Calvin Harris

Over 23.0M+ followers on spotify, Popular for edm music genre.

Calvin Harris, whose real name is Adam Richard Wiles, was born on January 17, 1984, in Dumfries, Scotland. Growing up in a small town, Harris was the youngest of three siblings, and from an early age, he showed a keen interest in music. The sound of the 1980s synthpop heavily influenced his musical preferences, and by his teenage years, he was creating homemade recordings in his bedroom. Harris cites artists like the Pet Shop Boys and Fatboy Slim as early influences that helped shape his distinctive sound. After graduating high school, Harris worked various jobs while continuing to pursue music. His early foray into the music scene saw him releasing tracks like 'Brighter Days' and 'Da Bongos' under the name Stouffer in 2002 and 2003, though these did not bring him significant attention. In 2004, seeking better opportunities for his burgeoning music career, Harris moved to London. However, after little success, he returned to Dumfries where he continued to hone his craft. His persistence paid off when he began sharing his music on Myspace, a platform that eventually helped him get noticed by music labels, leading to his big break in 2006.

Calvin Harris's career trajectory took a pivotal turn in 2007, with the release of his debut studio album, 'I Created Disco.' The album was distinct for its electroclash sound, featuring tracks like 'Acceptable in the 80s' and 'The Girls' which became massive hits in the UK. This success was just the beginning of Harris's rise as a powerhouse in the electronic dance music (EDM) genre. Over the years, his musical style has continually evolved, mirroring and often setting trends in the EDM landscape. From the funky disco beats of his debut, Harris transitioned to a more mainstream sound with his second album, 'Ready for the Weekend' in 2009. This album marked Harris's first UK chart-topping record, solidifying his role as a leading figure in dance music. In 2012, Harris released '18 Months,' an album that showcased a significant evolution in his music with collaborations that included top artists such as Rihanna. This period marked a shift from him being a vocalist to focusing on producing, a move that paid off with 'We Found Love,' a global hit. Subsequent albums like 'Motion' in 2014, and 'Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1' in 2017, reflected Harris's ability to blend genres, integrating hip-hop, pop, and funk with EDM, effectively expanding his listener base. Each project not only displayed a deepening of his sound but also cemented his position as a versatile and innovative producer.

Calvin Harris boasts an impressive discography that showcases his growth as an artist and his extensive impact on EDM. His debut album, 'I Created Disco' (2007), set the stage with tracks that echoed 80s synthpop sounds, followed by 'Ready for the Weekend' (2009), which introduced a more polished and radio-friendly style. In 2012, '18 Months' became a watershed moment in his career, characterized by upbeat singles like 'Feel So Close' and 'Sweet Nothing' featuring Florence Welch—projects that resonated globally. 'Motion' (2014) is another landmark album where Harris collaborated with a diverse array of artists, broadening his sonic landscape with tracks like 'Under Control' featuring Alesso and Hurts. In 2017, 'Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1' marked yet another stylistic shift, incorporating elements of funk and summery vibes, and featuring artists such as Frank Ocean and Pharrell Williams. In 2022, Harris released 'Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2,' continuing his exploration into genre-blending sounds. Each album not only highlights Harris's adaptability and penchant for collaboration but also captures the zeitgeist of the music scene at its release.

Calvin Harris has an array of hit songs that have stormed charts globally, affirming his reputation as a prolific hitmaker. One of his earliest hits, 'Acceptable in the 80s,' established his signature sound, garnering significant attention in the UK. However, it was the Rihanna collaboration, 'We Found Love,' released in 2011, that catapulted Harris to international stardom. The track topped charts in over 25 countries and was certified multi-platinum in the United States. Another standout hit, 'This Is What You Came For,' featuring Rihanna, released in 2016, became an anthem of the summer, garnering billions of streams worldwide. Besides Rihanna, collaborations with artists such as Ellie Goulding on 'I Need Your Love' and 'Outside,' and 'Summer'—a solo track released in 2014—further cemented his position atop global charts. Calvin Harris's ability to produce catchy, chart-topping tracks made him the first British solo artist to reach over a billion streams on Spotify, a testament to his widespread popularity and impact.

