In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s ‘The Julia Cunningham Show’, musician Teddy Swims shared a surprising anecdote about the moment he first heard his hit song “Lose Control” on the radio. Known for his soulful sound, Swims, whose real name is Jaten Dimsdale, revealed that the memorable experience took place while he was facing a rather uncomfortable situation.
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During the interview, which aired on May 11, the 33-year-old artist opened up about the unusual circumstances surrounding his radio debut. At the time, he was on tour and found himself experiencing what he described as “violent diarrhoea.” Speaking candidly, Swims recounted how he and his band were travelling on their tour bus, where typical toilet use is far from practical.
“I was out after the show and thought, ‘Oh man, I really need to go’,” Swims explained. With no facilities available on the bus, he directed the driver to stop at a Love’s truck stop. It was there, seated on the loo, that he heard “Lose Control” playing over the radio.
The irony of the moment was not lost on him. “I started laughing to myself,” he recalled, reflecting on the disconnect between the joyous sound of his music and his own predicament. “This is God’s sense of humour, to be like, they don’t even know that the guy right now singing this song is passing this violent diarrhoea,” he continued, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
Swims, who has been open about his struggles and humorous encounters, mentioned that he had been on “quite a bender” at the time of the incident. His reputation for wild antics was further solidified in 2025 when he incorporated a toilet gag into his live performances. During some shows, he would sit on a toilet, dramatically pull out a piece of faux “poop,” and even eat it to the surprise of his audience. One fan vividly described the moment in a video post, reflecting on the bizarre nature of the performance.
Beyond these humorous stories, Swims has also addressed the deeper implications of his music in a recent press session. Speaking at T-Mobile’s Club Magenta during the Stagecoach Music Festival, he spoke on how music has played a transformative role in his life. “Music saved my life,” he stated. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences, including traumatic moments, through his art.
Swims articulated that addressing these painful chapters in his life has allowed him to find healing. Being able to connect with audiences through shared feelings of heartbreak and resilience is something he values immensely. “We get to scream these tunes at the top of our lungs and be heartbroken, but on the other side of it look back and say, ‘I got through that’,” he shared.
As he continues to share his music with the world, Teddy Swims embodies the lighthearted yet profound journey of an artist navigating both the ups and downs of life. With his unique blend of humour and sincerity, he captivates audiences not just through his powerful vocals, but also by being relatable and authentic. As he moves forward in his career, fans eagerly anticipate what this innovative musician will share next, both in music and in his engaging storytelling.