Heleina Zara is an emerging Filipina/Australian pop artist originally from Eora/Sydney and now based in Naarm/Melbourne. Her music is both carefully crafted and self-revealing, sounding like confessions carved into a tree, backed by acoustic chords and a synth track. Zara appeared on pop fans’ radars with her 2024 debut EP, Autopilot. After two years of studio sessions, touring with Hemlocke Springs and Umi, and, most importantly, simply living life, she returns with her most candid effort to date: Breaking Point. 

We caught up with Heleina Zara in the heart of Chinatown to talk about how her journey has led to artistic authorship and Breaking Point. Toward the end of our chat, we had the unfortunate duty of telling her that Emperor’s Garden has recently closed. Eyes watering, we shared memories over past Yumcha and custard puffs.

Thanks to Heleina Zara for taking the time to chat and the good people at Positive Feedback for making this happen. ‘Breaking Point’ is out Oct 16th (this Friday!). Make sure to check out across all good streaming platforms.