Jaten Dimsdale, better known by his stage name Teddy Swims, is a singer-songwriter who believes in the power of honesty. His music, which began with a cover of Lewis Capaldi’s ‘Someone You Loved’ in 2019, has become more and more personal over time. His debut album, ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)’, was a beautifully blunt account of his experiences with love, loss and heartbreak. Swims’ best songs are an urgent blend of country, folk and pop, delivered with a vocal intensity that borders on heavy metal.
Swims’ childhood was heavily influenced by the music of Otis Redding, James Brown, Ray Charles and other greats of Motown and R&B. As a teenager, he went to the 2007 Warped Tour, a travelling extreme sports and skate-punk festival where he saw Paramore, Motion City Soundtrack and Coheed And Cambria. The angst in the music and the camaraderie in the crowd made him feel less alone. Swims found his calling in metal bands before releasing a YouTube cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock With You’. Swims’ covers soon became popular, and he discovered that people appreciated relatable stories more than any particular genre.
‘Lose Control’, a song about being swept up in love and fearing to let go, was a breakout hit for Swims. The gorgeous song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won Swims countless new fans. Swims’ healing journey continues with an extended edition of ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)’, featuring four new tracks since the album’s release. He also found solace during Grammy week by holing up in the studio. ‘Funeral’, the stunning new song released as part of the ‘Bose x NME: C24′ mixtape, showcases Swims’ signature sound. It’s an upbeat, danceable song with a layer of sadness underneath.
Swims believes in modernising the old soul, Motown feel in a way that feels authentic. His hard-won optimism is the perfect energy for 2024
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