Live Report: Teddy Swims pours his heart out for Electric Arena set

Atlanta musician Teddy Swims is a one-of-a-kind artist, his sound bending genres in a mixture of pop, R&B, soul and country in something grippingly unique.

Basked in bright red lights, accompanied by a full band of top-notch musicians, the singer’s charisma draws you in – yet he still seems approachable, his unwavering smile, testament of his love for the craft, incredibly welcoming.

Teddy Swims at Electric Picnic 2024. Copyright Jason Doherty.

This warmth is the centre of Teddy Swims’ character, whether it is emanating from his presence or from his voice, its richness and its strength – the perfect vehicle for each song of his discography, going from the powerful 'Hammer To Heart' to the emotional 'Some Things I'll Never Know', a dazzling piano ballad about "letting go of things you can't control", the singer announces in his delightful Southern American accent.

The musician is radiant all throughout, visibly delighted to be on stage, here at Electric Picnic, encouraging the very lively audience to compliment itself while wrapping an Irish flag around his microphone. He clearly enjoys speaking to his fans, too - although his words often get drowned out by their loud cheers, the sound of their deep appreciation taking over the Electric Arena tent.

Swims' band are an absolute powerhouse too, adding a rock'n'roll edge to his R&B forward sound one guitar solo after the other. and building into a distinctive blend of groove and heaviness.

The artist's Electric Arena set is an emotional roller-coaster of unbridled joy and all consuming intensity, leaving you contemplative, bewildered - and a little shattered.