Cirkut’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Music Industry Powerhouse

Los Angeles, CA — Henry Walter, known in the music world as Cirkut, is navigating technical difficulties in a spacious recording studio. As he fiddles with audio settings on his laptop, he quips, “I haven’t opened Zoom in, like, a month.” Once he resolves the issue, he raises his hands in triumph, signaling victory.

Cirkut, a Grammy-winning producer, has contributed to some of the biggest hits of the past decade, working with artists like Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Kesha. Today, he is praised for his work on contemporary tracks like Jungkook and Latto’s chart-topping “Seven” and Charli XCX’s singles, demonstrating his ongoing influence in the music industry.

Pop singer Kim Petras, a frequent collaborator, commended Cirkut’s impact, saying, “He’s kind of a master at electropop. I think people are going to be inspired for a while by him.”

Remarkably, Cirkut’s recent work includes co-producing Lady Gaga’s anticipated album, MAYHEM. “I still kind of pinch myself,” he shares, reveling in the excitement of contributing to such a high-profile project.

Gaga herself praised his talent, stating, “He has this incredibly positive energy that makes a beautiful space for songwriting and production.” She also noted his impressive artistry, emphasizing that his technical skills combined with musicality make him invaluable in the studio.

Despite his success, Cirkut’s roots trace back to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He reflects on his early days, recalling how friends introduced him to hip-hop culture and DJing. “I saw that and I was like, ‘I need whatever that is. I need to do that,’” he remembers with enthusiasm.

After moving to Toronto at 18, Walter immersed himself in the rich electronic music scene. He formed the indie electronic trio Let’s Go to War, which eventually led him to work with notable artists after releasing songs that appealed to record executives.

One such collaboration included Britney Spears’ “Mmm Papi,” marking his first production credit. Walter chuckles, recalling, “I kind of just hear a person who didn’t know what he was doing” at the time.

Eventually, renowned producer Dr. Luke recognized his potential and signed him to his publishing label. This connection allowed him to grow and hone his craft, leading to significant hits including Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

Cirkut describes his production philosophy as serving the song and the artist, saying, “It’s about the artist and the song.” Creators like Kim Petras emphasize his skill for melodies and swift production techniques, attributing their growth to his mentorship.

After establishing himself independently in 2018, he continued to work with big names and contributed to Elton John and Britney Spears’ “Hold Me Closer.” By collaborating with Gaga on MAYHEM, Walter found a unique synergy, recalling their first session where immediately drew upon various musical influences.

Cirkut stressed that Gaga’s vision helped shape the album, with her readiness to experiment fueling creativity. Their collaboration birthed the lead single “Abracadabra,” initially sparked by one of his spontaneous ideas.

The duo’s chemistry allowed for a blend of artistry that resonated well with audiences. Describing one memorable session, Walter remarked on Gaga’s unexpected vocal performance, capturing the electric atmosphere of their time together.

Today, Cirkut stands as a prominent figure in the music industry. With numerous accolades to his name, he occupies a unique space where he values both artistic exposure and personal privacy. “Honestly, I just feel like my place is in the studio,” he concludes, smiling.