Local Singer-Songwriter Gina Zollman Talks Josie Award Nomination and New Album

Gina Zollman, a genre-blending vocalist, songwriter, and performer known for her soulful delivery and sharp wit, is making waves on the independent music scene. She has been nominated for a Josie Award for Vocalist of the Year in the Adult Contemporary category and recently released a new album titled Originals.

The Josie Awards, often compared to the Grammys for independent artists, recognize musicians who are not tied to major record labels. With nearly 86,000 submissions across a wide range of genres, Zollman says the nomination itself is a major honor. “If you are nominated for a Josie Award, it’s a big deal,” she explained.

Zollman began writing songs at just nine years old, inspired by parody writers like Alan Sherman, Tom Lehrer, and the Smothers Brothers. While she recorded a handful of songs over the years, it wasn’t until 2024 that she fully committed to producing her own album. Working with Kevin Fisher, a songwriter, producer, and musician, she recorded 17 songs, many drawn from her catalog of more than 70 originals.

“Mostly, I write the lyrics,” Zollman said. “Kevin did about 80% of the music, all the instruments, and some of the lyrics. We both did backup vocals. It’s a real collaboration.”

Locally, Zollman can often be found performing at The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City on Monday nights during Joel Baker’s open mic sessions. She frequently performs original material by request, including “P.O. Box 3,” a song about her small summer town near Vancouver, British Columbia. The song is gaining traction and will be played on Canadian radio starting September 18.

Her album Originals, along with her full catalog of 29 songs, is available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Fans can also find her music videos on YouTube or purchase CDs through her website, www.ginazolman.com, and in person at The Roost.

Zollman will attend the Josie Awards ceremony on November 2 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. “I think being nominated is a win,” she said. “That’s what they say.”

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