Inside Scots DJ Calvin Harris' big life changes from fatherhood to copyright row
Inside Scots DJ Calvin Harris' big life changes from fatherhood to copyright row
Calvin Harris has been in the eye of the storm recently over his new track Blessings, which has been compared to Chicane's hit Offshore, leading to TikTok debate.
Calvin Harris and Vick Hope are to become parents
(Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Ima )
Calvin Harris has been making headlines once more, although not necessarily for the right reasons. The Scottish DJ has found himself viral on TikTok following the release of his new hit track, Blessings.
The Dumfries-born DJ has been enjoying chart success lately with his new track, which has appeared to divide opinion in a furious rant with DJ Chicane over claims he 'copied' the star's iconic hit, Offshore. The argument has recently taken TikTok by storm.
The 41-year-old is soon to become a dad alongside wife Vick Hope, after she announced her pregnancy earlier in May, he continues his chart-topping success despite certain backlash. But what actually happened and where did his career all begin?
Early career
Calvin, real name Adam Richard Wiles, has had quite the career blow-up since discovering his passion for music in high school at the age of just 15.
The Scottish DJ, born in Dumfries, went from uploading his tracks on Myspace to becoming one of the most famous and well paid DJs on the planet with a stream of number one hits.
Calvin Harris got into music at the age of 15
(Image: Getty Images )
Article continues below
He went on to release two songs through the Prima Facie label in 2002. After an unsuccessful stint in London, he returned to Dumfries and developed solo recordings at home and posted them on his 'Myspace' page before being signed to a record label in 2006.
His first studio album 'I Created Disco', released in 2007, debuted at no.8 on the UK Albums Chart with hit singles Acceptable In The 80s and The Girls.
Just two years later, the DJ released his second studio album which debuted at no.1 on the UK Albums Chart and received gold certification later that year.
It was after this album that he moved away from singing, and focussed on his role as a producer and allowing other vocalists to take the lead on his tracks.
Calvin's success just kept getting bigger and better, as his collaboration with Rihanna on We Found Love for his third album was his first single to reach no.1 in the US - fully launching his career to superstardom.
As reported on WealthyGorilla, Calvin Harris is the richest DJ in the world with a net worth of £300million.
'Copyright' song drama
Chicane, real name Nicholas Bracegirdle, claimed that Calvin's new single copies his 1996 classic Offshore, which spent eight weeks in the charts. He shared a two-minute video on TikTok showing how a riff in Offshore cut and looped sounded the same as Blessings.
He began by stating: "I'm Nick Chicane and welcome to the video that I thought I would never have to make. This is my right to reply to all the comments online about the new Calvin Harris single Blessings' similarity to my 30-year old Offshore."
He played the two singles on his music editing software before stating: "It's really hard to decipher when one comes in and one goes, that is because they are almost identical. I am defending my copyright and intellectual property here guys - I'd like to know what your comments are here guys."
It was Calvin's response however that had Scottish fans in hysterics. He filmed an eight-minute video insisting he hadn't copied the track, of him playing the two singles. He laughed and branded Nick 'stupid' as he insisted: "it's not the same, it's not the f***ing same."
People were quick to hilariously compare his rant to that in Trainspotting. He captioned the post: "Response to the people calling me a plagiarist over the last couple of days after that guys video, all the best."
Calvin then claimed in the comments that Chicane had actually used a sample in his song, writing: "If you make it to the end you're rewarded with the track HE ripped off originally for his song."
Becoming a dad
Elsewhere in his personal life, Calvin is set to become a dad alongside wife Vick Hope. The pair first met back in 2022, and later tied the knot in an outdoor carnival-themed ceremony the following year.
Vick and Calvin's baby is set to have an interesting start to life with the pair owning several homes, including a farm in Ibiza and a 10-acre estate in the Cotswolds. The couple announced they were set to become parents earlier this month.
The pair are reported to be in the process of building a mansion on their Cotswolds estate, which is reported to become their main place of residence.
BBC Radio host Vick stressed on air that she didn't want to make a big deal out of her pregnancy. She said: "This is not an announcement, by the way. People keep saying are you going to announce, are you going to announce? And I'm like, I'm not the King.
Article continues below
"I'll be honest, I struggle with anything that's personal or private. I will tell you a story about eating a kebab out of a bin, that's one thing.
