In 2008, Henry Walter, also known as Cirkut, received a message from his attorney informing him that his beats had been used in a writing session for a prominent musician. This validation moment came when his beats were featured in Britney Spears’s song “Mmm Papi” from her “Circus” album in 2008.
Since then, Walter has risen to prominence as a sought-after music producer and songwriter, contributing to major hits over the past fifteen years, such as Katy Perry’s “Roar,” Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball,” and The Weeknd’s “Starboy.” With seven Grammy nominations at the upcoming February 1, 2026, awards ceremony, Walter is second only to Kendrick Lamar, who leads with nine nominations.
Reflecting on his teenage years in Halifax before relocating to Toronto in 2004, Walter acknowledges the influence of the local music scene on his journey. Despite being born in Ottawa and primarily raised in Montreal, Walter credits Halifax artists like Skratch Bastid and DJ IV for shaping his early musical pursuits.
Walter’s passion for music led him to experiment with beat-making, learning through trial and observation. His dedication paid off as his talent caught the attention of industry veterans like DJ IV, who recognized his potential early on.
Moving to Toronto in 2004 for audio engineering studies, Walter continued honing his craft and eventually found success as part of the electro rap group Let’s Go To War. However, his focus shifted from performing to producing, leading him to Los Angeles in 2012, where he has since worked on chart-topping songs for renowned artists.
One significant collaboration for Walter was with Lady Gaga on her album “Mayhem,” resulting in nominations for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year at the upcoming Grammy Awards. His creative process, characterized by a collaborative and open environment, has earned him widespread acclaim in the music industry.
Looking back on his journey from Halifax to Hollywood, Walter remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. His success story serves as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a deep-rooted passion for music that continues to drive him forward.