Jaten Collin Dimsdale (born September 25, 1992), known professionally as Teddy Swims, is an American singer-songwriter whose music blends genres including R&B, soul, country, and pop. He gained initial fame through his YouTube channel, where he posted song covers throughout 2019 and 2020. His third extended play, Tough Love (2022), marked his first appearance on the Billboard 200.
Swims achieved mainstream success in 2023 with his single “Lose Control”, which reached the top ten in various international territories and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024. This single, considered his breakout, preceded his debut studio album I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1), which reached the top ten in Australia and the Netherlands. In 2024, MTV named Swims their Push Artist of February.
Born in Conyers, Georgia, Swims was introduced to soul music by his father, who played artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Al Green. Swims’ family were American football enthusiasts, and he played the sport for ten years. His passion for music and performance was ignited during his time in high school musical theatre and chorus classes, where he performed in productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Rent.
Swims began his music career in various Atlanta area bands, including the alternative rock band WildHeart and the post-hardcore band Eris. He was also the lead singer of the progressive rock/R&B/soul band Elefvnts. In early 2019, Swims’ friend Addy Maxwell invited him to rap over some beats, earning them an opening slot on a U.S. tour with Tyler Carter. During this tour, he adopted the name Teddy Swims, a childhood nickname and an acronym for “someone who isn’t me sometimes.”
Swims posted his first cover on YouTube in June 2019, Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You”, and continued posting covers regularly, including songs by Lewis Capaldi, Chris Stapleton, and Amy Winehouse. His cover of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” became his most viewed video, amassing millions of views. Following the independent release of his single “Night Off” in July, he signed with Warner Records in December 2019.
Swims released his debut major label single “Picky” in January 2020 and embarked on his first headline tour. He continued to release covers and original songs, including “Blinding Lights”, “What’s Going On”, and “Broke”. In February 2021, he released “My Bad”, which he performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and later released “Till I Change Your Mind” and “Bed On Fire”, the latter performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
His debut EP Unlearning was released in May 2021, followed by a tour supporting Zac Brown Band. In August 2021, Swims released “Simple Things” and performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden and Today. His next EP, Tough Love, was released in January 2022, supported by a headline tour.
In 2023, Swims released his debut album I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1), featuring the hit single “Lose Control”. He performed at various music festivals and collaborated with artists like Armin van Buuren, Maren Morris, and Meghan Trainor. Swims’ unique blend of genres and heartfelt performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
