IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Between Giants

Among the many rising bands in New York City, Between Giants is one to keep an eye and ear out for, especially for their upbeat sound that surely lightens anyone’s mood. Between Giants, formed and based in Brooklyn, Between Giants highlights the musical talents and charisma of Tyler John Berkich (lead vocals, guitar), Hans Massaquoi (piano/synth), and Pat Williams (drums). They self-released their debut record, Jupiter, on August 1, 2018. Just this past fall, they put their sophomore record, Crowded Thoughts, Empty Places, in September 2019 (also self-released). Most recently, on December 4, 2019, they shared two new singles, “Yours and Mine” and “Strangers”. Last year, they received the Independent Music Award in the Pop category for their debut album Jupiter.

Aside from performing nearly sold out headline shows on the East Coast, they have shared the stage with popular artists including Kodaline and The Rocket Summer. In December 2019, they supported the up and coming Sea Girls at Mercury Lounge. Ahead of their January 16 show at Baby’s All Right, they generously and kindly shared some of their time and thought to discuss the beginnings of Between Giants, artists currently on their own music radars, and their favorite pizza and taco places in New York City, along with posing for a few portraits.

What’s the story behind the formation of Between Giants?

TYLER: BG initially started out as just me because I wanted to make music, but then I wanted to make music with other people. I was madly in love with Hans and Pat, but we couldn’t be together - real Romeo and Juliet type shit. So, we made a band instead.

What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with?

HANS: I started with piano when I was a child and took lessons for a few years. I quit because I never wanted to practice and did not like the songs I was learning. I started getting back into it when I was in middle school after hearing ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen, and have been hooked ever since.

Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of?

PAT: I don’t know about the rest of the guys, but I’d say that ‘November Beaches’ is probably one of my favorites to this day that we’ve written. It was the first single we released as a band (after Hans and myself joined) and I think it is such a banger. It definitely displays the differences between all three of our musical styles and it’s truly a work of art in my opinion.

TYLER: Hi, yes hello. That, too, is my fav song. It slaps.

You recently released two new singles, “Yours and Mine” and “Strangers” on December 4, 2019. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing those two songs?

TYLER: The process as a whole was pretty standard. Hans looked incredible as usual. I wrote ‘Strangers’ about being young and dumb and in love in New York City while acknowledging how temporary everything is, and “Y&M” is about a relationship starting and ending.

While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?

TYLER: Alcohol, gum, and a notebook mostly. I may need to reassess my priorities.

What are you currently listening to?

HANS: I am currently listening to Sea Girls, which is a great band we got to open for, as well as Thelonius Monk and Isley Jasper Isley. I like to listen to a variety of genres.

What’s your favorite food and/or restaurant in NYC?

HANS: My favorite restaurant is probably Los Tacos No. 1 in Midtown. They make the corn tortillas fresh and it has such a lively and fun atmosphere. One of the best taco spots in the city, hands down.

TYLER: Hans doesn’t fuck around with his corn tortillas.

If there were a pizza with the name “Between Giants”, what toppings would it feature?

PAT: I personally would say that a pizza named after us would be something similar to a Hawaiian pizza. While some people think pineapple on pizza is unconventional, it still tastes great. BG is an amalgamation of very different musical styles, but we still make damn good music together.

TYLER: I love the thought that went into this. Absolutely. Let’s make it happen. Call Joe’s right now.

Who is your favorite superhero character, and why?

PAT: Deadpool. Because he is not only a weapon specialist with regeneration powers, but he is funny as hell and says whatever he wants. How could anyone not love such a guy like Wade?

What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?

TYLER: Not really a specific one, but I’d love to talk more about my words. My lyrics are how I express and process my feelings, so it would be really cool to unpack some lines with someone who took the time to read through it.

A huge thank you to Between Giants for coordinating and for their time and thought to answer the questions and to pose for the portraits.

Don’t miss any updates from Between Giants by following them on Twitter (@BetweenGiantsNY) and Instagram (@betweengiantsofficial), and liking them on Facebook (/BetweenGiantsOfficial)!