Calvin Harris, whose real name is Adam Richard Wiles, is a Scottish music artist who has been dominating the global music scene with his catchy songs, versatile styles, and star-studded collaborations. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative artists in the EDM genre, which blends elements of electronic, dance, and pop music. Calvin Harris has also proven himself as a savvy businessperson, a record-breaking achiever, and a visionary leader in the music industry12
Origins and Early Career
Calvin Harris was born on January 17, 1984, in Dumfries, Scotland. He grew up in a musical family, with his grandmother being a professional opera singer. He developed a passion for singing and songwriting from a young age and started performing at local events and fairs. He also learned to play the piano, keyboards, synthesiser, guitar, bass guitar, sampler, and sequencer12
At the age of 14, Harris started making electronic music in his bedroom, using a computer and various software. He uploaded his songs to the internet and attracted the attention of a music manager, who helped him sign a recording contract with EMI in 2006. He released his debut studio album, I Created Disco, in June 2007, which featured the hit singles “Acceptable in the 80s” and “The Girls”. The album was a commercial and critical success, earning Harris a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 200812
Breakthrough and Global Success
Harris’s second album, Ready for the Weekend, was released in August 2009 and marked his transition from electroclash to electro-house. The album spawned the smash hits “I’m Not Alone” and “Ready for the Weekend”, which catapulted Harris to international fame. The album also won the Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist in 201012
Harris’s third album, 18 Months, was released in October 2012, and showcased his growth as a songwriter and producer. The album featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Rihanna, Ellie Goulding, Florence Welch, and Ne-Yo. The album also broke the record for the most top 10 songs from one studio album on the UK Singles Chart with eight entries, surpassing Michael Jackson’s record. The album also won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronica Album in 201412
Harris’s fourth album, Motion, was released in November 2014, and experimented with various genres, such as EDM, electro-pop, and dance-pop. The album featured the singles “Summer”, “Blame”, “Outside”, and “Pray to God”. The album also became the best-selling album of 2014 in the UK, and earned Harris another Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album in 201612
Harris’s fifth album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, was released in June 2017, and represented a departure from his EDM sound. The album was influenced by funk, soul, disco, and R&B, and featured collaborations with artists such as Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Frank Ocean, and Migos. The album featured the singles “Slide”, “Feels”, and “One Kiss”. The album also received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, and won the Brit Award for British Producer of the Year in 201812
Harris’s sixth album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2, was released in June 2022, and served as a sequel to his previous album. The album continued the funk and soul influences, and featured collaborations with artists such as Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, SZA, and Khalid. The album featured the singles “Desire”, “Body Moving”, and “Miracle”. The album also received rave reviews, and became Harris’s sixth consecutive number-one album in the UK2
Future Plans and Vision
Harris has stated that he wants to keep challenging himself and exploring new sounds and styles, and that he hopes to inspire and empower his fans and the younger generation with his music and message. He has also expressed his support for various social causes and movements, such as environmentalism, animal rights, and mental health. He has also launched his own clothing line, Funk Wav Bounces, which reflects his fashion sense and personality2
Harris is undoubtedly one of the most talented and visionary artists of his generation, and he has proven that he has what it takes to conquer the world with his music and message. He is a true hitmaker and leader in the music industry, and he is set to become a legend in the history of music.