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“Choose not where the path may lead, rather create your own…and leave a trail.” These are the words that best describe singer/songwriter/guitarist, J Juliano’s musical journey. When asked how it all started, J laughs, “I guess it was when I first saw Buck Owens on HeeHaw. It was then I knew I loved the guitar and wanted to sing. I was five years old!” He put on his first public performance at age seven, and has been writing songs and entertaining audiences ever since. While in college, J started a band (which later you’ll see the irony) called, Crossroad. After a few years touring the Southeast college circuit, Juliano decided to try his hand in Nashville. He entered and won the national George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey songwriters contest and was flown to the music city, where he began making contacts and working the inroads of the business. J began to be invited to co-writing sessions with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters. In 1998, Juliano’s own band was invited to Chicago to open for superstar, Toby Keith. He fell in love with the town and privately, he will also tell you that the love of his life was waiting for him in the Windy City. After performing for over 6,000 people at the Toby Keith concert, J realized that he could offer a style of music to the people of Chicago that was authentically Country, yet with a contemporary rock edge. He moved to Chicago and formed the band, Dry County. During the course of a few years, the group performed shows throughout the Southeast and Midwest with artists such as Brad Paisley, Diamond Rio, Sawyer Brown, and many more. They were featured in many Chicago festivals (which included being awarded the coveted “Best of Rockford Platinum Award” given to a selected act out of hundreds of regional performers) and other high profile venues. Additionally, they had a variety of independent labels looking at them – as well as one major label. J himself was bestowed the honor of the Italian American Community of Chicago’s “David Award” for Music. However, in the summer of 2004, J had a life/career changing encounter. After touring with a well-respected Southern Rock band, J went to their website to post a “thank you” to the group for their hospitality. When he arrived at the band’s message board he saw a post that hit hard. The post was from the bass players wife. It read, “Could someone please tell me if my husband will be home for the 4th of July? I’m planning a family party and wanted to know if he would be there.” J wondered, “Is this direction I set for myself? Is this what God has in mind for me?” While it was clear J’s band was on the brink of something big, internally J had come to a creative crossroad. J had been performing in the mainstream market for more than 10 years. And, now, 10 years later, he found himself coming full circle – still coming home in the wee hours, smelling of smoke, and not feeling like he was touching people with his music the way he always wanted to. Back at home, J’s wife (whom he calls his “heart, soul, and inspiration) was expecting their first child. J said that now was the time for him to “grow up and face the music.” He wondered, “What sort of legacy do I want to leave my child?” After much careful thought and consideration, J decided he needed a break. He wanted to be around for the birth of his child and he wanted some time to figure out where he wanted his music to take him and his family. He spent over 12 months in the studio, writing songs that came from deep within – including “Unborn Child” a tribute to his son and featured on his debut Christian album, “Walk The Walk.” Finally, J knew that his talents would be best used spreading His word to loyal listeners. He found a home in Christian music. During those 12 months in the studio, J says he wrote some of his best music. His songs were gathering much attention, and he signed a publishing contract with the Christian Country Music Association (CCMA) out of Nashville, TN. Now, on the eve of his launch into the Christian market, J is ready to take on the world with the release of his new album – which he wrote, performed, and produced 100% himself. According to J, “The only other artist on my album is my son – where he makes his debut with the sound of his heartbeat.” J also adds, “Don’t tell anyone, but I used his rattle as the shaker on Unborn Child too!” 2005 looks to be a fantastic year for J. “I feel I’ve grown up and now it’s time to give back for all the gifts I have been granted.” says J. “I was really green the first time around. Now, I feel like I’ve seen and experienced so much more…grown so much as a writer and artist. I’m really excited about my decision.” |
Visit the J. Juliano web-site | |
| Email J. Juliano | |
Other artists from IL Small Potatoes Amy Dixon-Kolar Karen Shook | |
Uncommon Ground Past Show Dates | |
| 2005-03-05 (1283 days) | J. Juliano |
| Jamie Chura | |
| Patrick Thomas | |
| Todd Martin | |