You guys just recently formed into a band , can you tell us how you guys met and became “Between Giants”?
Hans: Pat and I have known each other since high school but we met Tyler at Uconn. Tyler originally had Between Giants as a solo project but was looking to go into a new direction. He contacted Pat and I who were already fans of his work so we formed as a band around September.
How did you guys come up with the band name “Between Giants” & whats the meaning of the name?
Tyler: I got inspired one day when I saw a painting displayed by a street artist in downtown Orlando – selfishly I felt as though it was painted just for me. A boy juxtaposed with massive, looming trees. The name is this idea that no matter what giants you are surrounded by, be it anxiety, self-doubt, or whatever – you can always find something to keep you stuck to your path. Your tribe, your purpose – anything that keeps you going.
Can you tell us a little something about each of you?
Tyler: My name is Tyler – I play music so I don’t feel sad. Also I’m deaf in one ear.
Pat: I’m Pat – I’ve played the drums for about 12 years now, and hoping to show people just how good “Between Giants” is as a musical group.
Hans: I’m Hans, I play keys and speak Chinese
Since you guys only recently formed the band, what’s been some of the biggest differences from being solo artists to becoming a band?
Tyler: All positives. The highs of the industry get higher, and the lows don’t dip as deep. It is so inspiring being able to collaborate with two extremely talented musicians. I am loving this. Although Pat is a super perfectionist and always making me work twice as hard…
Pat: Being in multiple bands before this project, I can say with 100% confidence that I have never worked with a more talented group of musicians. The success that Tyler has had so far with “Between Giants” was only by his lonesome mind you, so there are definitely bound to be some directional or vision differences for the band, and that’s what makes new projects so exciting. Maybe I am a little hard on the others, but we all can see things that the others can’t, so it’s a necessary evil to produce the best possible music we can as a collective.
Hans: For me it’s been more enjoyable working with others. They both play many instruments and bring different ideas and styles to the table. I like this cus it’ll bring other ideas to life. It’s nice for me because I don’t think too much about the songs and mixes.
How would you describe your musical style as a band?
Tyler: The beauty of the band is that it is a meshing of a multitude of different styles. Our sound is unique, but would best be described as Indie-Rock
Pat: I agree with Tyler, but I would also say that our sound is something completely new compared to what other groups have done before. It’s something that will appeal to people of all different backgrounds, and that’s what is so cool about us in my opinion.
Hans: Definitely indie rock with a little bit of pop.
Has there been any challenges maintaining what the fans like since you guys are working on changing your sound?
Tyler: Well, we just released the newest single, really kicking off the full band endeavor and new sound. The reception so far has been extremely positive! While the sound has dipped between rock and pop influences, our new compositions are taking the best of all parts. We have some of the best fans in the world, and they stand by the message. Hoping that the next songs don’t flop…
What artists/bands are you influenced by?
Tyler: The 1975, The Strokes, Bad Suns, Twenty One Pilots. I dunno, lots – I take pieces of inspiration from everything I hear.
Pat: Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, Paramore, Rush, the Strokes, etc. A bunch of stuff really that is alternative/rock.
Hans: So many, but J. Cole, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Liszt, Pomo, St. Vincent, Bruno Mars and D’anjelo are tops right now
What’s the difference from your band and all bands that have come before you?
Tyler: We suck just a little bit less.
Pat: Everyone in this band is committed to the success of the band, and the amount of musical talent is palpable.
Hans: Our emotion and vibe.
Your debut album cleared over 250,000 streams. Can you tell us what this album meant to you all?
Tyler: The album meant the world to me. This was the first full length piece of work I had put out on my own, and the response blew me away. I had never reached any milestone even CLOSE to this in previous projects. This let me know that I was doing something right, and that people were enjoying it.
This same record was nominated for 3 independent music awards! How did you guys find out about this and what was your reaction like when you learned about this huge accomplishment?
Tyler: Literally unreal. To not only have people impacted by the music, but to be critically validated as well is beyond what I ever thought possible. Now I just want to win!
What do you hope to gain out of this huge accomplishment?
Tyler: Winning. That would be dope.
Are you guys planning on touring or doing any shows anytime soon?
Tyler: Yes! We have shows all around the Northeast in the next few months, and will be going on tour this summer. Check us out on bandsintown to see where we’ll be!
What’s the feeling you guys get when performing in front of your fans?
Tyler: For me, it gives me purpose. I feel 100% myself when in front of an audience, and getting to share that with people that understand what we’re about as a band, as a culture – that is amazing. It is such an honor having people spend their precious and limited time to watch me jump around and sweat all over the place.
Does your fanbase have a name?
Tyler: No – I’m not sure what catchy name can come from Between Giants to be honest.
Pat: The Inbetweeners??? I honestly have no idea other than that lmao
How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?
Tyler: I want it to be a family. You got my back, I got yours.
Pat: As genuine as possible. I just want us to be treated as normal guys who make music and anyone who listens and supports us is already a friend in my book.
Hans: Very connected, I’d want them to know we are here to support them too.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your fans?
Tyler: Instagram – that is the best way to reach us. @BetweenGiantsOfficial
Why do you think social media is so important for artists today?
Tyler: Social media is what everyone uses. It has become synonymous with culture – if you want to reach people, you have to speak their language.
What was the craziest fan encounter you guys have had?
Tyler: This is a good crazy. But I once had one fan who drove 5 and a half hours just to see me play when I was in town on tour. She made this homemade jar full of 25 reasons I was awesome. That was so amazing. Thank you again, you are the best.
What’s an average day for you guys look like?
Tyler: Oh god – work to pay the bills, then music. We all are pretty insane when it comes to drive. Many late nights recording, writing and traveling but there isn’t a second we don’t love it.
What goals have you guys set out for the band?
Tyler: We have high expectations. We each have had our own separate projects for years – this is sort of the “superteam” of bands in our area. The response has been good both critically and fan-wise, so I think we are all hoping for a large measure of success. At the bare minimum, being able to pay all our bills and live off music.
Where do you guys hope the band is in 5 years?
Hans: MSG!!
Tyler: Same.
Pat: I guess the consensus is MSG
Do you guys have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
Tyler: Sincerely, thank you. Social media lets us glamorize an often shitty and unforgiving grind/industry. But your kind words keep us going. Keep us creating. So thank you. Thank you.
Pat: Thank you all so much for your support and time, no matter how big or small. We love everyone who helps us try to make this dream a reality and we wouldn’t be here without you. You humble us, and we want to do our best to make something memorable, not only for you all but for ourselves, too.
Hans: Thank you for listening to our music! Really means a lot to me. I hope you always have fun at the shows and come say hi!