Artist Spotlight: Teddy Swims
Jaten Collin Dimsdale, better known as Teddy Swims, is an American singer-songwriter who has captured the music world with his unique blend of R&B, soul, country, and pop. Born on September 25, 1992, in Conyers, Georgia, Teddy was introduced to soul music by his father, listening to legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Despite his family's football roots, he discovered a passion for performance through high school musical theatre, participating in productions like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Rent.
Before his solo career, Teddy was part of various Atlanta bands, spanning genres from alternative rock to post-hardcore and soul. His breakthrough came in 2019 with his YouTube covers, especially his rendition of Shania Twain's "You're Still the One," which amassed 167 million views by January 2024. This success led to a record deal with Warner Records in December 2019.
In January 2020, Teddy released his debut major label single, "Picky," followed by the EP Unlearning in May 2021, and a tour with Zac Brown Band. His soulful voice and genre-blending style earned him recognition from Rolling Stone as an "Artist You Need to Know."
2022 saw Teddy’s first Billboard 200 appearance with his third EP, Tough Love. Singles like "911" and "Love for a Minute" showcased his heartfelt performances. He supported the EP with headline tours and collaborated with Meghan Trainor on "Bad For Me."
Teddy’s breakthrough year was 2023, with the single "Lose Control" topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024 and his debut studio album, I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1), reaching the top ten in Australia and the Netherlands. MTV named him their "Push Artist of February" in 2024.
Collaborating with artists like Armin van Buuren and Maren Morris, Teddy expanded his fanbase through performances at major festivals and his headline tour. In December 2023, he performed at the Avicii Arena for the "Together For a Better Day" concert, promoting mental health awareness.
In his latest release, Teddy Swims has unveiled the single "Funeral," from Bose and NME’s star-studded C24 mixtape. Following the global success of "Lose Control" and the deluxe edition of his debut album, "Funeral" mixes fun and upbeat rhythms with an underlying sadness. Written during the chaos of Grammys week, this soulful tune encapsulates Teddy's ability to blend joy and heartbreak. Describing his evolving sound, Teddy said, “It’s all about this old soul, Motown feel but modernizing that in a way that feels authentic. Songs like ‘Funeral’ just feel right.”
From YouTube covers to chart-topping hits, Teddy Swims’ journey is a testament to his talent and versatility. As he continues to make waves, Teddy is undoubtedly an generational artist to watch.
Listen to "Funeral” here: https://too.fm/qb6qpa