Teddy Swims: Finding Love and Healing through Music

In a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, Teddy Swims shares insights about his new album, "I've Tried Everything But Therapy Part 2," his hearty relationship, and the emotional evolution that shapes his music today.

As his breakout single 'Lose Control' continues to soar, selling 1.8 million copies in the UK alone, Teddy Swims embraces a new chapter in his life. Although he faced disappointment at the MTV Awards last September, where he was nominated for four titles and left empty-handed, he found an unexpected treasure—his partner Raiche Wright’s pregnancy, due in June. "I didn't realize until a couple of weeks later," he joyfully recalls.

Known for drawing inspiration from trauma in his music, including his earlier work that reflected struggles with addiction and heartbreak, Swims approaches his new album with a message of healing and love. "The first album was full of turmoil, and not too much closure. I wanted to come back and say, 'Here’s me on the other side, and I'm doing better'," he explains.

His new relationship with Raiche, a fellow singer-songwriter, serves as the backdrop for a new sound that blends R&B grooves with heartfelt lyrics. In tracks like “Are You Real,” he questions the surreal nature of love, while “If You Ever Change Your Mind” showcases a newfound sincerity seldom seen in pop.

Yet not all themes are light; the powerful track "Black and White" addresses societal intolerance faced by the couple, both of whom advocate for love that transcends color or background. Swims reflects, “It’s okay to be happy in love with someone of a different colour or age.”

Born in Conyers, Georgia, Swims recounts a turbulent family upbringing, with personal challenges shaping his musical journey. After years of dedication, his rendition of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One” garnered significant attention, earning him a record deal that propelled him into the spotlight.

With 2.2 billion global streams of “Lose Control,” Swims emphasizes the importance of personal connection over modern methods of music promotion. Eager to share his music with fans, he values the traditional approaches of engagement and relationship-building.

Preparing for his first European arena tour, Swims expresses a bittersweet sentiment about his performance schedule: “I can't wait until people sing along so I can fall in love with them again.” Known for his emotional performances, he confronts his vulnerabilities through songs like “Some Things I'll Never Know” and the new tear-jerker “Northern Lights.”

In an era where emotional expression is often stigmatized in men, Swims celebrates his sensitive side, attributing his emotional intelligence to his father’s upbringing. “Every day I try to cry a little bit... it's just pain leaving the body," he shares.

As he anticipates becoming a father soon, he light-heartedly worries about living up to the “cool” factor against his enthusiastic father. Through music and forthcoming fatherhood, Teddy Swims navigates the trials of life, illustrating that while past struggles may linger, the path ahead is filled with joyful promise.