Gina Malcolm Releases New Song “Travellin’ Heart”
In recent years, Leanne Malcolm, well-known as a radio and television journalist in New Zealand and the former presenter of TV3’s Nightline in the 90s, has undergone a significant career transition. Adopting the moniker Gina Malcolm (her middle name) in the music industry, she has ventured into the realm of alt-country and Americana with her latest release, “Travellin’ Heart.”
Embracing her long-standing dream that originated in her 20s, Malcolm has been actively recording and sharing her original music under her new artist identity. Her musical journey has been marked by a continuous stream of single releases, including the double A-side single earlier this year, featuring “Temptress” and “Knee Deep,” which showcase a raw and rocking vibe intertwined with moody psychedelic noir elements.
Produced by critically acclaimed songwriter Matt Joe Gow, “Travellin’ Heart” exudes a nostalgic and retro essence reminiscent of iconic artists like Van Morrison, exuding classic Americana melancholy. The song’s instrumentation is striking in its minimal yet expressive approach, with Ryan Luckman’s emotive violin intricately weaving through Malcolm’s reflections on emotional yearning and wistful romance. Despite its subdued demeanor, the song possesses a soul-stirring quality, highlighting rich soundscapes and a captivating hook that leaves a lasting impact akin to a poignant farewell.
The allure of “Travellin’ Heart” lies in its intimate ambiance, evoking the essence of a late-night studio improvisation session. Each instrument breathes life into the composition – from Matt’s mesmerizing Telecaster guitar hooks to Elmore Jones’ rhythmic country patterns and Rob P Murphy’s resonant bassline, collectively forming a harmonious backdrop to Malcolm’s heartfelt musings.
Reflecting on the song’s inception, Malcolm reveals, “I’d been wanting to write a pure country song for some time, and had written some early lyrics about holding on tight against a biting wind… a song about emptiness, loneliness, and restlessness. When Matt sent me a beautiful guitar melody, I adapted the words slightly and began crafting ’Travellin’ Heart’. We worked together on it, and everything came together quickly. We both realized we had a really strong song!”
With music deeply entrenched in her life since childhood – having acquired her first guitar at the age of 11 and being influenced by her mother’s love for country music and her father’s affinity for rock ‘n’ roll and blues – Malcolm’s journey as a musician gained momentum during the pandemic. Collaborating with revered alt country artist Tom Maxwell led her to a transformative recording studio session at Sublime in Waitaki, where Tom’s band Killergrams contributed to the creation of five new songs, solidifying Malcolm’s passion for music.
Malcolm’s singles, including ‘Don’t Expect The World’, ‘Crushing’ and ‘Shadows’, have garnered widespread acclaim, securing airplay on various platforms such as RNZ’s Music 101. Notably, the music video for ‘Don’t Expect The World’ received the Aotearoa Web Fest Best NZ Music Video award. Her evolution as a musician was spotlighted in a 2023 NZ Herald Canvas feature, while her homage to country themes in ‘In The Night’ was featured on TVNZ’s current affairs show 7 Sharp.
For Malcolm, songwriting serves as a form of catharsis and emotional release, weaving together themes of pain, melancholy, and introspection. “I hope to be an inspiration for other older women who are seeking their true purpose,” Malcolm shares, reflecting on her decision to pursue a music career later in life. “Generally, music and the arts are timeless.”
Embrace the evocative storytelling of “Travellin’ Heart” available now on Bandcamp and streaming platforms, delving into the soulful nuances of Gina Malcolm’s alt-country and Americana soundscapes.