UK-headquartered Sentric Music Group has struck a partnership with veteran artist manager and XL Recordings co-founder Nick Halkes.

Halkes will join the group as A&R consultant and will look to sign writers in partnership with the independent publisher.

Alongside future signings, Halkes will also work with existing clients on creative development and growth.

Halkes has a track record for signing and developing dance and electronic talent that stretches across three  decades.

He was a co-founder of XL Recordings where he signed The Prodigy, SL2 and more, before launching Positiva and developing that label into a powerhouse imprint.

Over recent years as a manager Halkes has worked with Liam Howlett (The Prodigy), artist/ Radio One DJ Rene LaVice, One Bit, Stanton Warriors, DJ Fresh and more.

He has also remixed Melanie C and Kylie as ‘Nick Reach Up’ over recent months.

His management and production activities will continue alongside his partnership with Sentric.

The partnership supports the expansion of Sentric Music Group’s electronic division.

“Having known Nick for over 25 years I’ve been witness first hand to how wide-spanning his skill set is.”

Peter McCamley, Sentric

Sentric’s Peter McCamley said: “Having known Nick for over 25 years I’ve been witness first hand to how wide-spanning his skill set is.

“His work ethic, ethos and passion for enabling creators completely aligns with that of Sentric’s, I couldn’t be happier about bringing him into the team.

“I’ve no doubt this will be a fruitful and successful partnership and I look forward to seeing the opportunities that Nick brings to the table for our electronic division as well as those for new and existing clients.”

“I’m looking to sign and work with some great writers in this new relationship and would also like to bring some fresh energy to some classic songs and catalogs.”

Nick Halkes

Nick Halkes said: “Many years ago Peter McCamley walked into my office at Positiva and pitched me a song for one of my artists which I instantly decided to cut and fortunately proceeded to have a nice hit with. Peter has always been a great publisher.

“I’ve also been impressed with the work of Mark Lawrence over the years and thus when the opportunity to work with them and the Sentric team came up I was keen to explore it.

He added: “Whilst much has changed and continues to change in our industry, I’ve always believed in the core importance of great writers, great songs and great artists.

“I’m looking to sign and work with some great writers in this new relationship and would also like to bring some fresh energy to some classic songs and catalogs.

“I’m interested to hear from writers, managers and rights owners who might have any interesting ideas.”Music Business Worldwide