Newcomer Heleina Zara is introducing herself in the boldest way possible. 2023 has already seen her support Peach PRC and Jack Gray on their respective headline tours, and she announced her signing to Island Records Australia with lead singles “Cardboard” and “Alphabet Soup”. But now she’s turned it up a notch with her strongest release yet, “Convenience Store”, which is bound to remain on loop in your head after the very first listen. 

“Convenience Store” explores the unfair power play that occurs in toxic relationships/situationships where someone only shows interest when it’s convenient for them. They give the other person breadcrumbs to keep stringing them along and then will love-bomb and show them attention to then just all-of-a-sudden go back to giving them breadcrumbs. It’s a confusing state of mind to be stuck in with someone, as you never really know where you stand. Heleina compares this situation to feeling like you are a convenience store, and I’ve never heard someone use that analogy before, but it’s honestly so true and exactly how it feels. “I’m no convenience store. Hit me up when you’re bored? 24-7-365 oh sure” she sings during the chorus. The song hears her coming to the realisation and finding the confidence to say that she deserves more. “Cause time is cheap, but only if it’s mine. And you want everything, but only at your price” she honestly sings before quipping “But you’re cheapest, you act the meanest. And then the sweetest when it’s convenient”. 

Finding a liberating spin, the song captures the confidence of standing up for yourself and putting yourself first, and the production from The Beamish Brothers reflects that. Giving a pure-pop punch of guitars, pop beats and synths she brings listeners into that state of mind. With a “Barracuda” inspired guitar riff, and production quirks like the sound of a supermarket scanner, the song also contains little moments of nostalgia and familiarity which helps lift it. 

The earworm hook will live in your mind rent free after the first listen, and if you’ve ever felt like a convenience store before then this song will ultimately become your new personality trait.