The 30-year-old Georgia-born songwriter and performer Teddy Swims has amassed a large fan base—indeed, millions of followers—thanks to his soulful songs that blend genres, from R&B to country and more. On Friday (September 15), Swims released his debut studio album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1).
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Below, we wanted to ask Swims 13 of his “favorite” things to get a better sense of his music tastes, what he does and eats on the road, and what he loves most about the art form he’s dedicated his life to.
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So, without further ado, let’s dive into the questions.
American Songwriter: What is your favorite song you’ve written?
Teddy Swims: The best song I’ve ever been a part of is the first track on my album, “Some Things I’ll Never Know.”
AS: What is your favorite song by someone else?
TS: Such a hard question to answer, but I think maybe the best song ever written is “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” the countless versions of this song are incredible because it’s a perfect song.
AS: What is your favorite holiday song?
TS: “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway.
AS: Who is your favorite artist?
TS: Frank Ocean is probably my number one. He’s without a doubt one of the best writers ever.
AS: What is your favorite album?
TS: Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder is the best album, top to bottom, of all time.
AS: What is your favorite venue you’ve played?
TS: That’s such a hard question—my favorite venue while we were just out in Australia was the Forum in Melbourne.
AS: What is your favorite collaboration you’ve been part of?
TS: I’d have to say anytime I’ve worked with Allen Stone has been the most amazing experience of my life. He’s one of my biggest heroes and best friends in the world—such a mentor and the best singer of all time probably.
AS: What is your favorite nursery rhyme?
TS: My favorite nursery rhyme is “Humpty Dumpty.”
AS: What is your favorite food on the road?
TS: Moe’s Southwest Grill—the happiest place on Earth.
AS: What is your favorite thing on your rider?
TS: We have Smucker’s Uncrustables—a childhood staple that followed me into adulthood.
AS: What is your favorite musical decade?
TS: I may have to say the ’60s or the ’90s!
AS: What is your favorite song lyric?
TS: “When your skies are grey, I will give you blue” — Allen Stone
AS: What is your favorite thing about music?
TS: I sincerely believe that there is a certain set of words said at a particular time in a particular way that can fix every situation we are going through in this world now and forever. Music is the greatest communicator. That’s why I started doing it.
Photo by Aaron Marsh / Courtesy Warner Records
