Greatsouth on making music and what it really means to be a good Kiwi

Greatsouth, the musical project of Payton Taplin, has unveiled his third studio album, Hellhole of the Pacific, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The release, following a three-year creative journey, blends Māori heritage, traditional instruments, and alternative rock to challenge New Zealand's narrative around identity and storytelling. The album, which will soon accompany his first international tour in Australia, reflects Taplin’s deep connection to his roots and his evolving artistic vision. Taplin, 27, grew up in Papakura, south Auckland, with ancestral ties to Motuti in the Far North. His early exposure to music began in childhood, where he and his seven first cousins spent daily hours learning waiata tautoko, songs of support, from his grandmother. These sessions, conducted with a whiteboard and guitar, introduced him to a wide range of musical styles, including non-Māori songs like country tunes. This foundation laid the groundwork for his later exploration of diverse genres. His education took a turn when he attended Auckland Grammar, a prestigious school located near Maungawhau. As a student living at the InZone hostel, a program designed to support Māori students from outside the school’s catchment areas, Taplin formed bonds with manawhenua descendants, especially those from Ngāti Whātua. These relationships reshaped his understanding of Māori identity, demonstrating that cultural pride could coexist with personal expression and individuality. The Ngāti Whātua peers, known for their distinctive fashion sense and confidence, influenced Taplin’s approach to self-identity and authenticity. During his time at Auckland Grammar, Taplin became immersed in alternative and underground hip-hop scenes, drawing inspiration from artists such as Denzel Curry, Raider Klan, Spooky Black (Corbin), and Bobby Raps. These influences helped shape his sound, blending elements of hip-hop with the raw energy of alt rock. However, it was his experiences within the Ngāti Whātua community that profoundly impacted his worldview. Their unapologetic embrace of individuality and cultural pride resonated deeply with Taplin, reinforcing his belief in the importance of self-expression. In 2023, Taplin participated in the JBL Music Academy, a talent search and mentorship initiative, which further solidified his commitment to pursuing music professionally. The experience, particularly the enthusiastic response from fellow participants, reignited his passion for creating music that authentically represents his identity. This moment inspired him to fully commit to his craft, leading to the creation of Hellhole of the Pacific. The album, recorded and rehearsed at Aesium Music House in Grey Lynn, incorporates traditional Māori instruments, or taonga pūoro, alongside contemporary rock elements. This fusion reflects Taplin’s desire to honor his heritage while pushing artistic boundaries. The band, consisting of Rāhara Tito-Taylor on drums, Silas McClintock (Silas Futura) on taonga pūoro, Akshay Raju-Morrison on bass, and Matt Hunter (Kenny Sterling) on guitar, collaborates seamlessly to bring Taplin’s vision to life. As Greatsouth prepares for his first international tour in Australia, the project stands as a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for cultural reflection and personal growth. Through Hellhole of the Pacific, Taplin challenges listeners to reconsider the narratives that define New Zealand, offering a fresh perspective rooted in both tradition and innovation.