Chris Giuliano Reflects on a Breakthrough Year and Teases a New Chaper for 2026

After a watershed year marked by a renewed creative identity, a long-awaited return to releasing music, and a high-impact performance at Dreamstate SoCal, LA-based producer/DJ Chris Giuliano is stepping into 2026 with sharpened vision and momentum.

Fresh off the release of his dark, cinematic “out alive – club mix,” Giuliano continues to expand his sound into a deeper melodic techno and progressive space balancing emotional songwriting with club-driven intensity. We caught up with Chris to reflect on his defining moments of 2025, the inspirations behind his latest work, and what fans can expect as he enters a bold new chapter.

Q: 2025 was a huge year for you from your return to releasing music to your Dreamstate SoCal set. When you look back, what were the defining moments that reshaped your direction as an artist?

A: 2025 was the year things felt like they've really clicked into place. Releasing after a slight hiatus, evolving my style, felt like finally taking the lid off the pressure cooker. Dreamstate was really the spark I didn’t know I needed. I was finishing IDs and polishing bootlegs right up until the last minute. It reminded me why I make music in the first place. That Dreamstate set pushed me to trust my instincts again, take more risks, and continue to evolve a sound that feels honest and true to me instead of engineered for the passing-moment.

A core-memory that sort of sums up the year's conceptual energy would include working with my producer buddy, Taylor Torrence, at Insomniac's studio honing in on our distinctive sounds and ideas and pushing each other to dial everything in. Ending that day by grabbing a bite and playing pool with Ulrich was the perfect way to close it out before Dreamstate.

Q: “out alive - club mix” marks a darker, more cinematic shift in your sound. What inspired you to explore this melodic techno lane, and how does this track represent where you’re headed creatively in 2026?

A: I’ve always incorporated that emotional weight in the music I make, but lately I’ve been drawn to pushing my sounds a little further across the stylistic spectrum. The club mix came out of a bunch of sessions where I just followed what felt new and exciting to create, while holding on to the core characteristics of the feeling in the music I make.

To me, it's not about being defined by genres or sticking strictly to a specific style, which is why I believe my listeners have been so receptive to the evolution of my music. It's a new chapter in my same book. For example, my release on Armada, “All Again,” also had two mixes of the same track. A big, anthemic trancey mix, and a dark and emotional melodic techno leaning mix. Apparently I like to make two versions of songs. The plan is to keep evolving and building on the styles I resonate with, both for streaming and for those club and festival moments needing that wow-factor.

Q: You’ve performed at iconic venues and festivals like Exchange LA, Academy LA, and now Dreamstate. How have your live experiences this year influenced the way you approach production and set-building?

A: The context of the set always matters. Time of day, where I sit in the lineup, and the overall vibe of the event will shape how I approach things stylistically. However, regardless of the set, I gotta always stay true to myself and represent and express myself genuinely. I do like to tell a bit of a progressing story through the set; one that flows and builds well for the particular setting.

Thankfully I've produced tracks that I can play at most of the gigs I'd be playing at. Performing at some of these pretty amazing venues and festivals has also influenced how I think about and approach the music I write for the live setting. I like to have some multifaceted textures to my writing, and specifically for live shows, I like to have that surprise or wow-factor in my productions. Where if I was watching the set I'd get that hyped up surprise stoked feeling.

Q: Looking ahead, what can fans expect in 2026? Whether that’s new releases, upcoming shows, a refined live direction, or the next phase of your artistic identity?

A: 2026 might just be my most focused year yet. Feeling like I'm really honing in on and trusting myself stylistically. Learning what goes well live and what goes into a well-written song for radio. I'm sitting on a grip of music ready to see the light of day and find their homes.

So I’m hoping for a run of releases that dig deeper into the sounds I’ve been exploring, with a development in live direction that leans more into my usual high-energy, exciting sets. The goal is simple, but not easy; I want to take the things that have worked for me, evolve and dial it in, and give people something they can remember, enjoy, and appreciate.