Teddy Swims’ Biggest Show in D.C. Is Everything But Therapy 

I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy

Teddy Swims

Whether you know him from his wildly popular cover songs on YouTube, one of his original songs after making his formal debut in 2020, or maybe you just stumbled upon this article looking to discover a new artist. Regardless, there’s no arguing that Teddy Swims’ talent blended with his infectiously positive vibes, fun style, or  canvas of tattoos will make anyone focus their attention and break a smile. 

He’s the true story of going from 0-100 as he quickly became widely known and has gone from his first headlining tour in 2021 to now bringing his biggest show to date to D.C. in the beautiful 4,500 capacity venue that is The Anthem. A venue filled with fans eager for good music, and many bringing their own great style. 

As his band took to the stage and the music began to build, Swims ran onto the stage with excitement and energy greeting the fans as he began to sing his song “911”.

Taking a moment to get comfortable throughout the song he popped his shoes off allowing his bright orange socks to get their proper recognition. Then encouraging the audience to “shake what ya mama gave ya”. As his set continued he quickly took us back to his origins as a singer as he covered Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” 

From there we continued on a musical adventure across his music, both new and older. With the tour being titled “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy” it was only fitting that most of the songs off his recently released full length debut album ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)’ made their way onto the setlist.

Songs such as “What More Can I Say” and “Goodbye’s Been Good To You”, with the latter getting a sweet guitar solo to round it out live. 

Opposite of the new new was that good ole fashioned music releases over the last few years. With songs like “Devil In A Dress” or personal favorites “Amazing” and “Simple Things”. Those two being some that slowed the tempo and really showcased the power behind Swims’ vocals. But perhaps the most powerful and emotional song of the evening was one focused around a lack of closure in life and relationships.

One that also just happened to get a revision and an additional feature the night after this show. “Some Things I’ll Never Know” is one we hope you’ll never relate to as it breaks your heart in the best and worst ways.

On November 17th Teddy released this song separately with Maren Morris singing alongside him and it got even more emotional. 

Along this musical and magical night, Swims also took a moment to recognize all of the mothers in the crowd and his own. It was a song he chose to perform and recorded that was dedicated to his mom that ended up bringing him the success he has now found.

His version of that song has since been used in countless weddings and has amassed millions of views. The song we’re talking about is Shania Twain’s “Still The One”.

Before the night came to an end he performed “Last Communion” and brought out fellow touring artist and opener Elley Duhé as they performed their song “Face Myself” together which was released earlier this year. Then closed the official set with a dance party energized version of “All That Really Matters”. 

The fun wasn’t over there though, after a quickly demanded encore Swims and his band (Freak Freely) returned to the stage to show the fans “The Door” and to perform a song I first heard teased on Swims’ IG story a couple years ago that very clearly became a success with “Bed on Fire”. 

Elley Duhé

Along with Teddy Swims on this tour is the incredible and diverse musician known as Elley Duhé. Originally from Alabama, she holds a distinct voice but not the stereotypically country sound you may imagine. In fact, through her music career she has spanned across multiple genres from pop, electronic, and yes even a little country. 

Her latest album ‘PHOENIX’ released just last month and brings us deeper into her world than ever before. Its opening track “REBORN” is one of vulnerability but also resilience as she encouraged the audience to fight the good fight for anyone who may be struggling with an addiction or vice.

Leaning more into her electronic side though was a song that has been gaining popularity since entering the world earlier this year with “MONEY ON THE DASH”. but perhaps her most soon to be popular song resides on her new album as the songs and feeling of “MIDNIGHT OIL” seemed to have a particular type of sauce to it that feels like it will hit and excel the charts very soon. 

As an independent artist it’s often difficult to gain a following and popularity but when you do what she’s done and focus on the music, the message and the feeling. Your success will clearly follow. Before she closed her set she threw us back to 2018 and her single that she collaborated on with Zedd, the track “Happy Now” 

If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 for the world to see. 

See the full gallery of the night here