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Mike Pickering’s frustration with the indie music scene in the mid-2000s led to an unexpected discovery that would significantly impact his career. At the time working as an A&R representative for Sony’s Columbia label, he was on a call with a publisher when he heard an intriguing tune playing softly in the background. Distracted from the conversation, Pickering focused on the track, which turned out to be “The Girls” by Calvin Harris, then known as Adam Wiles. Impressed by what he heard, he immediately requested Harris’s contact details with the intention of signing him.
Their first meeting took place in a Costa Coffee located in King’s Cross Station. Harris conveyed his urgency: “If you’re interested you have to do this deal straight away because I’m sick of stacking shelves at Marks and Spencer in Dumfries.” Pickering recalls that Harris appeared “very gangly and geeky,” quite different from the polished artist he would become. Describing him as someone who looked like “a normal kid from Scotland or the north of England,” Pickering nonetheless recognized a unique talent and determination in Harris that he sought in an artist. “Adam always knew what he wanted to do, always, and I used to look for that in an artist,” Pickering said, highlighting Harris’s clear vision and songwriting skills.
Their professional relationship quickly flourished following their initial 20 to 25-minute discussion, culminating in a signed deal and a close ongoing collaboration, both professionally and personally. Before embarking on a solo career, Harris was part of a five-piece band from Dumfries, which Pickering described as “really funny guys” whose road trips were “never a dull moment.” Even years later, their connection remains strong; Harris continues to send Pickering new tracks seeking his opinion. Pickering considers Harris a unique figure, sitting “between an artist and a DJ,” noting that all the music Harris plays is self-written and produced, with numerous global hits to his name.
Pickering regards Harris as one of Britain’s most exceptional songwriters, breaking records including surpassing Michael Jackson’s record on the “18 Months” album, a feat he calls “incredible.” He also reflects on the rarity of such sustained success in the music industry, noting that most artists experience only a limited window of hit-making ability. Harris, however, continues to produce new material, with Pickering recently endorsing an upcoming release as “a smash.” Harris’s contributions extend beyond music; he has written a foreword and a chapter for Pickering’s book, *Manchester Must Dance*, published by Manchester University Press. Despite their longstanding connection, Pickering admits he has yet to visit Harris’s hometown of Dumfries but praises the impact Harris has had on putting the town “on the map,” joking that “surely a statue beckons.”
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