Teddy Swims lifts the lid on those random encounters with Aussie buskers that went viral worldwide

The beloved entertainer has released his second album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), and recently spoke about the random encounter.

It seemed American pop superstar Teddy Swims was at the right place at the right time when buskers were playing his global smash Lose Control during his Australian tour last year.

The beloved entertainer has released his second album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), and recently spoke about the random encounter.

Swims said he was shopping for sneakers in Brisbane when he happened on TikTok busking star Inoxia launching into Lose Control; he then invited her to join him to perform at his Melbourne show.

He revealed his next busking moment outside Sydney’s Town Hall with Pace Randolph was actually planned as the pair had become friends on his previous visit to Australia after the American chart slayer discovered his version of his song.

Teddy Swims joined busker Inoxia to sing Lose Control. Picture: Reddit

“We ran up on Inoxia and she was such a sweet, beautiful surprise. My dear friend Pace, I know him, so we planned that one out,” he said.

Swims nominates Guilty or Not Your Man from his new record as the songs most likely to feature on the busker’s playlist this year. I suggest Bad Dreams.

“I’d say Guilty because it’s high up there for me, it’s such a big chorus so you’re just going for it. You’ve got to have one of those big songs for that. And Not Your Man could be pretty cool. Oh yeah, Bad Dreams is a great idea.”

Swims is at the forefront of the “authentic” pop music movement which has propelled artists including Chappell Roan, Noah Kahan and Benson Boone to global success with their retro-fuelled sound and lyrics plucked from their diaries.

The 32-year-old’s shows in Australia drew a wildly eclectic fanbase of little and big kids who were treated to a performance reminiscent of a 70s soul revue.

He said shows offer him a “safe space” to build confidence and resilience against the toxic a social media ecosystem artists have to suffer now and confirmation that vulnerability is key to connection with an audience.

“Having a safe place with people that love me and I love is such an important thing because I can feel confident to be my real, authentic self because there’s a bunch of people out there who love the way I feel, who are saying it’s OK to be insecure, it’s OK to cry, it’s OK to laugh,” he said.

“The two things that are always true I think for all humans is we all know what love and heartbreak feels like, and we all think farts are funny, you know.”

Swims is up for Best New Artist the 2025 Grammys. Picture: Claire Marie Vogel

Earlier this month, Swims shared big personal news with his fans; he and singer partner Raiche Wright are expecting their first child this year.

There’s no doubt Wright, who he started dating in early 2024, is his muse for the love songs on the new record.

“I’m in love and I write about what’s on my heart. I don’t mind love songs, especially when I’m happy, so it’s been wonderful,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to this little life we’re bringing into the world and how much of a muse that’s going to be.

“I can’t wait to be a daddy and see what that life’s going to be and how much inspiration that’s going to bring. I’m so happy to be living life like that.”

The artist shared a touching video of him and his own father shedding tears of joy when he called him to reveal he had just scored a Best New Artist nomination for the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards.

While the awards will go ahead on February 3, the American music industry has cancelled many of the pre-Grammy events and after parties in the wake of the Los Angeles fires, donating the money to relief efforts.

Swims was respectful of the situation when asked about his anticipation of the big night. While he appreciates the awards are still going ahead, he knows the celebrations will be subdued as the city still battles the wildfires and reckons with the aftermath of the catastrophic destruction.

Swims nominates his new song Guilty for your busking pleasure. Picture: Claire Marie Vogel

“We’re still trying to figure out what’s going on. We know the Grammys are happening but with the fires in LA, a lot of things is getting cancelled,” he said.

“It seems it might be OK where we live at but I’ve seen so many people losing everything. I love the way the community has come together … donating and loving on each other, it’s great to see this unity. I’m honoured either way.”

Trevor Noah will again host the awards with Beyonce leading the nominations with 11 nods for her Cowboy Carter album. This year’s nominations takes her career total to 99, the most of any artist in the history of the awards.

Other multi-nominees include Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Post Malone, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift.

I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) is out now.