Gina Malcolm releases new single ‘Travellin’ Heart’
Leanne Malcolm has changed her tune in recent years. Known across New Zealand as a radio and television journalist and as the presenter of TV3’s Nightline in the 90’s, she has had a radical shift in career since 2021.
Under her artist name Gina Malcolm (Leanne’s middle name) she’s been recording and releasing original music, fulfilling a dream that started in her 20’s.
Continuing a prolific run of single releases, earlier this year Malcolm released the double A-side single of the raw and rocking Temptress and the moody psychedelic noir of Knee Deep.
Now comes the pure alt-country and Americana sound of Travellin’ Heart.
Produced by award-winning songwriter Matt Joe Gow, the song has an evocative and retro feel – reminiscent of Van Morrison with a classic Americana melancholy. The instrumentation is minimal but expressive, with Ryan Luckman’s beautifully melodic violin adding a poignant weight to Malcolm’s musings on emotional longing and nostalgic romance. The song creates a soulful atmosphere without ever raising its voice, just honest craft, rich sound, and a hook that lingers like a long goodbye.
The intimacy of Travellin’ Heart creates the vibe of a late-night studio session. Each instrument is allowed to breathe – Matt’s incredible Telecaster guitar hook, drummer Elmore Jones’ country groove and Rob P Murphy’s rolling bass line.
“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,” says Malcolm.
“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 realised we had a really strong song!”
