Teddy Swims has spoken candidly about integrating artificial intelligence into his songwriting routine, describing the technology as “a beautiful tool when used right.” The singer, known for blending soul, pop and modern R&B, addressed the topic during a recent interview in which he discussed the evolution of his creative process.
According to Swims, AI doesn’t replace the emotional core of writing music — nor does it diminish the role of intuition. Instead, he sees it as a catalyst: a way to explore alternative melodic paths, unlock phrasing ideas he might not have considered, and break through the kind of creative blocks that every artist encounters.
“I still start songs the same way,” he explained. “But sometimes AI suggests a direction I wouldn’t naturally think of. It’s not writing the song for me — it’s sparking something.”
His comments reflect a broader shift happening across mainstream music, where more artists are embracing AI as an extension of their toolkit rather than a threat to authenticity. Producers in pop and hip-hop have already incorporated AI-assisted workflows for arrangement, sound design and demo exploration, but fewer high-profile vocalists have spoken openly about using it in the writing phase.
Swims’s stance is pragmatic: AI’s value depends entirely on how it’s approached. Used thoughtfully, it becomes a partner in experimentation rather than a shortcut.
As the industry continues redefining what creativity looks like in the mid-2020s, voices like Swims’s help shape the conversation — grounded, transparent and centered on craft rather than fear.