Māori artist Payton Taplin joined Vanessa Morris on Banksia to talk all about their musical project Greatsouth and the latest single Hellhole of the Pacific.

Payton explained the historical inspirations to the track Hellhole of the Pacific which interogrates national identity, colonial legacy and what it means to be a 'good Kiwi'.

He also spoke about creating traditional tāonga puoro (Māori instruments) which are used through the track, as well as how the project has allowed him to reach and connect with Indigneous people around the globe.

Based in Papakura, South Auckland, Aoetearoa, Greatsouth's sound blends indie rock, traditional tāonga puoro (Māori instruments) and the urban Māori experience, drawing influence from artists including King Stingray, Drifting Clouds, King Krule, The Beths and The Smiths, while remaining firmly rooted in te ao Māori.

Connect with Greatsouth here

Image credit: Geoffery Matautia

Tracks featured:

Greatsouth - Hellhole of the Pacific

Greatsouth - It's Getting Hotti (demo)