Please introduce yourself.

We are Living With Giants, an instrumental band from Sacramento, CA, that started in 2009. The band currently consists of Ryan Mannie, Carver Simmons, and Andrew McKay Curteman.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

In Living With Giants, we are focused on music for its own sake. Our goal is to serve the music—letting each piece become a living thing with a unique message and identity.

What’s your musical origin story? (When did you start? What inspires you?)

We began as Ryan’s solo project in 2009, exploring ambient layers and linear storytelling structures. It quickly evolved into a full band. After releasing our first album, The World is Held by a Taut String, we took a hiatus. We regrouped in 2018 as a duo (Ryan & Carver) and welcomed McKay back in 2024.

Our inspiration comes from a wide range of sources:

• Other musicians
• Everyday sounds (wind, water, gravel, etc.)
• Environmental rhythms (birdsong, creaking doors, driving patterns)
• Conceptual sound experiments

What were the driving forces or pivotal moments that inspired you to pursue music?

Music helps us harmonize with our environment and gives physical form to our thoughts and emotions. Writing and recording music is how we release that energy. Each of us had different beginnings, but music has been central to our lives for as long as we can remember.

How would you describe your style of music?

Often labeled as "post rock," our style is really about storytelling through sound. We aim to move the listener through an audible journey—an experience more than a genre. We serve the music to hit an emotional mark, acting as guides through the sounds we create.

How are your personalities reflected in your work?

Each of us leaves a signature on the music—from guitar tones and drum accents to mix saturation. Our personalities come through in how we articulate and arrange progressions, rhythms, and textures in each composition.

Describe your creative process when you write new music.

Every piece starts with a unique goal or story to tell. We often begin independently, then collaborate as the structure emerges. The piece begins to guide itself. Engineering and mixing are part of the creative process, allowing us to fine-tune the emotional impact of each section using the studio as another instrument.

What is the name of your latest release?

We recently released our Split EP with our UK friends beneathwaves in February 2025.

Also check this out, our partners have made a download for their track “Echoes Of A Fading Dream” available, You can check it out here: https://www.getmusic.fm/r/beneathwaves-echoes-of-a-fading-dream .

What was the inspiration for that release?

We’ve always wanted to collaborate with friends on a split release. Meeting beneathwaves made that possible. Each band brought a distinct sound, but our goal was a cohesive emotional story. Our side explores themes of destructive cycles, rebirth, and the comfort of familiar but unhealthy mental states.

What challenges or unexpected moments did you encounter during the writing/recording process?

The biggest challenge was working remotely, as both bands are in different countries. Coordinating album art, mixing, and vinyl production required long-term planning and late-night calls. We committed early to a physical vinyl release, which meant syncing schedules well in advance.

What strategies do you find most effective for promoting your music?

• Be open and honest with your audience.
• Share behind-the-scenes moments (photos, session clips, etc.).
• Let the music speak for itself—promote it because it deserves to be heard.
• Create thoughtful artwork and presentation that match the emotional tone of the release.

We also act as guides rather than narrators, allowing listeners to find their own meaning in the music.

How do you engage with your fans?

We welcome open discussion and love hearing from anyone who’s discovered our music. The best way to reach out is through Instagram or our other platforms.

What upcoming promotional activities or releases are you most excited about?

We’re producing a second run of our Split EP vinyl—50 copies in the US and 50 in the UK/EU, pressed on 180g transparent blue with pink splatter. Shipping is expected around June 1, 2025.

We also have several projects in various stages of development—keep an eye on our social channels for updates.

How can folks contact you?

Instagram is the best for direct contact and casual updates. We also update our website and Bandcamp regularly for major announcements.

• https://livingwithgiantsmusic.com/
• https://livingwithgiants.bandcamp.com

Any additional insights?

To any artist—don’t wait too long to share your work. After enough revisions, it’s ready to live in the world. Your creation matters and could impact someone in a way you didn’t expect. The sincerity behind your work is what resonates most. Art is meant to be experienced in different ways by different people, and that’s what gives it life. If you’ve done your part, the work can find its audience even long after it’s released.

Thank you and all the best,
Living With Giants