LOUD. RELENTLESS. HOOKED FOR LIFE.
Originating from the icy landscapes of Northern Ontario in 1993, Puddy ascended from the basements of Timmins to the vibrant dive bars of Toronto, establishing themselves as a prominent presence in Canada’s indie music scene by the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for their intense live performances and sharp melodic hooks, the band reached a significant milestone with their album Sweetspot (2000), a stoner-punk work that garnered a cult following. The album sold thousands of physical copies, accumulated over 60,000 downloads during the early days of internet music sharing, and recently achieved 150,000 streams on a bootleg YouTube channel, leading to a reunion and a long-awaited vinyl re-release.
Sweetspot's success allowed Puddy to open for notable acts such as Our Lady Peace, Big Sugar, Danko Jones, Unsane, and J Mascis and The Fog. Additionally, they won the 97.7 HTZ FM Rocksearch contest, a launchpad for careers of Canadian rock icons like Finger Eleven and The Trews.
In 2002, Puddy signed with Sony Music Canada, but their progress was abruptly interrupted when a corporate merger stalled the release of their next album, plunging the band into a prolonged period of uncertainty. By 2012, they had gone silent, their legacy solidified as one of Canada’s most overlooked musical exports from that era.
However, in 2023, Puddy made a powerful return. With a series of new singles, sold-out club performances, and a festival appearance alongside Danko Jones, Buckcherry, and Live, the band revitalized their reputation as one of Canada's most dynamic acts. Their forthcoming album, Demagogo (2025), explores themes of loss, aging, and the quest for familiarity, all delivered through Puddy’s characteristic mix of progressive, arpeggiated riffs and raw, feedback-laden chaos. Co-produced by Andy Curran (Envy of None, Rush) and mixed by Vic Florencia (Danko Jones, Blue Rodeo), the album showcases a band at the height of their creative capabilities.
Staying true to their DIY origins and appreciation for analog, Demagogo will be available on vinyl and cassette, as well as uniquely pressed on custom, hand-assembled 8-track tapes. In their words, “If you can’t beat ’em… LUDDITE!”
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Meet the Band
- Paolo Rizzo (guitar/vocals): A founding member, Paolo also collaborates with the electronic post-rock duo Leōca, alongside drummer Eric Cohen.
- JV Bonhomme (guitar): The original guitarist since 1993, JV rejoined the band in 2018 after spending nearly two decades in Timmins.
- Eric Cohen (drums): A vital rhythmic presence with Puddy since 2005, Eric's expertise comes from previous projects such as USA Out of Vietnam, 5 Line Legacy, and Leōca.
- Tim Reesor (bass): Joining during the recording of Demagogo, Tim has deep roots in the stoner rock scene from his work with Electric Magma.
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Puddy’s live performances are legendary, striking a balance between technical precision and sheer chaos. Their shows feature meticulously crafted riffs and explosive, anarchic breakdowns, all anchored by their unwavering dedication to soaring, hook-filled melodies. As Andy Curran aptly described, “This band is like a high-speed train that could fly off the tracks at any moment—but never does! An amazing white-knuckle ride.”
The album release party for Demagogo in January 2025 at Toronto’s iconic Bovine Sex Club marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band. With plans for headlining shows in Timmins and Toronto, summer festival appearances, and a fourth album already in progress, Puddy is demonstrating that some comebacks are not only worth the wait—they deserve to be turned up to 12.
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Press Highlights
- Featured on CHOM 97.7 FM (Montreal) and CKGE-FM’s Generation Next
- UK Premiere of “Under Your Tongue” on Pure Rock Fury with Paul Cash
- Coverage in Canadian Beats, Tinnitist, Cashbox Canada, Kray Kulla, Thoughts Words Action, Record World, Radio Excalibur, Loudhacker, Volatile Weekly, and more
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Puddy is not merely a nostalgia act; they are a band rejuvenated, poised to shake the foundations once more.