Will Bond meets Calvin Harris

By Will Bond BBC Blast Reporter, Shropshire

Calvin Harris performs at V Festival

Sandwiched between V Festival dressing rooms belonging to the likes of Lilly Allen and The Killers was Calvin Harris and I couldn't think of a better place to be spending my time.

News was spreading around Weston Park that Ready for the Weekend, Calvin's latest album, had reached number one just hours before his V Festival set. I couldn't wait to congratulate him.

Sitting in Calvin's dressing room, he explained to me his 'relief' about the good news and I asked how the new album compares with his previous work.

"It's much better in every way. I've never worked so hard on anything before in my life… Once I knew it was in with a shout of being number one that's when I started getting a bit nervous… So yeah, I'm beside myself. It's not really sunk in."

The number one album is certainly a result of Calvin's dedication to music. His previous album, I Created Disco was recognised for chart hits like Acceptable in The 80s and Girls.

Calvin Harris at V Festival 2009

Merrymaking at My Place is another song from the 2007 album and I asked Calvin if the song about a house party is based on past experiences.

"No I never threw a party in my house in my life, my Mum and Dad wouldn't have it. So it was more of an aspirational video than anything else.

Calvin Harris enjoys the applause at Weston Park

"To be honest I spent the majority of my time in my bedroom making songs. I never really went out. It was all making music and being a bit of a loner."

Before Calvin's success, the artist moved from his home town Dumfries to London in pursuit of a record deal. Maybe the ambitious move changed the way he thought about music?

"No it changed the way I thought when I moved back from London to Scotland.

"I was there for a year and all my attempts failed and when I moved back, that's when I realised I need to stop making music to try and get signed. I need to make music because I enjoyed making music. So as soon as I started making the music that I actually enjoyed making, that's when I got a record deal. So that's what it taught me."

Many artists start their career following music that they have a passion for, but later change their style to suit a mainstream audience. So I was surprised to hear that this wasn't the case for Calvin and I asked if he would recommend this to other young artists.

"My only advice to anyone is to work incredibly hard and do music that you like yourself, else there's no point. Music is supposed to be fun, it's supposed to give you emotions and you need to be passionate about what you're doing."

Dizzee Rascal congratulated Calvin Harris on his album success

With Dizzee Rascal also on the line up I was desperate to know if Calvin had seen much of the rapper who collaborated with Calvin for Dance with Me, released in 2008.

Before I could ask, Dizzee Rascal entered the room clinking two bottles of champagne. You can probably imagine how surreal this felt! I asked if the pair had been hanging out over the weekend.

"I've not seen him for years… he's forgotten that I don't drink though," replied Calvin, pleased to see Dizzee. Noticing Calvin's energy drink, I asked if he gets much sleep when he's playing at festivals.

"No and I do love sleep as well. The past two weeks has been sleep deprived but I'm loving what I'm doing. Everyday is an enjoyable experience so I'm happy to sacrifice sleep."

Calvin definitely enjoys his food. The musician has been known to talk fondly on social networking sites about his cravings for grub. I wanted to know his favourite dish.

Calvin Harris proved popular with the V Festival crowds

"When I'm treating myself, I like to have a fillet steak, cooked medium with pepper corn sauce, mash, either green beans or asparagus… a couple of cherry tomatoes on the side."

I told Calvin that he should celebrate his number one album with a piece of steak and perhaps Dizzee Rascal should have brought that rather than champagne. He laughed, "steak would be a better choice."

Calvin's popularity was made clear by the number of fans his performance attracted at Weston Park. Modestly he joked, "I hope they're going to turn up!"

With a number one album and a weekend of winning the crowds over at V Festival, I really hope Calvin enjoys a well deserved steak very soon!

Check out Josh Withey's photos from Calvin Harris' Sunday performance.