Calvin Harris Claps Back at Chicane’s Plagiarism Claims Over ‘Blessings’

Calvin Harris, the Scottish DJ and producer, has ignited a heated online debate by responding to accusations of plagiarism from trance producer Chicane. The controversy centers on Harris’s latest single, “Blessings,” featuring Clementine Douglas, which Chicane claims bears a striking resemblance to his 1996 classic “Offshore.” In a sharp video response posted on May 18, 2025, Harris dismissed the allegations with strong words, fueling discussions among fans and industry peers about musical similarities and creative influence.

Calvin Harris, born Adam Richard Wiles, is a global EDM and pop icon known for hits like “We Found Love” with Rihanna and “One Kiss” with Dua Lipa. His recent single “Blessings,” released in May 2025, features a synth-driven sound with Clementine Douglas’s vocals, earning praise for its Ibiza-inspired vibe. Chicane, real name Nick Bracegirdle, is a veteran trance producer whose 1996 track “Offshore” from his debut album “Far From the Maddening Crowds” is considered a genre classic. On May 17, 2025, Chicane posted a social media video comparing chord progressions of “Blessings” and “Offshore,” captioning it “copyright alert” and suggesting Harris had borrowed heavily from his work.

In response, Harris took to Instagram on May 18, 2025, with a video captioned, “Response to the people who have enjoyed calling me a plagiarist over the last couple of days, cheers Nick Chicane all the best to you pal.” In the clip, he passionately defended his work, stating, “You’re f—ing joking,” and argued that similarities were superficial, emphasizing that “one—you didn’t invent the guitar, two—it’s not the same.” Harris also pointed to Tangerine Dream’s 1983 track “Love on a Real Train,” suggesting it shares similarities with “Offshore,” flipping the accusation back on Chicane. The video has stirred significant attention, with no public reply from Chicane as of May 20, 2025.

The online reaction has been mixed. Some fans support Chicane, with trance legend Tiësto commenting that “Offshore is an iconic masterpiece.” Others back Harris, arguing that chord progressions are common in music and don’t constitute plagiarism. Social media posts reflect the divide, with some users praising Harris’s bold response and others defending Chicane’s right to protect his work. The debate has highlighted the fine line between inspiration and copying in electronic music, where shared influences are common.

Plagiarism disputes are not new in music, particularly in electronic genres where sampling and shared chord progressions are standard. Recent examples include Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” case against Marvin Gaye’s estate in 2015, which resulted in a $5 million settlement. Harris’s response, while fiery, underscores the challenges of proving plagiarism without clear evidence of direct copying. For Harris, the controversy could impact his reputation, though his established fanbase and recent successes, like his double residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza in 2025, suggest resilience. For Chicane, the accusation has brought renewed attention to “Offshore,” potentially boosting its streaming numbers.

To contextualize, here’s a table comparing recent high-profile music plagiarism disputes:

This table shows the complexity of plagiarism claims, with outcomes varying based on evidence and legal action.

Calvin Harris’s sharp response to Chicane’s plagiarism accusations over “Blessings” has sparked a lively debate in the music community. While the similarities between “Blessings” and “Offshore” have fueled discussion, Harris’s defense and the lack of a formal legal claim suggest this may remain a public spat rather than a courtroom battle. As the story unfolds, it highlights the challenges of navigating creative influence in electronic music, with fans and artists watching closely for what comes next.