In May 2025, a significant controversy erupted in the electronic dance music (EDM) community when British trance veteran Chicane (real name Nicholas Bracegirdle) accused Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris of plagiarizing his 1996 hit “Offshore” in Harris’s new single “Blessings,” featuring Clementine Douglas. Chicane posted a video on social media demonstrating what he claimed were striking similarities between the two tracks, particularly focusing on a looped riff that, when overlaid, appeared nearly identical in melody and rhythm.
Harris’s Response: Denial and Counter-Accusation
Calvin Harris responded promptly and assertively to the allegations. He released an eight-minute TikTok video dissecting both tracks using editing software, aiming to refute the claims of plagiarism. In the video, Harris argued that the similarities were coincidental and part of common musical structures within the genre. He further suggested that Chicane’s “Offshore” itself bore resemblances to earlier works, notably pointing out similarities with Tangerine Dream’s “Love on a Real Train.” Harris dismissed the accusations as “embarrassing” and labeled Chicane’s claims as “stupid.”
Fan Reactions: A Divided Audience
The controversy has polarized fans and industry observers. Some listeners agree with Chicane, noting that “Blessings” evokes the same atmospheric feel as “Offshore,” suggesting a lack of originality in Harris’s composition. Others defend Harris, arguing that the similarities are superficial and that musical motifs often recur across different tracks within the EDM genre. The debate has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms, with users dissecting the tracks and sharing their opinions on the matter.
Commercial Performance Amidst Controversy
Despite the allegations, “Blessings” has achieved significant commercial success. Released on May 9, 2025, the track quickly climbed the charts, debuting at number eight on the UK Singles Chart and securing the top spot on both the UK Singles Downloads and Singles Sales Charts. In Ireland, it entered the charts at number nine, marking the highest new entry of the week. The song’s upbeat tempo and summer vibes have contributed to its popularity, with many dubbing it the “song of the summer.”
The Broader Implications: Sampling and Originality in EDM
This dispute highlights ongoing conversations in the music industry regarding sampling, inspiration, and originality. In genres like house and trance, artists often draw from existing motifs, leading to debates over what constitutes homage versus plagiarism. The “Blessings” controversy serves as a case study in these discussions, emphasizing the fine line between creative inspiration and intellectual property infringement.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether legal action will ensue or if the matter will be settled through industry mediation. Regardless, the incident underscores the complexities artists face in balancing innovation with respect for existing works in a genre built upon shared musical foundations.
Keywords: calvin harris blessings, chicane offshore, edm controversy, music plagiarism, house music news
Photo credit: TaylorHerring
