Teddy Swims Reveals Heartfelt Album for Love and Healing After Heartbreak

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Teddy Swims is ready to show what life after heartbreak looks like.

As a gamer, I’m pumped about the latest drop from that 31-year-old singer-songwriter who topped the charts with “Lose Control.” He’s just released Part 2 of his debut album titled “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy“. While Part 1, which dropped in 2023, had me in a whirlwind of turmoil and heartbreak, this new installment brings a ray of hope. It’s like leveling up from the dark dungeons to the bright open world!

During a pause in his tour preparations, Swims shares with The Hollywood Reporter that he’s eager to reveal where he stands on his healing path following heartbreak and how, despite the struggle, discovering life’s beauty on the other side is truly a blessing.

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Taking a breather from tour planning, Swims confides in The Hollywood Reporter about his readiness to disclose his progress on the road to healing after heartache and how, though challenging, the other side of it reveals an incredibly beautiful life that awaits.

The album is scheduled for release mere weeks prior to the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking Swims’ first nomination in the category of Best New Artist. Regardless of whether he wins or loses, he considers it an honor to be part of what he refers to as “perhaps the best rookie group ever.

As I, the gamer, dive into discussing my latest album project, I’m eager to share its heartfelt essence with you all. The moment I learned it had earned its first Grammy nomination was nothing short of exhilarating! Now, let me give you a sneak peek at what awaits on the upcoming tour – expect an immersive experience that transcends music and gaming realms. Lastly, becoming a father is a dream come true, and I can hardly wait to embark on this incredible journey!

How would you reflect on the period, which is now over five years, since you began sharing your cover songs online and receiving recognition for them?

I’m thrilled to have reached a point where we seem to excel at our job. It took us quite some time to get here, thankfully it was only five years of struggle, but I also had a decade and a half of other experiences under my belt. I’m grateful for the journey and the team I’ve been part of. Life couldn’t be better for me right now. There were moments in life when I yearned for things to happen immediately, wondering “Why isn’t this happening now?”, but I can honestly say that I’m ready for those things now, and it seems that timing is crucial, as if everything is in the hands of a higher power.

What are you most excited about with your new album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)?

In our initial release, titled “I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1)“, we found ourselves in the depths of turmoil and heartache, with no clear resolution or guidance on how to move forward. Now, I’m thrilled to unveil these songs as a testament to my healing process and to offer insight into the progress I’ve made following heartbreak. Although it may seem challenging at present, once you emerge from this experience, it brings a unique sense of blessing. This album encompasses both heartache and love, with tracks for those in love as well.

Is there a specific song on the new album that is most meaningful to you?

The “Northern Lights” song is one I eagerly anticipate. Instead of my cul-de-sac’s hill (Laughs), it’s more evocative for me. Even though I haven’t witnessed the actual northern lights, they make a better fit for the song. The rhyme didn’t quite work out, so we opted for the northern lights instead. But the essence of the song remains the same. It’s about finding closure. It encourages us to celebrate the time spent with someone and cherish its positive aspects. As relationships end and life moves forward, it serves as a reminder that they don’t have to conclude tragically. The good memories can linger on.

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What influences and inspirations do you draw from to help create your overall sound?

In this new record, we’ve chosen to embrace a diverse mix of styles rather than limiting ourselves. Previously, we might have hesitated due to concerns that certain elements were too rock, country, or R&B for our audience. We would adjust the songs to create a more unified sound, but not in a way that I’d call diluting them. Now, with a stronger sense of self-expression, if a song feels right and is good, we let it be itself without worrying too much about how it fits into a specific genre. There might be some eclecticism, but overall, the record still maintains a harmonious and beautiful feel.

Given your hectic schedule coming up, could you share some details about your forthcoming tour and what you’re particularly excited about?

Currently, in Pennsylvania, I’m immersed in rehearsals, and it’s nothing short of thrilling! We’ve got some fantastic background singers joining us on this track – dear friends who are simply incredible vocalists, far surpassing my own skills. At the moment, we have three powerhouse singers with us, and I can hardly wait for you all to hear them!

In addition, a grand set is being constructed, making it even more spectacular. The crew is working tirelessly on it, installing those impressive video walls, building a platform, and creating a unique entrance – just as I’ve always dreamed of emerging from the bottom (laughs)! It’s going to be a truly elevated and breathtaking experience. This moment feels incredibly special, and I can hardly wait to share it with you all!

When it comes to being an artist, there are numerous aspects such as composing songs, recording them, and putting on performances. Which one do you prefer the most?

