Photo Courtesy of J.O Sarmiento
Get ready to meet J.O. Sarmiento, the multi-talented artist captivating the hearts of P-Pop fans across the Philippines. More than just a singer-songwriter, J.O. is a composer, arranger, and performer who’s made a significant mark on the industry. In this interview, let’s discover the inspiration behind his music, his creative process, and his hopes for the future.
Your music blends P-Pop and Hip-Hop seamlessly. Can you talk about the creative process behind this fusion and how you find inspiration for your unique sound?
I’ve been in the industry exploring both worlds—K-pop as a former trainee, and Hip-hop as a songwriter and choreographer. My love for K-pop came from its unique flavor, especially groups like BIGBANG who really inspired me. On the flip side, I was deeply involved in Hip-hop, not just in music but also as a dance choreographer. I think my mind is always buzzing with ideas from both genres, and naturally, I started fusing the two. That’s where my sound comes from—it’s a mix of my roots, my experiences, and my nonstop creativity.
You’re known for your dynamic stage presence. How do you prepare for a performance, and what’s the most memorable moment you’ve experienced on stage?
I really believe in preparation and hard work. Before I step on stage, I’ve already spent months—sometimes even a year—perfecting everything, from the choreography to the vibe of the music. Even the songs I release go through a long process of detail-checking and vibe-checking to make sure it’s all aligned. As for the most memorable moment on stage, it has to be when my former group PHP won the K-pop Star 2016 competition. That moment reminded me that all the late nights, the sacrifices, and the grind were worth it.
Storytelling is a key element in your music. Can you share the inspiration behind one of your songs and the message you hope to convey to your listeners?
One song that’s really close to my heart is Huli. I wrote it for my fiancée—I’m her first, and She’s my last. The song tells our story, acknowledging all the challenges we’ve faced in our relationship and how we’ve stood strong together through it all. Through Huli, I hope my listeners are reminded that true love exists, and when you find it, you hold on and fight for it.
What are some of the challenges and rewards of being a P-Pop and Hip-Hop artist in the Philippines?
One of the biggest challenges of being a P-Pop and Hip-Hop artist in the Philippines is the lack of proper training facilities and limited budget for independent artists. Unlike in other countries, we don’t always have access to the resources needed to fully develop our craft.
I consider myself lucky because I became a finalist in a K-pop search, and that experience gave me the training and exposure that helped shape my skills today. Despite the struggles, the reward is being able to represent a new wave of sound and inspire others to keep going, even when the odds are low.
Who are some of your musical influences, and how have they shaped your artistic style?
Some of my biggest musical influences are G-Dragon, BIGBANG, and Jay Park. I really studied their style—the swag, the way they move, deliver their lines, and command the stage. That helped shape my own stage presence and performance style. But when it comes to songwriting, I focus more on my personal experiences. I believe audiences are smart—they can feel if a song is real or not. That’s why I always write from the heart, based on my own story or from what I saw.
What’s your songwriting process like? Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or beats?
Honestly, I don’t have a fixed formula. Sometimes I just hear an interesting sound or beat that sparks something in me. I grab a bag of chips and a soda—and then, it’s like magic. Ideas start flowing like I’m possessed, and the lyrics, melodies, and vibe just come together naturally. It’s all about the feeling for me.
Your lyrics are praised for their lyrical prowess. What’s your approach to crafting meaningful and relatable lyrics?
To be honest, I don’t really know why people are amazed by my lyrics—I just write what I feel. I don’t overthink it. I just let the emotions flow naturally, and maybe that’s why people connect with it. It’s not about trying to impress, it’s about being real. If it hits me deeply, I trust that it will hit someone else too
What’s next for J.O. Sarmiento? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Right now, I’m back in America, but I’m still cooking up something! There’s a collaboration coming soon that I’m really excited about, plus a few songs I wrote for other artists that will be out soon. And for my own music… who knows? Maybe a Homegrown Showcase Part 2? Or some new tracks dropping real soon. Let’s just say—stay tuned, mas marami pa akong kwento na ikukuwento.
What’s your favorite thing about being a musician?
My favorite thing about being a musician is how music brings different people together. Whether it’s through a live show, a song, or even just a beat—music connects souls from different walks of life. That’s powerful, and I’m grateful to be a part of that.
What advice would you give to aspiring P-Pop and Hip-Hop artists in the Philippines?
Don’t be afraid to just release your songs
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
PHP…what if may biglaang reunion?
Show some love for J.O. Sarmiento! Follow him on Instagram (@joxstyles) and TikTok (@joxstyles01) for the latest music and updates.
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