I slipped off my shoes at the entrance to Henry Walter’s sunny living room, where a sleek piano stood as the centerpiece rather than a TV. It wasn’t what I expected from a producer with credits spanning Katy Perry, The Weeknd, and Britney Spears. But Walter—better known as Cirkut—has never conformed to the flashy music producer stereotype.
“I had no idea what I was doing half the time,” he admits with a laugh, recalling his early days making beats in his parents’ Halifax home. “But isn’t that how the best stuff happens?”
That humble East Coast beginning has transformed into a remarkable career trajectory. This February, Walter will attend the Grammy Awards as a nominee for his production work on Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ hit “Die With a Smile“—earning nominations for both Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The track’s sparse, emotional arrangement showcases Walter’s signature ability to create space where voices can truly shine. It’s a skill that has made him one of music’s most sought-after collaborators.
“Something magical happened when Gaga and Bruno got in the room together,” Walter tells me, adjusting his glasses. “My job was just making sure we captured it right.”
Born and raised in Halifax, Walter’s journey to music industry success wasn’t a straight line. While attending Citadel High School, he divided his time between traditional piano lessons and experimenting with digital production tools, creating an unusual foundation that would later define his sound.
“Growing up in Halifax gave me this interesting perspective,” Walter reflects. “You’re somewhat removed from the industry, so you develop your own style without too much outside influence. There’s something pure about that.”
By his early twenties, Walter had caught the attention of fellow Canadian producer Dr. Luke, who recognized his talent and brought him to Los Angeles. The move marked the beginning of Walter’s professional ascent, leading to work on chart-topping singles including Katy Perry’s “Roar” and The Weeknd’s “Starboy.”
Music engineer Hayden Walsh, who worked alongside Walter in his early career, wasn’t surprised by his success. “Henry always had this incredible ear for what makes a song connect emotionally,” Walsh told me via phone. “He could strip away everything unnecessary and find the heart of a track.”
According to data from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Walter is among fewer than two dozen Nova Scotians who have received Grammy nominations in the awards’ 66-year history. This regional significance isn’t lost on Walter, who makes regular trips back to the Maritimes despite his busy schedule.
The collaboration with Lady Gaga came through years of industry relationships and mutual respect. “Die With a Smile” emerged from a session that wasn’t originally intended for either artist.
“We were just playing around with this beautiful melody,” Walter explains. “When Gaga heard it, she immediately connected with it, and then bringing Bruno in elevated everything. Sometimes the best music happens when you’re not overthinking it.”
The song’s success—reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and accumulating over 300 million streams on Spotify alone—speaks to its emotional resonance with listeners. Music critic Alexandra Pollard described it in The Guardian as “a masterclass in restraint,” highlighting Walter’s production choices as key to its impact.
For many Halifax musicians, Walter’s continued success represents possibility. Local music educator Maria Thompson believes his story inspires her students. “Having someone from here succeed at that level shows kids they don’t need to be from Los Angeles or New York to make it in music,” she explains during our conversation at a downtown cafĂ©.
The Grammy Awards will air on February 4, 2024, with Walter planning to attend the ceremony in Los Angeles. While he’s honored by the nominations, he seems more focused on his next projects than potential trophies.
When I ask about his future goals, Walter pauses thoughtfully before answering. “I’m interested in working with more emerging artists,” he says. “There’s something special about helping someone find their sound for the first time.”
As our conversation winds down, Walter shows me around his home studio—a modest space featuring vintage synthesizers alongside cutting-edge technology. It’s a fitting representation of his approach: honoring musical traditions while pushing them forward.
Before leaving, I ask if he has advice for young producers from smaller communities like Halifax. His response is characteristically straightforward: “Learn everything you can, but don’t lose what makes your perspective unique. That’s what the world actually needs from you.”
In an industry often defined by trends and formulas, Walter’s Grammy nominations celebrate something increasingly rare: music that prioritizes emotional authenticity over commercial calculation. Regardless of the February results, Halifax’s most successful music export has already secured his legacy by helping shape the sound of contemporary pop—one thoughtful production choice at a time.
