Eric Punzo shares a haunting video for his single, “If I Told You That I Missed You”
With a gritty, alt-pop sound that also incorporates hip-hop in equal measure, Toronto-based up-and-comer Eric Punzo brings his own brand of passionate, introspective songwriting to visual life in the video for his latest single, “If I Told You That I Missed You.” Released via BAMO Records (in partnership with Coalition Music), “If I Told You That I Missed You” is the perfect example of the unique sound that’s earned Punzo a rapidly growing following, over 4 million TikTok views, and his first sold-out headlining show at Toronto’s famed Rivoli. Produced by Steve Molella (award-winning Canadian rock band Finger Eleven), Punzo also co-wrote the forlorn tune – his fifth single release to date – with Molella.
“This song is about missing someone special and wondering how they’d feel if I were to tell them,” Punzo said of the song. “It describes the struggles that can arise because of love and how it made me reflect back on the relationship after all the years.
The video highlights how I journeyed through an unfamiliar territory to find this person and let them know that I miss them, just to get hurt and shut down in the end by that very person,” he added, speaking on the visual. “For me, the unfamiliar territory that this village represents is the idea of “love & romance” something that I’ve never been too familiar with.”
Watch the video for “If I Told You That I Missed You” below and learn more about Eric Punzo via our interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey! My name’s Eric Punzo, and I’m an artist/songwriter from Toronto, Ontario!
You have unveiled your latest single, “If I Told You That I Missed You.” What can you tell us about the writing process behind the track?
This writing process was an opportunity for me to reflect on a past relationship and express how I currently felt at that time. I found myself thinking about the relationship more often than usual, so it was instinct to write a song about it. I wanted to make sure that the emotion never loses its presence in the track while keeping the song sort of grim and dark.
You also shared a video to accompany the single release. What was the highlight of the video shoot?
The highlight of this shoot was being able to play this outlaw/western character. Being on set with a super-dialed and talented crew was inspiring and, overall, a dope experience. I also really enjoy acting, so it was a thrill to be able to take on this character for the whole day.
You worked with Steve Molella on this release. How was that experience?
I’ve been working with Steve for a while now, and the experience is always a good one. We work super efficiently together, and I can always count on him to help bring any idea I bring to the table to life. I can also count on him to be honest and critical with me, which is very important, in my opinion, when it comes to developing as an artist/writer.
What’s your favourite thing about being an artist in Toronto?
Being an artist in Toronto is great, mostly because I truly believe that the support for local artists has grown tremendously, and people really want to see their favourite artists bloom. Toronto is also a city with an extremely diverse spectrum of musical talent/genres, so it’s cool to find your niche and expand from there.
Are there any upcoming shows or festivals you want to tell us about?
I had a gig in Nashville on Wednesday, January 18th, with Young Music City – my first! Then a show in London on February 3rd supporting a band called New Friends. They might be the best band ever!
You have a large TikTok following and over 4 million views. What’s your secret to success on TikTok?
I think any TikTok success I’ve experienced has come from being authentic and not trying to fit into the rest of the TikTok world. Originality is hard to grasp on that platform, but if you just do your thing, people will appreciate it and feel that genuine connection.
Explain your sound in five words.
Organic, familiar, fresh, emotional, and powerful.
What’s the best piece of advice you have gotten during your music career thus far?
The best piece of advice I’ve been given is probably the classic “nobody cares” line. Meaning that really nobody cares until everybody cares, so just keep grinding and keep your head down, focusing on your craft. You cannot aim to please everybody. Do it out of the love of the music/craft and stay true to that process. I really think my fans/supporters continue to stick around and continue to grow partly because they can feel the realness.
Last but not least, what is your goal for 2023?
This year I’m hoping to build my presence on the radio and hop on a larger tour. Maybe open a show for somebody I really look up to. A dream opportunity would definitely be to open for Dermot Kennedy in Toronto or wherever else in the world.