Teddy Swims had an extraordinary 2024. After releasing his debut album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) in 2023, Swims’ smash hit “Lose Control” landed at No. 1 on Billboard‘s year-end 2024 Hot 100 Songs chart, earning Swims various awards nominations, including two wins at the Billboard Music Awards and a nomination for best new artist at Sunday’s Grammys.
Now, he’s closing the loop with I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2). On his latest release, Swims shows fans that there is light on the other side. Collaborators Coco Jones, GloRilla, Giveon and Muni Long help to make the album a multi-genre exploration of Swims’ experiences, from finding love with his girlfriend and soon-to-be-co-parent to healing his old wounds in therapy.
“Whatever’s good feels good, and if things are leaning R&B, instead of being afraid, just lean all the way into it — and if it feels good, it feels good,” Swims tells Billboard News‘ Meghan Mahar. “This record, it’s a little bit all over the place, but I think the cohesiveness of it is that it’s good, it’s real and it’s authentically me.”
Speaking of the messages in Part 2, Swims says: “Once you get out of that negative situation and that heartbreak, on the other side of it there is healing. There’s unlearning old habits and ways you think, and there’s falling in love again, and having a baby, and being Grammy-nominated … This is a perfect closure on ‘it does get better,’ and it will get better.”
Swims also shared love for his fellow best new artist nominees, including Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Shaboozey and Benson Boone. “I say this everywhere I get asked about this: I think this is the best year for new artists ever. I’m so lucky to be a part of this conversation with some of these incredible artists who are absolutely legacy artists. I don’t think any of these people are flashes in the pan.”
Watch the full interview — including the story behind the success of “Lose Control,” Swims’ favorite tracks from the new album and how Swims approaches writing hits – above.
