Pictured: AP Dhillon (left), Kevin Buttar

Kevin Buttar, co-founder of Run-Up Records, has been managing AP Dhillon from his earliest days making music to his rapid rise from India to British Columbia to global fame. “What began as a leap of faith between two complete strangers has grown into not only a powerful artist-manager partnership, but also one of the most meaningful friendships of my life,” Buttar says. “When AP chose to trust me, despite my lack of industry experience or connections, I made a promise to earn that trust every single day. I’ve carried that responsibility with me ever since.” He’s a hands-on manager, which includes creative direction, tour production, brand partnerships and long-term strategy. “The goal has never been to chase trends, it’s to build something lasting,” he says.

In 2024, Buttar helped Dhillon become the first Punjabi artist born in India to sign with Republic Records and Universal Music Canada – a huge step for Punjabi music on the global stage. It’s a step forward for an already global artist, following multiple hits on the Canadian Hot 100, a coveted spot at 2024’s Coachella (where he called for justice for Sidhu Moose Wala) and a huge Brownpint Tour in India, which featured a one-of-a-kind levitating 360-degree stage and surprise performances with legends, setting a new standard for live shows in the country. “Getting AP, Shinda Kahlon, Jazzy B and Yo-Yo Honey Singh all on stage together to create a magical moment in Delhi was a real 'pinch-me' moment that I will never forget,” he says. Together, Dhillon and Buttar show how far Punjabi music and culture can go.