EDM Icon Calvin Harris Surprises Fans With Country-Influenced Track, Release Set for March 14, 2025

On March 5, 2025, Calvin Harris, the acclaimed Scottish DJ and producer, surprised his fan base by teasing a new song titled “Smoke the Pain Away,” where he not only produces but also takes on lead vocals. This move marks a significant departure from his usual practice of collaborating with vocalists, stepping into a new musical territory with a country-influenced sound. Fans and industry watchers are buzzing with anticipation ahead of its scheduled release on March 14, 2025.

Calvin Harris, born Adam Richard Wiles on January 17, 1984, in Dumfries, Scotland, has become one of the most influential figures in electronic dance music (EDM) and pop. Known for chart-topping hits like “We Found Love” with Rihanna, “This Is What You Came For” with Taylor Swift, and “One Kiss” with Dua Lipa, Harris has a career spanning over two decades. His discography includes albums like “18 Months” (2012) and “Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1” (2017), often featuring collaborations with prominent vocalists. While he has provided vocals in tracks like “I’m Not Alone” (2009) and “Under Control” (2013) with Alesso and Hurts, these were secondary to his production role, making this new track a rare spotlight on his singing.

Details of the Teaser

Harris dropped a 30-second clip on social media on March 5, 2025, showing him in a studio playing an acoustic guitar and singing. The song, “Smoke the Pain Away,” carries a distinct country vibe, with lyrics including “Too late I’ve been up for days, I can’t even see straight, no I can’t smoke the pain away” and “Eyes sparkle like sun in June / Grow up and wait for you / Wide awake in a hotel room / Thinkin’, ‘Oh, what I could do’.” The clip features a foot drum beat alongside the guitar, creating a rustic sound that contrasts with his usual high-energy EDM style. The full song is slated for release on March 14, 2025, following his last single, “Free,” with Ellie Goulding in July 2024.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The teaser has sparked a wave of excitement online. Fans have posted reactions like “What is happening? I love it!” and “Calvin vocals are back, let’s go!” Some have compared it to Avicii’s “Wake Me Up,” which mixed country and EDM, speculating whether Harris might blend genres similarly. Others have noted parallels to Diplo’s country ventures, wondering if this signals a broader shift. The enthusiasm suggests strong support, though some fans are curious if dance beats will still feature in the final version.

Industry Context and Implications

This move aligns with a trend of EDM artists exploring country music, following Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” in 2013 and Diplo’s country projects under the Thomas Wesley alias since 2020. Harris’s shift could tap into country’s huge U.S. audience, potentially broadening his reach, though it risks distancing some EDM loyalists. His history of evolving—from early chiptune influences to pop hits—shows he’s no stranger to reinvention. Singing his own lyrics adds a personal touch, possibly encouraging other producers to experiment vocally.

Harris’s vocal role sets this apart, hinting at a fresh take on genre blending.

Calvin Harris’s “Smoke the Pain Away” teaser, with its country twist and his own vocals, has fans eagerly awaiting its March 14, 2025, release. This bold step could redefine his career, merging his production talent with a new sound. Whether it fully embraces country or fuses it with EDM, the track promises to keep Harris in the spotlight as a versatile artist.