Digital music veteran Nick Halkes strikes JV with Sentric Music Group and takes on A&R consultancy position
UK-based Sentric Music Group has partnered with veteran artist manager and XL Recordings co-founder Nick Halkes.
Halkes will join the group as an A&R consultant, trying to sign writers in collaboration with the independent publisher.
In addition to future new signings, Halkes will also work with existing customers on creative development and growth.
Halkes has a track record of signing and developing dance and electronic talent that spans three decades.
He co-founded XL Recordings where he signed The Prodigy, SL2, and more before launching Positiva and developing that label into a powerhouse.
For the past several years, Halkes has worked as a manager with Liam Howlett (The Prodigy), artist / radio One DJ Rene LaVice, One Bit, Stanton Warriors, DJ Fresh and others.
He’s also remixed Melanie C and Kylie as ‘Nick Reach Up’ over the past few months.
His management and production activities will continue alongside his partnership with Sentric.
The partnership supports the expansion of the electronic division of the Sentric Music Group.
“Having known Nick for over 25 years, I have seen firsthand how extensive his skills are.”
Peter McCamley, Sentric
Sentric’s Peter McCamley said, “Having known Nick for over 25 years, I have seen firsthand the breadth of his skills.
“His work ethic, ethos and passion for empowering creators are entirely in line with those of Sentric. I couldn’t be happier to get him on the team.
“I have no doubt that this will be a fruitful and successful partnership and I look forward to seeing the opportunities Nick offers for our electronics division as well as for new and existing customers.”
“I want to sign and work with some great writers in this new relationship and also want to re-energize some classic songs and catalogs.”
Nick Halkes
Nick Halkes said: “Many years ago Peter McCamley walked into my office in Positiva and accused me of a song for one of my artists that I wanted to edit immediately and that luckily I had a nice hit with. Peter has always been a great publisher.
“I’ve also been impressed with Mark Lawrence’s work over the years. When the opportunity arose to work with them and the Sentric team, I was very keen to explore them.
He added, “While a lot has changed and continues to change in our industry, I have always believed in the central importance of great writers, great songs, and great artists.
“I want to sign and work with some great writers in this new relationship and also want to re-energize some classic songs and catalogs.
“I’m interested in hearing from writers, managers, and rights holders who might have interesting ideas.”Music business worldwide
