Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Featuring Teddy Swims

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Teddy Swims Talks New Album, Toxic Relationships, Name Origin, Being In Love, Stevie Wonder + More
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Jess Hilarious
Guest: Teddy Swims

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Jess Hilarious welcome the talented multi-genre vocalist Teddy Swims. The conversation delves into Teddy's musical journey, his new album, personal relationships, and influential figures like Stevie Wonder, offering listeners an intimate look into his life and artistry.

Early Life and Background

Background from Georgia
Teddy Swims, born Jayton, hails from Conyers, Georgia, a town 30 minutes east of Atlanta in Rockdale County. Growing up in a religious household, with his grandfather serving as a Pentecostal pastor, Teddy discusses the strict upbringing that shaped his early years.

[03:30] Lauren (Teddy Swims): "That's about it, really."

Influence of Religious Upbringing
Teddy reflects on the strict gender roles and moral teachings instilled by his grandfather, emphasizing the balance between adhering to beliefs and maintaining personal freedom.

[04:16] Lauren: "We wouldn't even go to restaurants that would have a bar in the restaurant... He stood on his belief so much."

Transition from Football to Music

From Football Aspirations to Singing Passion
Initially passionate about football, Teddy faced challenges due to his height (5'7"), which led him to pivot towards music. His involvement in football began to wane as he discovered his true calling in singing.

[06:35] Lauren: "I just kind of fell in love with singing and, you know, I couldn’t. I was so hooked."

Influence of Friends and Musical Theater
Teddy credits his friend Jackson and his involvement in musical theater as pivotal in his transition from sports to music, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships in pursuing one's passion.

[06:07] Lauren: "His dad was always in bands and stuff, so we started trying to experiment and play music and stuff."

Musical Influences and Development

Self-Taught Through YouTube
Growing up during the rise of YouTube, Teddy utilized the platform to teach himself vocal techniques by watching live performances of iconic artists like Craig David, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Al Green.

[08:53] Lauren: "I could watch live videos of how they’re moving their throat... It really helped me develop my voice."

Embracing Multi-Genre Influence
Teddy's diverse musical style spans R&B, country, rock, and pop, influenced by his love for various instruments and vocal expressions.

[09:54] Lauren: "I love this instrument so much... whatever it felt like would work."

Breakthrough with Covers

Viral Success of "Rock With You"
Teddy's cover of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" marked a significant breakthrough, garnering millions of views and establishing his presence online.

[12:14] Lauren: "We uploaded it and it started doing well... It was life-changing for us."

Unique Presentation
Teddy combines his emotive voice with a humorous and unconventional appearance, creating a memorable and authentic persona that resonates with fans.

[14:42] Lauren: "I have such an emotive, expressive voice and look like I make fart jokes."

The Science and Uniqueness of His Voice

Vocal as a Personal Instrument
Teddy emphasizes the uniqueness of the human voice, describing it as "the only instrument that you can take everywhere with you." He highlights the personal connection and emotional depth that the vocal instrument offers.

[11:04] Teddy Swims: "There's a science to it that I think people don't respect."

Challenges of Vocal Management
He discusses the constant maintenance required for vocal health, influenced by personal circumstances like travel and illness.

[11:10] Lauren: "It's bound to your decisions or your travel, your sickness... it's always bound to you."

Personal Growth and Therapy

Embracing Therapy
Teddy candidly shares his journey with therapy, initially hesitant but eventually recognizing its importance in healing from toxic relationships and preparing for fatherhood.

[15:06] Teddy Swims: "Now, Teddy, why have you tried everything but therapy?"

[15:08] Lauren: "I have tried therapy now, sir. ... We're trying to ensure we're bringing this baby in the most healed, communicative environment."

Overcoming Stigma
He addresses the generational stigma around therapy, advocating for its benefits in personal growth and relationship strengthening.

[16:04] Lauren: "There’s been this connotation on therapy that we’re not allowed to share our feelings or emotions."

Community and Life in LA

Resilience During Wildfires
Living in Los Angeles during wildfire seasons, Teddy reflects on the community's resilience and the collective spirit that emerges during tragedies.

