My name is Giuliano; I’m a queer rock ‘n’ roll musician living in Worcester. I am a singer, I play guitar and piano, I’m an entertainer, and I’m a writer – of songs, mostly. When those elements all align, I become a communicator – a storyteller. I moved to the city with my parents in 1999, attended Worcester Public Schools, and graduated from Burncoat High in 2010. I graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2016 with a degree in performance with a concentration in voice, and a minor in philosophy. I am an active member of Worcester’s queer community, and I serve on the board of Love Your Labels, a nonprofit organization serving queer youth in our local community and beyond. I also am an independent private lesson music instructor in voice, piano, and guitar. I am happiest by the ocean, especially in Provincetown and the Outer Cape, and I get there as much as I can in the summer and off-season. I am passionate about food, drink, and their accompanying traditions. I’m a Virgo, an introvert at heart, but my frequent bursts of extroversion and hunger for human connection keep me out of the house and connected to my community.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I am blessed in this life to pursue a career in music. It’s been my dream from a very young age, and bit by bit, with a lot of perseverance and determination, it’s become my reality. My favorite part about what I do is connecting with others. It sounds cliche, but it’s so powerful when you connect one-on-one, or as a collective, through music. There’s a lot that gets communicated without the need for conversation. It’s unifying, and you learn about yourself through others.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
My favorite restaurant in town is Deadhorse Hill. Hands down. Aside from a few classic stalwarts (see: burger), the menu is always changing with the seasons, and is mostly, if not all, locally sourced. People say ordering chicken in a restaurant is boring, but their roasted half-chicken, which they’ll dress up with a variety of preparations depending on the season and chef Jared’s inspiration, is out of this world.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
I’m fascinated by a lot of people, but if I had to pick one, I’d pick a man named David Chadwick. He was the son of my childhood neighbor, a singer, a world-traveller, a chef, a hang-glider; this man could fly, a truly dynamic soul. He passed away a few months ago, he was about 70.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d travel to Oaxaca, Mexico. I want to visit Oaxaca City as well as Zipolite, a small beach village on the Pacific coast. I think their culture is beautiful, their cuisine is outstanding, and I’m a fan of Mezcal, an agave spirit made there. I’m a fan of gay destinations, but not so much for big resorts and partying. I like the bohemian, artsy places surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Some have said Zipolite is a magic place.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
What is your best advice?
Even one small accomplishment a day towards your goals is progress.
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Act in a film.
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
The Wonder Bar. I have not been in since they re-opened under new ownership and renovations. I’ve heard good things, but the original Wonder Bar of my childhood, and many generations before that, was such a special and exciting night out when I was a kid.
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Paul McCartney. He’s living history. The Beatles are the original archetypes of the rock singer-songwriter profession. They changed the game and redefined what it meant to be a performer of contemporary, popular music. Paul’s energy and creativity has always been at the top of my list of inspirations.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I want to travel with my music. I want to tour. I’ve always played out of a home-base. I like the idea of always coming back to one, but I want to spread my music, meet, and connect with more people.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I spend 10 minutes in meditation [almost] every single morning, before I look at my phone or do anything else.
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Joshua, Susan, Tony
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Either Cate Blanchette or Mick Jagger
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
It’s a small enough town where you can easily feel connected to a lot of people, but it’s big enough to do cool things as long as you’ve got grit, and aren’t afraid of a few uphill battles. It’s beautifully dynamic.
What is your favorite smell?
I’ll have to narrow it down to non-culinary smells… It would be either ocean air or the smell of summer rain on hot asphalt.
Who inspires you to be better?
My partner Josh. My biggest ally. They validate me, and at the same time, remind me of my potential and how important it is to live up to.