"But there's a line and so I've never been that big on sharing. Particularly because I've just been enjoying this privately and quietly."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
27 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Self-proclaimed ‘weirdo' Russell Martin in focus including Rangers boss' famous girlfriend & unique outlook on life
NEW Rangers manager Russell Martin has admitted he's a 'weirdo' in the footie world. As a vegan Buddhist and fully paid up member of the Green Party, it's fair to say that the former Scotland international isn't your typical grunting gaffer. 8 Russell Martin has been presented as the new Rangers manager Credit: Willie Vass 8 Martin and Lucy Pinder went public with their relationship last year Credit: Instagram / @pinderpix 8 Lucy earned legions of fans during her time as a glamour model Credit: PA:Press Association The 39-year-old also dates former lads mag pin-up Lucy Pinder, 41, swims in the sea and uses a cryotherapy chamber near his home. But despite being labelled the sport's most 'woke' boss, the retired defender actually endured a brutal upbringing. The second youngest of four brothers, Martin grew up in the Hollingbury area of Brighton and watched as his late Scots dad Dean was violent towards mum Kerry and had stints in prison. His family home was lost to his gambling debts — and he moved them next door to a bookies. In a recent podcast interview with footy legend Gary Lineker, Martin said: 'There was too much violence and it became a bit normal. From my dad to my mum. I witnessed a lot of it. A lot of my childhood was spent trying to placate the adults in my life. 'The problem with my dad was he had the capability to be amazing and really likeable but the gap between him at his best and worst was too big. 'And he was a big gambler so the day depended on how he did at the bookies and he worked nights on the taxis so you couldn't make a sound in the morning so it was eggshells a lot of the time and I spent a lot of time kicking the ball against the bookies' wall. 'My dad was great in some ways but I'd never do with my kids what he did with me.' Martin was forced to leave his troubled dad behind and look after his mum when they moved out to escape the violence at home. Despite the early trauma, he excelled at school where he was made head boy. And even after a string of top clubs rejected the budding footballer, he joined non-league side Lewes and cleaned windows and pub toilets in the mornings with his uncle and did shifts at a Spar supermarket across the road in the evenings to make some spare cash. Premier League boss Russell Martin has found love with former glamour model Lucy Pinder He got his break under Arsenal legend Tony Adams, 58, at Wycombe before moving on to Peterborough and Norwich — whose manager at the time, Celtic hero Paul Lambert, 55, has been a huge influence on his career. During this time the Scots stopper married bodybuilder Jasmine Martin and the pair had three children before splitting in 2023. Martin, who also enjoyed brief stints with Walsall, MK Dons and even Rangers in 2018, gave up meat and turned vegan for health reasons after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. He was part-owner of a vegan restaurant and later practiced meditation and breath work as he embraced Buddhism after finding religion through a book called 'The Buddha, Geoff and Me' by Edward Canfor-Dumas. Meanwhile, he revealed he'd joined the Green Party in 2018 after growing disillusioned with politics. But it probably wasn't a surprise to his then Norwich teammates - as Martin often implored them to turn the taps off and think about climate change. He also drives electric cars, is obsessive about recycling and started his own foundation which has grown from a football academy to a charity that helps kids struggling in mainstream school. The philanthropist once said: 'I'm probably deemed a bit of a weirdo in terms of football. But, to be honest, I'm past the point of worrying what others think. 'It's not like: 'Is it going to harm my employment opportunities because of where I vote and what I stand for?' If it did, I wouldn't want to work for those people anyway.' Martin was preparing for his coaching career during his playing days — studying for his coaching badges at age 22, and going for his Uefa Pro Licence at the Scottish FA in 2019. He enjoyed successful spells in charge of MK Dons and Swansea City before his honeymoon period at Southampton — they were promoted to the English Premier League — came crashing down when they were relegated and he was sacked. The heartbreaking end to his top flight stint wasn't a surprise after a 5-0 loss - but it could have been handled better. Martin said: 'I went in thinking that time was done. I needed to go to the toilet and compose myself before doing the team talk. So I went in and said to the lads at half-time, 0-5 down: 'I'm getting sacked tonight.' 'It was like an out of body experience watching the second half, I felt so detached from it because I knew what was coming. 'After the game, I spoke to the guys again and said: 'Thanks for everything, I'm not sure what's gonna happen now'. 8 'I went into the press conference and asked the head of media 'what's happening?' He says, 'We've done the statement' so it was a really quick press conference. He told me to go upstairs. I wanted to wait until the morning but we did it [the sacking] with the owners straight after the game.' But he hasn't allowed his dismissal last year to bring him down as he's found love with Southampton-daft glamour model Lucy. They were seen out together when the football coach was given an honorary degree by Brighton University and later turned heads at a Sky Sports social function. Pin-up Lucy, shot to fame as a glamour model in the early 2000s after she was spotted on Bournemouth beach by a photographer. She went on to become a regular in lads' mags Nuts, FHM and Loaded and has been in several movies — debuting in 2012 in Strippers vs Werewolves — and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. The model knows a thing or two about celebrity romances, having reportedly dated Captain America star Chris Evans, 43, in the past. But seeing her fella succeed at Ibrox could mean she's found her second superhero. 8 Lucy and Martin were spotted at an event last year Credit: PA:Press Association 8 Martin led Southampton to promotion Credit: Getty 8 He played 29 times for Scotland Credit: Getty 8 Martin's philosophy earned the respect of the Southampton players Credit: Getty Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Pride of Britain launches with huge nationwide hunt for amazing unsung heroes
