In 2008, Henry Walter received a message from his lawyer regarding the use of beats he created in a writing session for an undisclosed A-list musician. This moment validated Walter’s musical talent, known as Cirkut, who spent part of his teenage years in Halifax before relocating to Toronto in 2004. The beats from that session were later featured in Britney Spears’s song “Mmm Papi” from her “Circus” album in 2008.
Today, Walter is a highly sought-after music producer and songwriter, contributing to major hits over the past fifteen years, including Katy Perry’s “Roar,” Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball,” and The Weeknd’s “Starboy.” With seven Grammy nominations at the upcoming awards ceremony on February 1, 2026, Walter’s success in the music industry continues to flourish.
Reflecting on his time in Halifax during the early 2000s, Walter credits the local music scene for shaping his musical journey. Despite being born in Ottawa and mostly living in Montreal before Halifax, Walter drew inspiration from artists like Skratch Bastid and DJ IV in the Halifax music community.
In Toronto, Walter attended audio engineering school in 2004 and later ventured into electro rap with the group Let’s Go To War. Although he explored the performer side of the music business, Walter’s passion for producing and songwriting led him to focus on behind-the-scenes work.
In 2012, Walter made the move to Los Angeles, where his career skyrocketed with credits on songs by renowned artists. Collaborating with Lady Gaga on her album “Mayhem,” Walter’s influence can be heard in songs like “Abracadabra,” where his spontaneous beat caught Gaga’s attention, shaping the post-chorus of the track.
Walter’s approach to music production emphasizes collaboration and creating a safe space for creativity. His success has not gone unnoticed by his peers in the music industry, with friends like DJ IV and producer Andrew Watt acknowledging Walter’s dedication and talent.
As Walter continues to thrive in the music industry, he remains grateful for his journey from Halifax to Los Angeles, where he now works alongside some of the biggest names in music. Reflecting on his accomplishments, Walter’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in pursuing one’s dreams.
