transforming lives
through music

Punch Records was founded in 1997 in Perry Barr, Birmingham by Ammo Talwar MBE.

What began as a Black music record store evolved into a cultural hub - a meeting point for artists, DJs and creatives at the heart of Birmingham’s underground scene. Punch became known for pioneering vinyl and mixtape sales across genres including UK Garage, with iconic releases such as Sun City, La Cosa Nostra and Harmony dominating the late 90s.

In its early years, Punch hosted legendary DJ competitions and large-scale events across the region, including at the legendary Que Club. This momentum led to partnerships with major labels including Def Jam, Bad Boy, Island and Rawkus, supporting UK campaigns for global artists.

In 2002, following the success of the record store, Punch relocated to Birmingham’s Creative Quarter at the Custard Factory, Digbeth.

This marked a turning point. Alongside events and touring, Punch began delivering creative programmes for young people - laying the foundations for what would become our nationally recognised talent development and outreach work.

Our mission expanded from not just showcasing culture but to also building pathways into the creative industries for emerging talent - rooted in Birmingham, but connected globally.

Today, Punch operates at the intersection of music, culture, education and social impact - producing groundbreaking projects while developing the next generation of creative artists & leaders.

Major highlights include:

• In partnership with Chicago-based After School Matters, Punch rebooted ‘Gallery37’ in the West Midlands, supporting and developing 500+ artists since 2016

• The world’s first dedicated Bhangra book and touring exhibition ‘Bhangra: Birmingham and Beyond’, was produced in 2007, and hosted in 75+ venues worldwide from London to New York

• ‘Jamaica Live’ was produced by Punch as a landmark cultural celebration of the Jamaican Olympic team, welcoming 30,000+ attendees in 2012

• The UK’s first Grime, UK Rap and Orchestral collaboration ‘LEGACY’ sold out at Birmingham Symphony Hall and London Southbank Centre featuring a major line-up including Jaykae, Mist, Lady Leshurr and T-Roadz alongside a 75-piece City of Birmingham Orchestra

Punch’s work is made possible through the support of leading industry partners and funders, including Arts Council England, PRS Foundation, Help Musicians, Arts Connect, BPI, British Council and the British Film Institute.