[18:54] Teddy Swims: "And it shouldn't be that way. Yeah, it should be like that all the time."

Faith in Humanity
He expresses renewed faith in humanity, witnessing how communities come together in times of crisis.

[19:08] Teddy Swims: "When shit hits the fan, we all do love each other."

Relationship and Family Plans

Preparing for Parenthood
Teddy discusses his relationship with his girlfriend and their plans to welcome their first child. He emphasizes the importance of being present and establishing a balanced life between work and family.

[31:20] Lauren: "I’m gonna pick up hobbies that, that baby likes... I’m gonna make my home balance and my work balance all matter more."

Desire for a Southern Upbringing
He expresses a wish for his child to have a Southern upbringing, valuing the cultural identity and charm associated with it.

[19:57] Lauren: "I want my baby a little Southern accent... y'all."

Origin of His Stage Name

Evolution to "Teddy Swims"
The name "Teddy" evolved organically from his nickname, with "Swims" representing his musical journey and identity.

[24:01] Lauren: "I've been called Teddy forever... it just kind of stuck."

Humorous Anecdotes
Teddy shares funny moments related to his stage name, including interactions with legends like Dave Chappelle.

[24:58] Teddy Swims: "He heard somebody say what kind of lady he's like, ah, let me try to avoid that question."

Meeting His Musical Idols

FaceTime with Stevie Wonder
A highlight of the interview is Teddy's interaction with musical legend Stevie Wonder via FaceTime. Despite Stevie's blindness, Teddy narrates the heartwarming and humorous experience of collaborating on the record "Politic Player."

[45:32] Lauren: "I got a chance to do a record with him, too. It's called Politic Player."

[46:12] Lauren: "He was holding the camera like he thought I was seeing him... I was looking at his knees."

Themes in His Music

Exploring Love and Social Issues
Teddy's music delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and social justice. His song "Money Long" addresses racial issues, emphasizing that "love is love, and that should be enough."

[43:02] Lauren: "Love is love, and that should be enough. Love is love, baby."

Collaborations and Respect
Teddy discusses his collaboration with artist Money Long, highlighting mutual respect and the significance of their joint message.

[44:17] Lauren: "Money’s just a legend... What a badass business. I love her."

Future Aspirations

Balancing Career and Family
Looking forward, Teddy is committed to balancing his burgeoning music career with his role as a father, aiming to be present and supportive in his child's life.

[32:56] Brian Murphy: "I was about to say you really think it's a boy?"

[33:00] Lauren: "Yeah, I hope so."

Expanding Musical Horizons
Teddy aspires to continue expanding his musical influence, drawing inspiration from idols like Stevie Wonder and exploring new genres and collaborative projects.

[44:30] Lauren: "We needed to say that with, you know, together... I’m so grateful she took that opportunity to say, I see what you’re trying to say."

Conclusion

The interview wraps up with Teddy Swims sharing his gratitude and excitement for the future, both personally and professionally. The hosts bid him farewell, playing his newly released track "Are You Even Real?" featuring Giveon, leaving listeners inspired by his authenticity and dedication.

[48:26] DJ Envy: "We appreciate you for joining us."

[48:27] Lauren: "Thank you so much for having me, I'm honored to be here, truly. Thank you."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Therapy and Personal Growth

  [15:08] Lauren: "I have tried therapy now, sir... making sure we're bringing this baby in the most healed, communicative environment."

• On the Uniqueness of the Voice

  [11:04] Teddy Swims: "There's a science to it that I think people don't respect."

• On Love and Social Issues

  [43:02] Lauren: "Love is love, and that should be enough. Love is love, baby."

• On Community Resilience

  [18:54] Teddy Swims: "And it shouldn't be that way. Yeah, it should be like that all the time."

• On Musical Collaboration

  [44:17] Lauren: "Money’s just a legend... What a badass business. I love her."

This comprehensive interview with Teddy Swims offers an in-depth exploration of his artistic evolution, personal struggles, and the profound influences that shape his music. Listeners gain valuable insights into the making of his new album, the importance of mental health, and his commitment to creating meaningful and socially conscious art.