Malcom Todd’s new single “Chest Pain (I Love)” takes Philippines and Southeast Asia by storm

Indie rising star Malcolm Todd continues to make waves across Southeast Asia with the release of his emotive new single “Chest Pain (I Love)” via Columbia Records.

The alt-pop newcomer’s buzzy track has captured the attention of audiences worldwide, particularly in TikTok, where its popularity skyrocketed—thanks to global content creators like Nara Smith. As of now, the song has already amassed more than 1.3 million TikTok creates, with the Philippines and Indonesia seeing the highest engagement levels.

Already making an impact on streaming platforms, “Chest Pain (I Love)” has held strong on multiple Spotify viral charts in Southeast Asia for more than 20 days. The track peaked at No. 2 in the Philippines, No. 9 in Singapore, No. 9 in Malaysia, No. 15 in Indonesia, No. 26 in Thailand, and No. 32 in Vietnam, cementing Todd’s growing impact in the region.

A striking blend of vulnerability and groove, “Chest Pain” dives into the emotional rollercoaster of love and heartbreak, encapsulating the visceral ache of longing and connection.

Produced by Malcolm and his bandmate Jonah Cochran (The Bluebell Smile, Luke Shelton, Simon Doyle), along with frequent collaborator Charlie Ziman, “Chest Pain” reflects the emotional push-and-pull of love. “It’s about that bittersweet feeling of losing someone who still lingers in your heart,” Malcolm shares. “I wanted the production to mirror that — smooth yet piercing, like love itself.”

Co-signed by ScHoolBoy Q, Malcolm has already made a major mark last year with his first sold-out North American headline tour, along with sharing stages with Omar Apollo, and wowing crowds at the Hollywood Bowl in LA, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. 

This release follows the success of “Comfort Me” — which Atwood Magazine hailed as “an entirely new musical wave” — and his latest project, Two New Malcolm Todd Songs, featuring fan-favorite “You Owe Me,” and the quirky “Cute Shirt (Interlude).”

With over 185 million total streams and counting, Malcolm Todd is steadily rising in the music scene and his groove-heavy blend of alternative R&B, pop, and indie styles is winning over fans and generating excitement for what lies ahead.