Pride of Britain is back and it's bigger than ever as it launches this year's nationwide search aboard P&O Cruises flagship Britannia. If you know someone who is the Pride of Britain, you can nominate them here… Pride of Britain is setting sail to look for 'Heroes ahoy!' in its biggest ever search for extraordinary people around the British Isles. The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises have been celebrating unsung heroes young and old for 26 years. And today (Friday) co-hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will be welcoming some of 2024's winners aboard P&OC's flagship Britannia to launch the hunt for Pride of Britain's class of 2025. Carol, who has hosted every Pride of Britain since it began in 1999, is eager to see recent winners again. She says: 'When someone wins a Pride of Britain Award, they become part of the family, and I can't wait to catch up with some of our fabulous winners from last year.' Like the irrepressible bundle of fun Florrie Bark, who won a Child of Courage award for helping so many others while undergoing gruelling treatment for a rare form of leukaemia and waiting for a lung transplant. The eight-year-old TikTok sensation from Corby, Northants, had the nation smiling through their tears as she accepted her much-deserved Pride of Britain trophy in front of a host of famous faces at London's Grosvenor House last October, saying: 'This is for all the children with cancer who couldn't be here tonight.' And Jacob 'The Pilot' Newson, who lost his mum to breast cancer aged just seven, and was awarded Young Fundraiser of the Year, after the intrepid youngster trekked over mountains to raise hundreds of thousands for charity. The little boy, who loves planes and flying, captured the hearts of everyone as he told how he wanted to thank local hospice workers in Leeds who had cared for his late mum, saying: 'I just want to make Mummy happy in heaven.' They are just two of 2024's inspirational winners, who have gone above and beyond with their bravery and compassion for others – but we know there are many more amazing people out there. Now the Awards is launching its biggest ever search for the nation's unsung heroes – reaching every corner of the country, and covering every inch of the British coastline. Florrie and Jacob are part of a group of 2024 winners handing over the baton - in the form of an iconic Pride of Britain trophy, which they are delivering to Britannia today, as it embarks on a circumnavigation of Britain. Launching the history-making voyage, the 2024 winners will be catching up with Carol and Ashley before waving Britannia off to lead the search over land and sea around the British Isles. 'It's not just about finding out what they've been up to though,' adds Carol. 'They have the very important job of passing on the baton, and helping to launch our search for Pride of Britain's class of 2025.' Ashley hailed the fact anyone can nominate a hero for a Pride of Britain Award. 'One of the things that makes Pride of Britain so special, is that everyone gets the chance to tell us who they think should win – it's the ultimate people power,' says co-host Ashley. 'That's why we're making such a big noise about launching nominations. We want people in every corner of the country to tell us about the amazing unsung heroes in their communities.' It was nominations for outstanding members of the public that made sure last year's community hero winner Agnes Nisbett was recognised for her deeply personal work. Having experienced the trauma of stillbirth herself in 1973, when her tiny son was wrapped up and taken away from her, the now-retired midwife devoted her life to other grieving parents by founding the Born Whilst Sleeping programme at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, to give them time with their stillborn babies. 'I didn't want to let other women go through what I have,' said the pioneering nurse. Tearful actress Kym Marsh, who experienced a stillbirth herself, presented the trophy and thanked Agnes for, 'Turning her pain into her purpose". The selfless work of the Award winners can touch many people's lives, but sometimes an astonishing act of bravery will make the difference between life or death. Recognised for Outstanding Bravery last year, Emily Greenwood risked her own life to swim into icy winter seas in Cornwall to save a 10-year-old boy and a man ripped away by strong currents. At the Awards, Emily modestly said:'I just thought that I needed to help. I think most people would in that situation. We were all lucky. It could have ended very differently.' Guests and crew on the ship will be invited to nominate heroes, like Emily, onboard before the Britannia sets off around the coast, stopping off at key ports. A special nomination booth will also let the public nominate in cities across the country. The Pride of Britain team – along with some famous faces – will also scour the country in search of heroes, using every mode of transport, from bikes and trains to scooters and skateboards, to make sure no stone is left unturned. Other 2024 winners taking part today include Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who with her best friend's mum Diana Parkes, set up a charity to support children impacted by domestic abuse. After Diana's daughter Joanna was killed by her husband Robert Brown in a horrifying attack within earshot of her young children, not only did she provide a home for her grandchildren, but together with Hetti, from Swindon, they set up the Joanna Simpson Foundation. Queen Camilla credited Diana's story as her inspiration for raising awareness about domestic violence, and Hetti warned: 'So often people don't know domestic abuse is happening to those they love.' The public's nominations really count and makes all the tireless campaigning work done by people like Michelle Tolley worth it. Michelle, from Norfolk, along with Jason Evans and Andy Evans, won a Special Recognition award for helping victims and relatives of the HIV and Hepatitis C blood scandal. 