Collaboration has been a hallmark of Calvin Harris's career, enabling him to explore new sounds and reach wider audiences. 'We Found Love' with Rihanna stands as one of his most successful collaborations, but that's merely the tip of the iceberg. Harris has worked with a diverse range of top-tier artists. His work with Ellie Goulding on tracks like 'I Need Your Love' and 'Outside' showcases a seamless blend of EDM and pop, highlighting his ability to produce crossover hits. The album '18 Months' features collaborations with the likes of Ne-Yo, Kelis, and Example, demonstrating his knack for teaming up with artists who can complement his electronic style. Notably, Harris also ventured into the funk and retro-inspired soundscape with 'Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1,' featuring artists like Snoop Dogg, Big Sean, and Nicki Minaj. This album was a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative blend of genres. Through collaborations, Harris not only enhances his music but also pushes the boundaries of EDM, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Calvin Harris's popularity on streaming platforms is a testament to his immense global reach and the enduring appeal of his music. On Spotify, Harris enjoys a loyal fanbase with over 40 million monthly listeners as of 2023, making him one of the most streamed artists on the platform. His tracks cumulatively have billions of streams, with hits like 'This Is What You Came For' boasting over a billion streams by itself. On YouTube, Harris's music videos, including 'How Deep Is Your Love' and 'Summer,' have racked up hundreds of millions of views, further evidencing his global appeal. His presence on Apple Music is equally impressive, with his albums consistently charting high and being featured in prominent playlists. The streaming success underscores Harris's ability to connect with fans worldwide continually and adapt his music to the evolving tastes of the digital music consumer.

Calvin Harris's contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous awards and nominations. He holds the distinction of being a Grammy Award-winning artist, having secured the award for Best Music Video for 'We Found Love' with Rihanna in 2013. Beyond the Grammys, Harris's trophy cabinet includes multiple MTV Video Music Awards, where he won the Best EDM Video award for 'Acceptable in the 80s.' His work has also been recognized at the Brit Awards, where he received the British Producer of the Year award in 2019. Harris's albums and singles have achieved various certifications, with 'We Found Love' going 9x Platinum in the US alone. His industry recognition extends beyond just awards, as he has been credited with revolutionizing the global EDM scene by bringing it into the mainstream and consistently being named among the top DJs globally by DJ Mag. Such accolades underline his influence and the respect he commands across the music industry.

Calvin Harris is renowned for his dynamic and genre-blending musical style, which primarily straddles the line between electronic dance music and pop. His early work reflects a strong influence from 80s synthpop, establishing the catchy, upbeat brushstrokes that define much of his oeuvre. Over time, Harris has expanded his sound palette, incorporating elements from variety genres like funk, soul, and hip-hop. This versatility is evident in projects like 'Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1,' which channels retro vibes and adapts them into modern contexts. Influences from icons like Fatboy Slim and Daft Punk are apparent in Harris's rhythmic articulations and innovative beats. However, it's his keen sense for melody and hooks that truly sets him apart, whether creating soulful vocal tracks or pulsating club anthems. His ability to craft songs that appeal universally while maintaining a distinct stylistic identity highlights not only his talent but also his deep understanding of the music scene.

Calvin Harris's legacy in the music world is marked by his transformative impact on the landscape of EDM and popular music over the past two decades. As one of the first DJs to bring EDM into mainstream success, Harris paved the way for electronic music to dominate global charts. His innovative production techniques and ability to blend genres has influenced countless artists, both seasoned musicians and emerging talent. Harris's collaborations have not only resulted in numerous chart-topping hits but have also showcased the potential of electronic music to reach broader audiences. His strategic shift from live performances to prioritizing production and collaborations reverberated throughout the industry, signaling a new era for music producers. Beyond sales and accolades, Harris's true legacy lies in his ability to continually redefine EDM's possibilities, inspiring a generation of artists who look up to him not only for his commercial success but also for his artistic vision and pioneering spirit. His enduring influence ensures that his music and his approach to modern music production will be studied and emulated for years to come.