Mike Pickering (born 24 February 1958) is a British musician and DJ, associated with the "Madchester" scene. He was born in Accrington, Lancashire. He was a DJ at The Haçienda's "Nude" and "Hot" nights and later "Shine". He worked for Factory Records where he signed Happy Mondays, To Hell With Burgundy and James, amongst others. He was the founder, writer and producer of Quando Quango and later M People, playing the saxophone, and as backing singer.Pickering now works as A&R within the Columbia label of Sony BMG where he manages The Gossip, Calvin Harris, Kasabian, Dark Globes and The Ting Tings.