New Zealand Americana Artist Gina Malcolm Releases New Single From Her Debut Album First Rodeo

Following the release of her aptly titled debut album, First Rodeo, late in 2025, Gina Malcolm kicks off the new year with the release of the epic, near-eight-minute single ‘Tumblin’ In'. The song drifts and sways with a widescreen quality, pedal steel adding emotional weight to the lyrics that speak of loneliness, love, and relationships, and inviting someone to open up and let you in. From the opening line - “the snow on the side of the road, don’t look so pretty now”, you know you’re going to embark on a journey with 'Tumblin’ In'.

"I love this song with its laid-back groove and nostalgic feel," enthuses Gina. "Have you ever watched someone turn their back and walk away from you? That’s the feeling this song evokes— before it introduces hope that one day, that person will return. The twin guitar break with Elmore Jones and Matt Joe Gow is epic! And Tess Liataud’s backing vocals are just gorgeous."

In his review of First Rodeo, Rhythms magazine writer Trevor J. Leeden said, "Malcolm is a fine songwriter, eclectic in both sound and subject matter... 'Tumblin' In' may be the album's best as Malcolm settles into an extended laid-back groove."

Americana UK's Andy Short said, "'Tumblin' In’ is a marvellous seven minutes fifty-five seconds of swaggering americana with a guitar interlude that is laid back and terrific. You can see this one becoming a live favourite."

Since it's release, songs from First Rodeo have been played on Australia and New Zealand radio, as well as internationally on shows such as the International Americana Music Show– broadcast on more than 50 American public radio stations and on various global, online radio stations. The album has received strong reviews in Rhythms magazine, The Listener magazine, Country Music News International, and Americana UK.

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 90s, 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 20s.

A collaboration with Arrowtown’s respected alt-country artist Tom Maxwell led to a recording studio session at Sublime in Waitaki. Tom’s band Killergrams played on five new songs and Malcolm was hooked.

A willing collaborator, Gina drew on the experience of musician and producer Matt Joe Gow and pulled artists such as Adam Hattaway and his band The Haunters into her orbit, bringing her songs to life through their inspired direction and playing. Songwriting often involved long-distance calls, emails, and sharing of demos, yet the range of contributors and the way the album came together worked perfectly. Such is the sonic cohesiveness and overarching atmosphere of the record.

"It’s been a journey, but one of the best times of my life," Gina says of the writing and recording process. "This is a very different Leanne Malcolm who used to read the news. I like being Gina, as it indicates my life has shifted in radical ways, and I’m not a one-trick pony. It's taken courage to put myself out there, but life is all about courage, especially when you're engaging your passion. It's always been all about the music. I live for it."

© Scoop Media