1. Hello, thank you for your time, please introduce yourself in a few words!
Hey there! Absolutely, thanks for havin’ me. I’m Eric Punzo – I live in Toronto, Canada & I’m a singer/songwriter.
2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!
I just released my debut single “Criminal” on August 13th. The song means a lot to me and I’m happy that the first one resonated with a lot of people. I’m stoked to put out what I’ve been working on and sort of create this story of emotion through these songs.That’s what it’s all about. I have also released a performance video for “Criminal” that we filmed in a century old barn with a string trio and background singers. This video brought the song to life in a way I did not even think was possible. I am extremely proud of it, and I hope you like it!
3. Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?
-
There is a ton of emotion put into the writing process.
-
I tend to write almost exclusively using my acoustic guitar.
-
Hip-hop has a big impact on my writing style.
-
Catchy phrases and melodies always find their place in my songs.
-
I’ve been writing for about 10 years but the last 2-3 years have been most impactful and sort of “breakthrough”-esque.
4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
Hmmm, this is a tough one. I’m not a fashionista but I think a brand/vibe like Primitive or HUF best describes my music. It’s a little rough, new school mixed with a vintage-vibe, kicked-back. There’s a “cool” aspect to the music just like there is to these skater brands.
5. Tell us more about your songs! Topics? Message!?
The songs I write obviously differ in themes but there’s always a wave of emotion during a writing frenzy where a handful of these songs just tell a similar story. “Criminal” for example highlights the theme of introspection, self-questioning and a desperate search for meaning. The message I try to share in that song is, I guess, really just understand that it’s okay to not feel okay. Keep your head up.
6. Beside music, do you have any special talents?
I’ll humbly admit that I’m extraordinarily talented at beer pong. I know you can’t really proclaim this on your own but I’m sure my friends would fully back me up here.
7. Being on stage feels like…!
When I’m on stage, I just feel like I am in the right place. I feel like people actually take the time to listen to me, appreciate my voice and share the emotion I try to get across.
8. How did you learn to sing / to write / to play?
I’ve been singing since I can remember. I just sang anything and everything until it started to sound good. Bon Jovi was a solid learning ground. Huge shout-out. When I started playing guitar around 3rd or 4th grade, everything started to come together. I took guitar lessons for about 1 year, but never had any vocal training or anything like that.
9. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! Plus the answer please.
Question: What is your goal with your music?
Answer: I think my main goal is to just prove to people that you can be genuine and achieve great things. Staying true to yourself is so damn important. When you’re trying to become somebody else, you lose focus on what’s actually important. I want these songs to give people hope, motivation, inspiration and most importantly, just give them LIFE.
Instagram: @ericpunzo_