Gminxr is not just a producer; he’s a game-changer in Punjabi hip-hop. As a founding member of Run-Up Records, he has helped push the genre to global heights, shaping the sounds of AP Dhillon, Gurinder Gill, and more. With his latest track Lifestyle featuring Tegi…Read More
Punjabi hip-hop producer Gminxr talks about his bold rebrand, Lifestyle featuring Tegi Pannu & Zehr Vibe, and his upcoming project Hitlist.
Gminxr isn’t just a producer—he’s a visionary shaping the next era of Punjabi hip-hop. From his early days crafting beats behind the scenes to becoming one of the most influential names in the game, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a founding member of Run-Up Records, Gminxr has been instrumental in propelling Punjabi hip-hop onto the global stage, working alongside artists like AP Dhillon, Gurinder Gill, and Shinda Kahlon. His signature production style—an electrifying blend of trap, hip-hop, and Punjabi folk elements—has defined a movement that transcends borders.
But 2025 marks a new chapter. With Lifestyle, his latest collaboration featuring Tegi Pannu and Zehr Vibe, Gminxr steps forward with a bold rebrand. More than just a track, Lifestyle is a declaration—it’s about making an impact, flexing the journey, and silencing the doubters. The song, with its constantly evolving production and razor-sharp lyricism, is a testament to his ability to push sonic boundaries while keeping the energy high. Accompanied by high-gloss visuals that radiate confidence and ambition, it’s clear that this time, Gminxr isn’t just producing the sound—he is the sound.
And he’s not stopping there. His upcoming project, Hitlist, carries an even more aggressive tone. The title alone suggests he’s out to claim what’s his—whether that’s proving his dominance in the industry, addressing the skeptics, or simply elevating his artistry to new heights. With Hitlist, Gminxr is crafting more than music—he’s curating a cultural shift.
Despite his low-key persona, Gminxr’s influence runs deep. He’s not just making beats; he’s building a movement, shaping visuals, marketing artists, and redefining the business of Punjabi music. Now, with a fresh energy and an unmistakable vision, he’s stepping into the limelight like never before.
In this exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Gminxr opens up about Lifestyle, Hitlist, and his evolution from a behind-the-scenes genius to a powerhouse artist in his own right.
Here are the excerpts:
Lifestyle isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. Would you say this track is a flex, a reflection of your journey, or a message to those who doubted your rise?
100%. Lifestyle is a statement track. It’s a flex, it’s bold, and it’s about coming back stronger than ever. I wanted to rebrand and make sure the world knows we’re not just making music—we’re setting the standard. We’re trap stars, rap stars, hip-hop stars, and with this track, the message is loud and clear.
You collaborated with Teji, Pannu, and Zehr Vibe on this track. What was the creative process like working with them?
I thrive on collaboration. I love being in a room with other creative minds because that’s when the magic happens. When we were in the studio, I played a few melodies, some beats, and the energy just flowed instantly. Everyone was comfortable, and that’s the best environment to create in. You know you’re onto something when ideas come naturally, and that’s exactly what happened.
You’re known for crafting movements, not just beats. What’s the one sonic element in Lifestyle that you think will really stick with listeners?
This track brings something fresh while keeping certain familiar elements. The production constantly evolves—you won’t get bored. The layers of composition build on each other, the music keeps adding new elements, and the lyricism is on another level. We’re not just saying something—we’re making a statement. And that’s what I think will really resonate with listeners.
You recently shared a snippet of the Lifestyle music video. How have you approached the visual aspect of this track?
Earlier in my career, we leaned into the mystery—keeping things low-key and letting the music do the talking. But this time, we’re stepping into the light. The visuals are bold—flashing lights, diamonds, energy. It’s something you need to see and experience for yourself.
The title Hitlist is bold—it sounds like you’re out to claim what’s yours. Who exactly is on your hit list—the industry, the doubters, or your past self?
I’ll let you figure that out. (Laughs) I like keeping a little mystery. But I will say this—right now, I feel like I’m making something that nobody else is making. We’re here to make a statement, and I have the right team with me. We’re a hit-making machine, and the music will speak for itself.
Do you see this project as a turning point where you step into the limelight, or are you more focused on letting your catalog speak louder than anything else?
My catalog already speaks for itself. But this is my way of stepping out and showing the world everything I can do—not just in music production but in building an artist, crafting a sound, shaping visuals, and even marketing. This project gives a full picture of where my talents lie.
Your production seamlessly blends tradition with global trends. When you create, do you consciously push culture forward, or is it more instinctual—like the music finds you before you find it?
It’s a mix of both. I definitely want to push the culture forward and influence the younger generation in the right direction. Growing up as a fan of Punjabi music and now seeing it accepted globally, I feel a responsibility to elevate it further. But at the same time, I don’t like putting myself in a box. I make what I love, and it naturally resonates. That’s how the best music is made.
In a recent Instagram post, you mentioned taking time to “gather yourself.” Can you talk about that sabbatical—what you learned and how it helped you reconnect with yourself and your music?
When you’re consistently delivering hits, the expectations get higher. You start psyching yourself out, thinking every new track has to top the last. It can mess with your head. So, I took a step back—spent time with family, listened to what was happening in the industry, and observed how things were moving. It gave me clarity. When I came back, I made sure I had a plan, and now I’m here, ready to go harder than ever.
You’ve been shaping Punjabi hip-hop from behind the scenes, but Zomaland marks your solo arrival on stage. What kind of energy are you bringing to that performance?
I want to bring something familiar that people already love but also something new. I want a shock factor—I want to leave the audience with a moment they won’t forget. If you’re there, you’ll feel it.
You’ve kept your personal life very private while letting your music take center stage. What’s something about Gminxr that the world still doesn’t understand?
People see me as just a producer, but I wear a lot of hats. I’m a marketer, a visual director, a strategist. I push artists beyond their comfort zones to create something special. A lot of people don’t know that I’ve been behind more than just the music—I’ve had a hand in the visuals, styling, branding, and pushing creative boundaries.
But did it ever bother you that you didn’t always get enough credit for those contributions?
Not at all. I don’t feel like I was overlooked. I’m here, speaking to you, working with the right people, and making the impact I set out to make. Now, I’m just focused on making even more noise, inspiring the next generation, and pushing this movement forward.
You left Punjab and built a massive empire in Canada, and now your sound is global. Do you ever think about what your journey would have been like if you had stayed in India?
Actually, I wasn’t born in India—I was born in Victoria, BC, Canada. But my parents instilled our culture deeply in me. I grew up speaking Punjabi at home, so even though I was raised in Canada, I always felt connected to my roots. Being a first-generation Canadian and making an impact for my community on this level is surreal. I want to keep inspiring the next wave to push even further.
The Punjabi music scene is getting global recognition, but do you think the industry itself is still playing catch-up?
I don’t think we’re playing catch-up—I think we’re exploring. The last few years have brought a wave of incredible talent, and the genre is evolving in real-time. We’re not behind; we’re just figuring out what’s next.
Many artists chase trends, but you’re the one creating them. What’s one sound or movement that people aren’t ready for yet, but will be soon?
People don’t always know what they’re ready for. As creators, it’s our job to push genres forward. Right now, everything is blending—Afrobeat, reggae, trap, R&B, acoustics. Music is universal; it’s just about taking that energy and translating it into something new.
Finally, what’s your message for the listeners waiting for Hit List to drop?
I’ve spent time carefully crafting this music—there’s something for everyone. Lifestyle is just the beginning. My EP will bring a fresh sound—some elements will feel familiar, but it’s something completely new. I can’t wait for the world to hear it.
