Gina Zollman: "Originals" Marks a Bold New Chapter

Gina Zollman isn’t the type of artist who blends into the background. With the release of her new full-length album Originals and her nomination for Vocalist of the Year (Adult Contemporary) at the 2025 Josie Music Awards, Zollman is carving out a lane all her own—one built on authenticity, vocal power, and songs that don’t just play in the background, but stay with you long after they’ve ended.

A collection straight from the heart

Originals, released on March 21, 2025 through Tribeca Records, is Zollman’s most ambitious project yet. Seventeen tracks deep, it’s a body of work that reflects who she is right now: a singer, songwriter, and storyteller determined to put her truth into the world. Many of the songs are written or co-written by Zollman herself, with songwriter Kevin Fisher stepping in as a frequent collaborator.

The sound is hard to pin down in the best way. It’s adult contemporary at its core but slips easily into jazz-pop, folk, and even a touch of rock. It’s eclectic without ever feeling unfocused. Songs like Any Road You Choose and Heartbreak Highway capture a restless spirit, while PO Box 3 and Garden Grove, California bring warmth and intimacy. Critics have singled out her track Where I Begin as an emotional centerpiece, a song that feels like Zollman putting her entire life story into three and a half minutes.

What ties it all together is her voice. There’s a warmth there, but also authority—like she’s earned every note through lived experience. Listeners and critics alike have noticed that Originals feels less like a debut of new songs and more like the culmination of a lifetime’s worth of stories finally finding the right vehicle.

Recognition from the Josies

Timing couldn’t be better for her recognition at the 2025 Josie Music Awards, the largest independent music awards show in the world. Zollman is nominated for Vocalist of the Year (Adult Contemporary), an honor that puts her alongside some of the most respected voices in indie music.

The Josies matter because they shine a spotlight on the artists who often get overlooked in the mainstream machine. A nomination alone signals that Zollman isn’t just another local talent trying her hand at recording—she’s part of a national conversation about artistry and voice. For her, this nod feels like both validation and fuel.

From Wall Street to the stage

Zollman’s story isn’t a typical one. Before chasing music full-time, she worked as a stockbroker. That background makes her pivot to cabaret and jazz all the more striking. While many artists start out chasing the spotlight in their teens, Zollman brought with her a life already full of experience, risk, and reinvention.

She cut her teeth in intimate cabaret settings, where connection with the audience is everything. Those shows taught her how to blend storytelling with performance—something that carries over into Originals. She’s not just singing songs; she’s letting you into her world.

Her earlier recordings leaned more toward jazz standards and interpretations, but this new album signals a shift. Zollman is stepping forward as a songwriter in her own right, taking ownership of her voice and the stories she wants to tell.

Building momentum

The release of Originals isn’t just an album drop—it’s a turning point. Zollman has been steadily building her reputation with live shows and previous singles, but this feels different. It’s a statement of purpose, the kind of record that says: I’m here, I’ve got something to say, and you’re going to hear it.

With the Josie nomination amplifying her reach, Zollman is in a prime position to grow beyond her current circles. More collaborations, bigger shows, and new audiences are all on the horizon. Yet what’s most exciting is that she doesn’t seem interested in chasing trends. She’s building something sustainable, rooted in honesty and craft.

The next chapter

Win or lose at the Josies, Gina Zollman has already scored a victory. Originals proves she’s more than a capable vocalist—she’s an artist with her own identity, one who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with anyone in the genre. For fans, the album offers an authentic, deeply personal listening experience. For Zollman, it’s the start of her most exciting chapter yet.

At this point, her career feels less like a gamble and more like a sure bet: Gina Zollman is here to stay, and Originals is just the beginning.