Teddy Swims: ‘Every day I try to cry a little bit’

Okay, so you know Teddy Swims, right? The guy behind that ridiculously catchy “Lose Control”? Yeah, him. I recently got a chance to chat with him, and let me tell you, the dude is way more interesting than just his killer vocals. We talked about everything from his surprisingly relatable struggles with masculinity to the joys (and challenges!) of fatherhood, and even touched on the prejudice he’s faced in the industry. It was a wild ride.

On Masculinity and Crying

First things first, we tackled the elephant in the room: the whole “men don’t cry” thing. Teddy’s take? It’s total BS. “Every day I try to cry a little bit,” he confessed, laughing. “It’s good for the soul, man. It’s about processing emotions, not being weak. I’ve had some pretty heavy stuff to work through, and bottling it all up just isn’t healthy.” He talked about the pressure he felt growing up to conform to traditional masculine ideals, and how he’s actively working to unlearn those harmful expectations, both for himself and for his son.

He mentioned some of his own role models, guys who weren’t afraid to show vulnerability, and how much that impacted him. He emphasized the importance of finding healthy masculine figures, those who embody strength *and* empathy. It was refreshing to hear him talk about this with such honesty and vulnerability. It’s not just about being tough; it’s about being whole.

Fatherhood: A Wild Ride

Becoming a father has completely changed Teddy’s perspective on life, he said. It’s made him more intentional, more patient (well, *trying* to be more patient!), and more aware of his own mortality. He painted a picture of chaotic, beautiful moments of parenting, the kind that leave you exhausted but overflowing with love. He described those late nights, the early mornings, the endless diaper changes – the whole shebang. He even talked about the hilarious struggles of trying to balance his career with diaper duties, something every working parent can relate to.

He spoke passionately about wanting to raise his son to be comfortable expressing his feelings, to challenge traditional gender roles, and to be a kind, compassionate human being. It was inspiring to hear him talk about his hopes and dreams for his child, and the conscious effort he’s putting into being a better father.

Facing Prejudice in the Music Industry

Teddy didn’t shy away from discussing the prejudice he’s encountered in the music industry. He touched upon the subtle (and not-so-subtle) biases he’s faced, the assumptions made about him based on his race and background. He spoke about navigating a system that often prioritizes certain voices and aesthetics over others, and how he’s striving to use his platform to uplift and amplify marginalized voices. He even shared some specific anecdotes, though he remained somewhat tight-lipped about the details, preferring to focus on the larger issues at play.

It was clear that he’s determined to make a difference, not only through his music, but also through his actions and his advocacy. He wants to create space for other artists who might feel like they don’t fit the mold, and he’s actively working towards a more inclusive and equitable music industry.

Beyond the Music

Our conversation wasn’t just about his music career; we talked about his passions outside of music, his hobbies, his family, and his dreams for the future. He’s a fascinating, complex individual, and it was truly an honor to get a glimpse into his life. He’s more than just a singer with a killer voice; he’s a thoughtful, insightful, and incredibly relatable human being.

Listening to him talk, you get the feeling that Teddy Swims is just getting started. He’s not just chasing success; he’s striving to make a positive impact on the world, one song, one conversation, one act of kindness at a time. And that, my friends, is truly inspiring.