The Ethereal Resilience of Claire Guerreso: A Mantra for the Heavy-Hearted

Jordyn Mayes
Dec 20, 2025
3 min read

The cinematic songstress talks navigating holiday grief, the power of 'Ashes,' and why her new single is the mantra we all need right now.

There are only a few voices that possess the ability to haunt and heal simultaneously. Claire Guerreso is one of them. With a sound that defies simple categorization- a fluid fusion of indie-pop, rock, electronic, and soul- Guerreso has become the secret weapon of Hollywood’s most poignant moments.

If you’ve found yourself weeping during a pivotal scene of Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, or The Walking Dead: World Beyond, or feeling the dark allure of Lucifer, chances are you were already listening to Claire. Her "unearthly" tone is the glue that binds disparate genres together, creating a sonic bridge between the screen and the soul.

But today, Guerreso isn't just soundtracking a fictional character’s journey. With her new single, "I Won’t Give Up," she is stepping into the spotlight with a direct, empathetic handshake for her listeners. Released just as the holiday season begins, a time that can feel "extra heavy" for many, the track is an anthem of survival.

We sat down with Claire to discuss the healing power of space, the grit behind the grace, and why this mantra is the world’s current necessity.

A Cinematic Healing Process

For an artist who has mastered the art of writing for high-stakes TV scripts, one might wonder if writing for her own grief felt different. "I Won’t Give Up" was born from the pain of losing someone special, yet Guerreso didn’t shy away from her dramatic roots.

"Honesty in my writing is something that is very important to me regardless of what I’m specifically writing for," she tells us. "I approached this song with the same raw and real tone as my other music, which lent itself to a cinematic vibe."

Working alongside her longtime producer, Jeff, Guerreso allowed the music to mirror her internal state.

"He is an incredible talent who really brought the feeling of the track front and center to align with the lyrics and sentiment. It all gelled together and became one of my favorites."

The Power of "Open Space"

Fans of Guerreso’s hit "Ashes" will recognize the DNA of her new single. There is a specific, ethereal-yet-grounded space that she inhabits, one that allows themes of loss to breathe without being smothered by over-production.

"For me, it’s the open space in a cinematic ethereal track that lends itself to emotional possibility," Claire explains. "I love writing all different kinds of songs, but exploration really comes to the surface when a lyric and melody aren’t competing with production."

It is this "tug-of-war" between the weight of hardship and the lightness of determination that defines the new track. With imaginative guitar melodies and building rhythm sections, the song follows the flow of an emotional breakdown that eventually leads to a breakthrough.

A Holiday Anthem for the Tired

Releasing a song about determination in December is a bold move. While the world demands "merry and bright," Guerreso acknowledges the reality of those struggling with chronic illness, complicated family dynamics, or the ache of an empty chair at the table.

"I love the holidays," she notes, "but I also recognize that this time of year can be really difficult... I wrote this song as a reminder to myself, but also for everyone else who needs to remember their own strength and capability in tough times."

The lyrics are simple, functioning more like a heartbeat than a poem: "I’m ready to face whatever comes." "The grounded, raw determination of that declaration is powerful," she says. "Even if whatever you’re going through cannot be overcome, the idea of ‘I won’t give up’ still applies."

A Message to the Listener

As the final note of "I Won’t Give Up" fades into silence, Guerreso has one hope for the person listening alone in their bedroom or car this season.

"I hope this song helps my listeners tap into their well of strength and determination when they need it the most," she says with a finality that feels like a hug. "It is meant to inspire and to be a reminder that you are not alone, you are loved, you are seen, you are strong, and whatever you are facing will not break you."

Claire Guerreso is reminding us that we are capable of amazing things. Sometimes, you just have to sing it out loud.

"I Won't Give Up" is available now on all streaming platforms.