‘It is my time’: Teddy Swims opens up about why he’s an unlikely superstar

Teddy Swims broke through during the pandemic, winning over a legion of fans of all different ages with his incredible voice.

Teddy Swims is not your usual pop star. And it works, with his fan base ranging from schoolkids to grandparents.

“I would have maybe possibly not worked before, if it was any other time than now,” he said. “It would be, you maybe can’t look this way, or lose a little weight if you are going to be a star.

“I think because I am lucky enough to have the internet and be seen by people ... it has done a lot for me too, the gimmick.

“I don’t look like I sound, and I suppose that did me a big favour in the end. It has helped me a lot for sure.”

Teddy Swims is playing sold-out shows at The Hordern Pavilion. Picture: Justin Lloyd

If you don’t know his name, you most definitely would have heard his voice.
Teddy Swims has enjoyed huge global success with hits Lose Control and The Door, having broken through on the global stage during the pandemic with his unexpected blending of genres from pop to soul, country and R & B.

The singer — real name Jaten Collin Dimsdale — is here on his third visit, playing sold-out shows at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion this week.

“I am so grateful,” he said. “I think it took the perfect storm.

“The reward of this is so beautiful and so wonderful.”

Swims’ debut album, I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1), was released in September. He’s been busy working on the follow-up between gigs.

Swims on stag during a concert. Picture: Noah Nicholson

“We have the album, it has just got to be tightened up a bit,” he said.

“I want to put out part two in September or October.

“I think we have it now, I’ve just got to button it up now.”

With fame comes pressure. While looking after his health, Swims however does not feel any pressure to conform.

“I get into the gym as much as I possibly can and try to stay active and just want to feel good about myself and be healthy,” he said.

“I don’t really mind being a big guy and my lady (fellow artist Raiche Wright) loves it.

“She likes a real man to wear a real man’s belt, a big hairy old stinky guy, and I am all about that.”

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