American singer Teddy Swims reveals one place he won’t get tattooed: ‘I don’t have much room there’

American singer Teddy Swims broke through during the pandemic with his blend of genres from pop to country. Here, touring Australia, the singer talks tattoos, music and mental health.

A tough exterior and a body covered in tattoos works in Teddy Swims’ favour.

The American singer disarms listeners with his soulful voice.

“It does work because I don’t look like I sound so a lot of times when it comes to videos or anything in my life, so much has worked because someone sees the way I look and then hears what comes out of me,” Swims told Confidential.

“It kind of shocks them a little bit and I think that shock value has definitely helped a lot in my success. I always say I am sweet, not soft. Nothing to f*** with but I love everyone. I am a bear.”

American musician Teddy Swims, in Sydney. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Swims, 30, broke through on the global stage through the pandemic with his unexpected blending of genres from pop to soul, country and R & B.

He has notched-up more than 400 million views on YouTube and has millions of followers on social media with a cover of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ being one of his recent hits.

“I think I was in a very fortunate position,” he said.

“I grew up on a lot of different music, raised the right way on good stuff.

American musician Teddy Swims, in Sydney. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Swims, born Jaten Dimsdale, kicks off a national tour in Brisbane on Friday, playing Sydney’s Enmore Theatre the following night.

US singer Teddy Swims. Picture: Supplied.

US singer-songwriter Teddy Swims will tour Australia in 2023.

His debut album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) will be released September 15.

“This generation is really the first people who are normalising discussing mental health or talking about therapy,” he said.

“Over my life I’ve had certain coping mechanisms I’ve used, or music itself, as therapy. This is my first time as an artist exploring my journey and awareness of mental health.”

Swims is heavily tattooed, including both his eyelids, on which he has the words ‘tough love’ inked.

“I think I am done with my face I believe,” he said, adding that he “probably” wouldn’t tattoo his genitalia.

“If I had to, it would be more of a hi than a hello, I don’t have much room there.”