'The award feels like we've been heard by the people, and that's amazing,' said Michelle, who was infected with Hepatitis C, after receiving two transfusions following the birth of her children. Co-host Ashley says: 'Teaming up with some of last year's fabulous winners will also be a brilliant reminder of the courage, kindness, strength and empathy it takes to be a Pride of Britain winner. "I'm really looking forward to seeing them again, and kicking off the search for our 2025 winners.' The stars of the show are always the winners, but famous friends of the Awards will be getting involved too, sharing their own nominations and encouraging everyone else to do the same. 'We all feel a huge responsibility to make sure we do everything in our power to find the most extraordinary, inspirational winners, and this year will be our biggest search ever,' says Carol. She adds: 'The launch aboard Britannia is going to be a really exciting day, but it's just the start – watch this space.' Prepare to come aboard, people of Britain, because this time the Pride of Britain Awards will be arriving into the heart of your communities and welcoming nominations first hand. Our new look Pride of Britain has been bringing people together for 26 years. Over that time, core values of Bravery, Kindness, Love, Inspiration, Strength, Community and Empathy have become firmly established as the Awards DNA. Now, a stunning new visualisation of the Pride of Britain brand, which is set to be rolled out alongside a refreshed and reimagined logo, brings those values vividly to life. The new brand identity, developed with top creative agency BBD Perfect Storm, is being revealed alongside the official launch of nominations for the 2025 Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises. Each strand represents a core Pride Of Britain value that brings people together for these extraordinary awards, celebrating the very best in people and what they selflessly do for others. Pride Of Britain is the highest-rated Awards of its kind on British television, bringing some of the world 's most famous faces together to celebrate truly extraordinary achievements of people of all ages, from children of courage to lifesaving emergency workers, inspirational fundraisers and people who make the world a better place, in local communities and on a national or even global scale. Jason Foo, CEO at BBD Perfect Storm, said: 'It's been an honour to reimagine the visual identity of such an iconic and beloved event. The Pride of Britain Awards are rooted in values that speak to the very best of humanity – bravery, kindness, strength and community." The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will be screened in primetime on ITV1 in the Autumn. Award categories Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them for a Pride of Britain Award at Don't worry if you're not sure which category to choose – our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award. P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION WARD Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact. ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, aged 18 and over. To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work. THIS MORNING LOCAL HERO For an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale. For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty. OUTSTANDING BRAVERY For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger. CHILD/TEENAGER OF COURAGE For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger.
Western Telegraph
39 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Clarkson's Farm: Harriet responds to 'awkward' Kaleb Cooper
Cooper has been Jeremy Clarkson's right-hand man since the show first hit screens in 2021. He was instantly a hit with fans, but now appears to have been 'replaced'. Cowan was introduced as the temporary replacement of farm manager Cooper on Diddly Farm. The full-time nurse, who recently urged viewers to 'be kind' following her appearance on the show, was recruited due to Cooper's professional commitments elsewhere. The newly minted millionaire is busy touring a one-man show after finding fame on the Prime Video series. Just started #ClarksonsFarm4 and Harriet is an instant hit with me. I'm sorry but Kaleb might have to start looking for new employment lol — FWMFO (@DocFeelgd) May 30, 2025 Fans of the show couldn't help but notice Cooper appeared rather unimpressed with Cowan upon their introduction when he returned to the Oxfordshire location. Jeremy Clarkson himself pointed out that Cooper needed to be kind to Cowan, telling him: 'Right, now, that's Harriet. Now be nice – behave.' Cooper then stood watching Cowan in silence as she worked, sarcastically questioning her farming skills, with Clarkson chiding him for his attitude. Recommended reading: Cowan has now assured viewers that she gets on with Cooper, and said that they have even become friends away from the cameras. During an appearance on BBC Derby, Cowan, who has a big following on TikTok, said: 'Kaleb's amazing. Me and him are so close now. He's such a good farmer and we got on really well.' She continued: 'He's another farmer to add to my phone list to ring. Everyone checks in to make sure everyone's fine.'
