Hailing from the village of Harkhowal in Punjab, the now Toronto-based Thiarajxtt aka Dilmanjot Singh Thiara found his breakthrough moment through the melodic Punjabi hip-hop hit ‘We Rollin’ with Shubh. Thiarajxtt’s smooth blend of hip-hop, trap, and R&B permeates throughout “Kinni Kinni” hitmaker Diljit Dosanjh’s 2023 album Ghost as well as songs like “Spain” by Jassa Dhillon. After releasing an experimental EP Heartfelt in 2023, thiarajxtt now has his sights set on “producer empowerment,” as he calls it. In a conversation with us, he talks to us about his journey so far.
1.Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you begin your journey as a producer and artist?
It all started back in my childhood. My cousin visited us from Australia and left behind some gadgets, a laptop, speakers, and subwoofers and I got hooked. I began making remixes on an app called Virtual DJ, and that’s where my interest in music really kicked off. In high school, a friend introduced me to FL Studio, the digital audio workstation I still use today. When I moved to Canada in 2019, I continued producing as a hobby until I made a song called “We Rollin” with my friend Shubh. That song broke the internet and turned my passion into a professional path—it was a life-changing moment.
2. Which bands/artists were your first love, and who is your biggest musical influence?
My first musical influence would have to be Diljit Dosanjh to whom I have grown up listening and I’ve been a fan of his music since my childhood. Also Punjabi artists like Sidhu Moosewala and Karan Aujla really showed me the depth and power of our own music. Some other artists like The Weeknd, Pop Smoke, Travis Scott, and Metro Boomin have had a big influence on me, especially in the way they create whole atmospheres around their songs.
3. How has your Punjabi heritage influenced your music production style?
My Punjabi heritage is a huge part of my sound. Growing up, In my village (Harkhowal, Hoshiarpur, Punjab) I was surrounded by my culture and traditional Punjabi music, and that energy always stayed with me. It’s about creating music that’s genuine, staying true to my roots, but also blending it with modern, Western sounds. When I’m producing, I think about balancing those two sides to create something that feels authentic but also pushes boundaries.
4. Tell us about your latest EP, If The Sun Had A Dark Side.
This EP is a reflection of life’s contrasts. Each track dives into different emotions, from happiness and romance to grief and aggression. It’s about showcasing the highs and lows, and it blends a variety of genres to keep the experience dynamic. I tried to capture a range of sounds and moods, so there’s something for everyone here.
5. What is your music-making and recording process like?
It all starts with a beat I’m vibing with. I make a few and see which ones have the right energy. Once I have something that hits, I send it over to my fellow artists, and we sit together and start jamming. We’ll spend hours writing and experimenting until we capture the emotion we’re aiming for. From there, it’s about refining, adding layers, and bringing in those small touches that make a track special. I’m always trying to keep it genuine and true to the moment.
6. Why do you make music? What drives you as a musician, and what are your songs about?
I make music to connect. It’s my way of expressing things that words alone can’t capture. Every song tells a different story, and every frequency makes an impact on the listener’s mind. I always have a vision of a sound I want to achieve, and I keep working until I bring that sound to life. What drives me is that sense of connection—when listeners tell me they feel the same thing, that’s when I know the music’s done its job.
7. Which Indian bands or artists do you admire, and why?
I’ve got a lot of respect for artists like Diljit Dosanjh, Sidhu Moosewala, and Karan Aujla. They’ve each brought something different to the table and helped elevate Punjabi music to a global level. I admire how they stay true to their roots while making music that resonates with listeners worldwide.
8. How did the collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh happen? How was your experience working with him?
Working with Diljit was a dream come true. The collaboration happened after he heard some of our music and reached out through our friend Chani Nattan, who’s also an artist. Being in the studio with him was a next-level experience, he’s not only incredibly talented but so humble that you don’t even feel like you’re around a big artist you’ve admired for so long. He was always open to new ideas, and we vibed so much that what started as one track turned into a whole album. It was a milestone and a life goal, and I learned so much from the experience.
9. What’s your take on the independent music scene in India?
The independent scene in India is really exciting right now. Artists are experimenting with new sounds and are more confident in expressing their unique identities and that’s how I started my own journey. There’s a lot of raw talent, and with digital platforms, artists can share their music on a global scale. The independent scene is where true innovation is happening, and I think it’s paving the way for Indian music to go mainstream globally.
10. What do you think makes your music unique?
I think it’s the blend of cultures in my music. It’s rooted in Punjabi tradition but fused with Western and global influences like Hip-Hop, Trap, R&B and Afro-beats, so there’s a mix of depth and freshness. I’m always focused on storytelling, too, and bringing in different emotions and genres. I think that willingness to experiment and stay true to both my heritage and my modern influences makes it something distinct.