When engaged in one aspect, I yearn for the other. I find myself feeling inadequate without either side. This year, I’m thrilled that our engineer will be with us, allowing us to delve into writing. I anticipate that I’ll have ample opportunities to write while on the move this year as well. I cherish both aspects equally, for there’s a unique satisfaction in expressing my emotions and refining them, and also in pouring out my feelings to a group of strangers live. It’s comforting to hear them say, “We understand too. It’s alright.” I believe that both have been instrumental in nurturing my heart, friend.

How did you feel about getting nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy award not too long ago?

In Spain, during the Los 40 Music Awards preparations, with my last name being Swims, we were the act announced last while watching the live stream. This had us on the edge of our seats, but we ultimately won! The victory came immediately after my friend Shaboozey’s announcement, leaving me ecstatic. I must say that this year’s rookie class may be the best ever – an incredible collection of artists with established legacies. I am incredibly honored to be included among these talented individuals, and our goal is to bring home the award.

What I’d like to add about the Grammys is that, despite them still taking place, it feels like many events are being canceled due to the fires in L.A. I have friends who have suffered significant losses, and there’s been a lot of news about people losing everything. Fortunately, where we live in the valley seems relatively unaffected for now, which I’m extremely thankful for. However, my heart is heavy with concern for L.A., and I find myself constantly praying and hoping for everyone affected by these fires.

For quite some time now, I’ve come across numerous video clips from social media platforms featuring you performing alongside other artists, either in open venues or on the streets. Could you share what those shared moments and collaborative experiences signify for you?

I came across a comment mentioning videos of me unexpectedly approaching people to sing with them, and it read, “Now I’m afraid to sing at home as I fear Teddy Swims might show up unannounced to join me.” To which I replied, “You bet I will! I’ll be there.” (Laughs) In many instances, I’ve spontaneously approached them and in others we’ve planned it out. Regardless of our location, if we find street performers on TikTok or a talented cellist nearby, we seize the opportunity to create music together. Such encounters embody the essence of performance and music, which revolves around collaboration, unique moments, and capturing memories. It always brings back memories of how enjoyable music can be when it’s simply about creating music. Of course, I appreciate the grandeur of the production we’re developing for our show. But there’s nothing quite like impromptu performances without rehearsals, discovering what transpires, and forming connections to make it happen.

On a more personal note, what are you looking forward to the most about becoming a father?

I’m absolutely thrilled! My father is simply extraordinary, almost as remarkable as Jesus Christ himself. The anticipation I feel is immense, wondering about the little one I’ll be welcoming into the world: What will their favorite color be? Will they take after Spider-Man, or perhaps have a different passion altogether, like music? I can hardly wait to get back on that football field and tell them to give it their best shot (laughs). Music is my love, but I’d also cherish the chance for my child to share my passion for sports. I hope they inherit my athletic prowess or perhaps a flair for musical theater. The excitement of this journey is indescribable, and watching Raiche [Wright] transform into a mother has been truly moving. Her dedication to her own well-being and the care she shows during this process is inspiring. It’s already touched my life in profound ways, and I can’t help but smile – or even shed a tear – when I think about it.

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Have there been any particularly meaningful moments in your professional journey that stand out to you?

This Grammy recognition means a great deal to me, and I’m eagerly anticipating it! However, my most cherished memory wasn’t about the Grammy; it was during the Los 40 Music Awards in Spain. I was nominated for both international artist of the year and international album of the year. As we were getting ready, I was on FaceTime with Raiche who was at an OBGYN appointment. She was doing an ultrasound of her baby, and I managed to set it up so I could see too. Just as they called my name for international artist, I had to jump up and go get the award, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Raiche and our unborn child on the screen. In a rush, I asked Benson [Boone] to hold my phone for a moment so I could accept the award. It was such a heartwarming experience to share that moment with him, and we both ended up winning that night. Moments like that can’t be scripted.

If you had to describe what makes Teddy Swims, Teddy Swims, what would you say?

In essence, I firmly believe that at heart, I am one with Teddy Swims – it’s all about us. I feel incredibly fortunate to be working on the most rewarding job imaginable alongside my cherished friends, a team that is unwaveringly devoted to this shared vision. Our core values revolve around respecting people’s time and recognizing their worth. It’s our audience, our fans, our friends – it’s all about creating a sanctuary for them. That’s the essence of Teddy Swims – a haven where it’s okay to cry, laugh, be open, vulnerable, and honest without fear or judgment.

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2025-01-24 18:55