Van Tassel (Sarah Slean, David Myles), the ten songs on In The Clay explore various themes of life in change, Shelton and Clark’s travels around Northern Ontario, the Canadian and American prairies, their lives in Toronto, and the many characters who have crossed their paths. With comparisons to The Milk Carton Kids, Hozier, and Bon Iver, their inventiveness shines on fiddle and with intricate harmonies, with Shelton and Clark’s voices wrapping around each other like twin flames in a warm fire.
In 2022, Basset performed at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, NXNE, Folk Music Ontario, NERFA, Folk Alliance, and opened for musicians Ahi, and the Strumbellas, in addition to a 15-date Canadian East coast tour. In 2021 they performed at Boston-based Club Passim’s virtual Campfire Festival, as well as the Honey Jam developing artist showcase (Nelly Furtado, Jully Black, Haviah Mighty) in Toronto.
Press Quotes:
"If you’re a lover of like great close harmonies, like Simon and Garfunkel, or Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, I think you’re going to love this."
- Q with Tom Power, CBC Radio
"A really impressive début album."
-International Americana Music Show
"The folk harmonies, though, are what really won my heart over with this song. The duo remind me a little of the Milk Carton Kids blended with a Rawling Welch style as well. It's an outstanding sound [...] Close your eyes and listen; I bet these harmonies will give you chills." - Ear to the Ground
"What I love about Basset is that with each song they release we are guaranteed to listen to dreamy harmonies packed with raw emotion, instantly connecting the listeners to their storytelling. [...] lush, acoustic guitar riffs, subtle bass and their stunning vocals & harmonies that together create such a heartwarming and soothing touch perfect for an introspective, relaxing day at home alone." - Caesar Live N Loud
"Uma épica jornada Sonora, te aguarda nas notas dessa doce canção, que embalará seus sentidos e trará uma pitada de nostalgia. Tudo muito simples e bom, como uma agradável tarde de sol no campo, aonde a paz reina e boa comida completa o quadro… desenhe essa sensação em sua mente, aperte o play." An epic sound journey awaits you in the notes of this sweet song, which will lull your senses and bring a hint of nostalgia. All very simple and good, like a pleasant sunny afternoon in the countryside, where peace reigns and good food completes the picture… draw that feeling in your mind, press play. - Roadie Music
"Expressive and raw performance from Basset." - Glide Mag