At the height of a busy career, stress is an inevitable companion for many artists.
But for singer and rising star Jarren Garcia, managing pressure is all about simple yet meaningful practices—leaning on his faith, losing himself in music, and finding peace in quiet moments.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during The JBL Experience held on May 28, 2025, at Hydro Superclub, Jarren talked about how he handles overwhelming moments, what music means to him beyond entertainment, and which songs reflect his evolving journey.
FINDING CALM THROUGH FAITH
When asked about how he copes with the stress of a demanding schedule, Jarren’s answer revealed the depth of his spirituality
He said: "I'd say when things get overwhelming, all you really need is a relaxing night and a talk with God. For me, that's what gets rid of all my anxiety, all my stress. As long as you lift up your worries to God, He's got you."
MUSIC AS THERAPY AND ESCAPE
He also sees music not just as a profession, but also his therapy.
Jarren explained: "I'd say music is definitely an escape from stressful moments because there's so many different songs that makes you feel so many different types of ways.
"And there's even other songs which are nostalgic and helps you remember old previous and beautiful memories.
"So, I'd say music is definitely a way for me to escape from stress a lot."
Interestingly, despite being a musician, Jarren prefers a more intimate listening experience over loud, party-like settings.
When asked if he is the "dance-on-the-table-at-the-party" type or the "chill-at-home-with-speakers" kind, he replied, "I am a very chill-at-home-with-the-speakers type of guy.
"Many people actually do not know, but I'm not a very big fan of loud music and loud sounds. I would pick something super chill, intimate, maybe even at home over going out partying."
This preference further shows his inclination towards calmness and genuine connection rather than the high-energy chaos that often comes with public social events.
THE SOUNDTRACK OF JARREN'S LIFE
What's his preferred music genre?
He replied, "I'd say I definitely have to be a mix of R&B, soul, and neo-soul because it's a music that I grew up singing and listening to."
But being a musician, the newbie said, goes beyond the sound and voice.
"I got inspirations not only from music, but I got inspirations from the artists who make the music with the sense of fashion and the way they carry themselves."
When asked about the current soundtrack of his life, Jarren answered "Night Changes," a song he often performs and relates to deeply.
"Whenever I sing this at an out-of-town show, I'll always mention how this song means a lot to me because it explains my life and my journey right now, and it just portrays the feeling of how your life can change basically overnight because that's what happened to me when I joined PBB."
Indeed, joining Pinoy Big Brother was a turning point for Jarren.
The song "Night Changes" metaphorically captures the sudden shifts and evolving nature of his journey.
Further reflecting on his state of growth and transformation, Jarren thoughtfully selected another track from his playlist.
He said: "A song that describes my life right now? I'd say, this one song called 'Transform' by Daniel Caesar and Charlotte Day Wilson.
"I'd say 'Transform' because I feel like I'm becoming a new person every day with all the things I've been experiencing, with the jobs and yeah."
Overall, Jarren’s coping mechanisms underscore that dealing with stress doesn’t require extravagant escapes or constant distractions.
Instead, grounding yourself in faith, leaning on music as emotional therapy, and embracing intimate, quiet moments can provide meaningful relief.